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Marcel Bally
Marcel Andre Bally of Smith Point and East Hampton died on May 22 at the Kanas Center for Hospice Care on Quiogue of natural causes with his partner in life for 30 years, Arlene Bujese, by his side. He was 81.
He was born on January 3, 1940 in Zurich, native place in Boussens VD, Switzerland, to William Bally and Rose Claire Novet. After completing service in the Swiss Army, he set out to explore career opportunities abroad. While he spoke German, French, and his native Swiss-German, he did not know much English, so his first stop was Ontario, Canada, where he earned certification of English and citizenship.
He came to the United States in 1971, completed his education at the Engineering and Science Institute of Dayton, Ohio, settled on the East End of Long Island in 1989 and became a U.S. citizen in 1991.
Through his work as a design engineer and sales manager for Chrysler, Fedders, and finally, Bystronic, USA division, he traveled the world and lived for a time in a number of countries in the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. Inspired by various cultures and surroundings, he created a large portfolio of black and white photographs, many of which were included in solo and group exhibitions on the East End.
Two of his favored contributions to community causes were the East End Hospice annual Box Art Benefit and numerous 5K races run each year to raise funds for various non-profit organizations on Long Island. He had created a work of art for the Box Art Benefit for this year, and this will be included in the August event. He was a member of Mary Jane Meaker’s writing group, and presented some of his short stories at Canio’s Book Store in Sag Harbor during Saturday evening readings.
Mr. Bally is survived by a son from his marriage to Gertrude Charles of Singapore, Andre Marcel Bally of Singapore; a niece, Maya Bally Frehner and her husband Roland Frehner and their son David of Hendschiken, Switzerland; and a nephew, Daniel Bally of Zurich. He was predeceased by his brother Roland Bally; his sister-in-law Elizabeth Bally Guyer; and his niece, Irene Bally.
A private observance will take place at a later date.
Memorial donations in Mr. Bally’s name may be made to East End Hospice, PO Box 1048, Westhampton Beach, NY 11978.
His family is most grateful to the caring staff and volunteers at the Kanas Center for providing an atmosphere of peace, grace, and tranquility for our beloved Marcel. Many thanks to Brockett Funeral Home in Southampton for their sensitivity and care at this most difficult time.
on May 31, 2021