'Lifelong Collector' from Moorestown Dies at 70

Gordon M. Marshall Jr., of Moorestown, died peacefully at home on Feb. 13, after a long battle with cancer.

Marshall was born on Aug. 11, 1942, in Patterson, and spent his early years in Chicago and California. 

A 1960 graduate of Polytechnic High School in Riverside, CA, he graduated from Whittier College in 1964. After earning a master’s degree in early American history from Clark University in Worcester, MA, he taught history at Worcester Polytechnic Institute from 1969 to 1970.

From 1971 to 1993, Gordon was the assistant librarian at the Library Company of Philadelphia, where he revived the exhibition program and was the principal designer of many exhibits including “The Larder Invaded” and “A Quarter of a Millennium.” His expertise extended to two major construction efforts and security and fire safety systems management. Following his retirement, he continued his commitment to the Library Company by serving on its board of trustees.

In 1994, he became the volunteer project manager at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Cherry Hill, shepherding a massive construction and renovation project over the next eight years. During this time, he pursued an active interest in stone carving, particularly marble and granite, at The Carving Studio and Sculpture Center in West Rutland, VT, where he also served on the board of trustees. 

A man of prodigious talents, diverse interests and a puckish sense of humor, Gordon was a lifelong collector of old and rare books, unusual tools, memorabilia of the marble and granite industries, and recordings of classic jazz and blues. Over the years, he was compelled—and occasionally tormented—by a desire to renovate and restore both his Victorian house in Moorestown, and his lakeside home in Leicester, VT.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Louise (Scheide) Marshall, of Moorestown; son, Peter Marshall, of LaVerne, CA; daughter, Jenna Korff, of Leesburg, VA;  three granddaughters, Amelia Marshall, Zoe Korff and Eliza Korff; his sister, Susan LePrince, of La Mirada, CA; two half sisters, Lee Ball and Deborah Marshall; two half brothers, David Marshall and Mark Marshall; as well as his golden retrievers, Sam and Lily, and his yellow nape Amazon parrot, Hippie.

A celebration of his life will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 9, at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 401 N. Kings Highway, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034. A reception will follow.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Unitarian Universalist Church in Cherry Hill for building and grounds or to The Carving Studio and Sculpture Center, P.O. Box 495, West Rutland, VT 05777.

Courtesy of Alloway Funeral Home

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