Obituary of Marcus E. Van Slyke

Marcus E. Van Slyke, 77, of Gloversville, New York, passed away peacefully on February 7, 2024 at Fulton Center, surrounded by his loving family. Marcus was born on February 6, 1947 in the Bronx, New York. He was raised in Gloversville by his grandmother, Ella Van Slyke, where he attended local Gloversville schools. 

Marcus was employed for many years at Colonial Tanning in Gloversville, where he worked as a flesher.  

Throughout his life, Marcus always enjoyed fishing, dancing, and listening to music, especially Motown hits. Marcus was often seen dancing along to music that was playing, even if it was in his  own head, and he passed this love for music and dancing down to his family. As a child, Marcus learned to fish with his father Morris, and he passed this pastime down to his grandchildren as well. Many of the best memories Marcus shared with his family involved time spent fishing with him. 

Marcus’s loving family includes his children, Tami (Jeff) Van Slyke, Holly (Smitty) Hoyt, Jamie (Larry) Van Slyke-Ormanian, and Autumn (Jackson) Harper; Jamie and Autumn’s mother, Charlene Ligon; his sisters, Monique (Darrell) White, and Brandi Van Slyke; his step-mother, Virginia Van Slyke; his grandchildren, Joseph, Kyle, Justin, Chanell, Janessa, Eric, Corey, Conner, Keaira, Kolten, Jaylee, and Spencer; his great-grandson Braxton; as well as many nieces and nephews, and many others who called him “Papa.” 

Marcus was preceded in passing by his father, Morris Van Slyke Sr; his brother, Morris Van Slyke Jr.; his grandmother, Ella Van Slyke; and his nephew Dane Van Slyke. 

Relatives and friends are invited and may call on February 17, 2024 from 9:00AM until 11:00AM at the Betz, Rossi, Bellinger & Stewart Family Funeral Homes, 51 Fremont Street, Gloversville. A Funeral service will follow calling hours at 11:00AM. Interment will follow in Prospect Hill Cemetery, Gloversville, where he will be laid to rest with his father and grandmother.