Marvin Keyser, passed away on March 2, 2025, while surrounded by loved ones. He was born on July 30, 1944, in the Bronx, New York, and lived a life dedicated to service, generosity and helping others.
Growing up in West Hartford, CT and as a graduate of Hall High School, Marvin built a successful career as the owner of Sedwick Foods, alongside his father, Abraham Keyser. He also founded the Market Basket Grocery store. Marvin proudly served in the United States Army for 7 years and later worked in sales for Rizzo Pools and Drummond America. However, his true legacy was his 28-year commitment to volunteer work. Marvin became deeply involved with Mended Hearts, an organization supporting heart patients and their families. Since joining in 1997, he played an instrumental role at both the national and local levels. He served on the Executive Committee nationally, led Chapter161 as its president, coordinated Mended Little Hearts of South Florida, and provided support as a visitor for cardiac patients in need of encouragement and hope. Volunteering, for Marvin, was not just about giving of his time, but rather it was his way of life. His heart was full of joy and unwavering enthusiasm toward the people he served with.
Marvin was predeceased by his wife, Nina. He is survived by his son, Seth; daughter-in-law, Jessica; and grandchildren Hallie, Evan, Elijah, and Leah, as well as other family members and friends that will miss him dearly. His love for all was evident in everything he did.
A Celebration of Life will be held on March 28, 2025, at 11:00AM at Living Water, located at 1501 Riverland Rd. Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Mended Hearts at mendedhearts.org/#donate
Marvin’s legacy of kindness, service and humor will continue to inspire those who knew him. May his memory bring comfort and joy to all who were touched by his love.
Arrangements entrusted to BOyd-Panciera Family Funeral Care, University Drive Chapel.
Living Water Community Church
© 2025 Boyd Panciera. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Dorothy Sanders
March 16, 2025, 6:12 pm
Love you much,
Mr. Marvin
I pray to always remember you, you were a lifesaver for me
I pray for the family of Mr. Marvin that they will trust God to bring them through at this time
My condolences
Lisa Gruccio
March 20, 2025, 2:51 pm
I met Marvin during one of the most challenging times in my life, a time when I was in crisis with my cardiology issues, uncertain and struggling. It was then that Marvin reached out to me, calling from Mended Hearts. From that moment on, he became one of my dearest friends. We talked regularly, sometimes weekly, and he always made sure to check in on me, showing me that I was never truly alone in my struggles.
Marvin had a way of touching lives, and he certainly touched mine. He encouraged me to become a member of Mended Hearts and work alongside him to keep the chapters alive before the pandemic hit. Together, we shared a commitment to lifting others up, to keeping hope alive. Marvin was a fighter, an incredibly strong man who had endured so much in his own life but still had the power to encourage and inspire others. He had a heart of gold and a spirit that refused to quit.
Through everything he went through to stay alive, Marvin never stopped giving. He didn’t just fight for himself – he fought for others, too. He referred me to Memorial Regional Hospital, and because of that, my healing journey began. Through his guidance, I found the path to recovery, and I know that God’s miracles were at work. Marvin got to witness these miracles firsthand – including the healing I experienced and the growth of his son Seth. Marvin’s legacy is built not just on the lives he touched, but on the lives he helped to heal, including mine.
When Marvin left us, he took a piece of my heart with him. I miss him more than words can express. He was more than just a friend – he was a true blessing in my life. Our friendship was no accident. It was, without a doubt, a divine appointment. I believe that God brought him into my life for a reason, and I will always be grateful for the time we shared.
Marvin, I love you. I will continue to pray for you, and I know you’re looking over me from heaven. You’ve certainly earned your wings. You are now at peace, and I find comfort in knowing that your strength and your spirit continue to shine, even in your absence. Thank you for everything, my dear friend. You will forever hold a special place in my heart.
Lydia Antonatos
April 13, 2025, 2:46 pm
Marvin was a blessing in my life—a radiant light that illuminated my darkest moments after I lost my husband to heart disease. I remain profoundly grateful for every moment we shared. His kindness, compassion, and true gentlemanly nature inspired me to volunteer at the hospital and engage with various groups, including the Patient and Family Advisory Council and, of course, his beloved passion, The Mended Hearts. He encouraged me to serve others, and soon I realized that his influence touched everyone he met. Marvin had an extraordinary way of drawing people in, becoming not only a mentor but also an inspiration to the many lives that he touched.
Although our friendship spanned just a few years, its impact was immense—it reshaped my life. Through our conversations, we discovered how much we had in common. From our shared values and taste in music to our similar experiences of a military life as like my dad, he also served in the military. Every moment deepened my admiration for him. His zest for life, dedication to humanitarian work, and unwavering commitment to family continued to amaze me every day.
Even though I knew Marvin for only six years—a short time by some measures—the quality of those years made it feel as though I had known him forever. I will miss his jokes, his kindness, his guidance, and, most of all, the love he so freely shared. I will always treasure his words—that love transcends time and distance—and I hold close the memory of how he drew strength from our bond, especially during his struggle with health challenges. He often said that I gave him the final push to continue his passion for The Mended Hearts. I always replied, “You are The Mended Hearts, and The Mended Hearts is you.”
Marvin, I will love you now and forever. Rest in peace my dear friend.