John M. Marshall, who taught at the Springs School for 31 years, “loved being a Bonacker, clamming, and picking beach plums,” his family said.
A lifelong resident of East Hampton, Mr. Marshall died at home on July 11 after a brief illness. He was 79.
Mr. Marshall primarily taught fifth grade at Springs. “His passion for education was evident to everyone who knew him; he enjoyed working with his students, cherished his colleagues, took immense pride in shaping young minds both in the classroom and on the court as a youth basketball coach, and working in summer recreation programs,” his family said.
Outside of work, “He was a world traveler, an avid reader, and a master of puzzles and card games — most notably bridge. If he wasn’t at a card table, he could be found shooting hoops on the basketball court, playing a round of golf, volunteering his time with the Lions Club, or spending summers soaking in the excitement at the racetrack in Saratoga Springs.”
Born on March 1, 1947, at Southampton Hospital to John M. Marshall Sr. and the former Mildred McCoy, he graduated from East Hampton High School with the class of 1965. He went on to earn a degree in education from Stony Brook University.
On June 24, 1972, he married his college sweetheart, the former Colleen Saunders, who survives. “Together, they built a beautiful life rooted in love, family, and community service,” his family wrote.
In addition to his wife of 54 years, he is survived by his children: Michael Marshall of West Islip and Allison Weber of Ballston Spa, N.Y., and their spouses, Jenn Marshall and Andrew Weber, and by three grandchildren, Adalyn and Harper Marshall and Ethan Weber, “who brought endless light to his life,” according to his family. Also surviving are a sister, Nancy Marshall, and several nieces and nephews. Another sister, Mary Jo Marshall Tocci, and a brother, David Marshall, died before him.
At his request, his family will host a private celebration of his life at a later date. To remember him, they asked “that you perform random acts of kindness in your daily lives.”
