Ralph Louis Marshall

Ralph Louis Marshall, 85, of Colchester, CT, formerly of Columbia, CT, passed away on September 23, 2019. He was born in Hartford, CT to the late Samuel and Ethel (Rosen) Marshall. He grew up in New Britain later attending grammar school and high school in Willimantic, CT finally graduating from Eastern Connecticut State Teacher’s College in Willimantic. In the 1950s, Ralph served his country in the U.S. Army, at Fort Dix, New Jersey. He successfully served as a reading and writing skills instructor to men who would have otherwise remained illiterate. Ralph took pride in the fact that he received a citation for his excellent teaching, from the Army.  He also taught English to new immigrants, at the evening adult education program in Willimantic, CT for several years. Ralph received his Masters and advanced degrees at the University of Connecticut in Educational Administration. He taught in the Willimantic school system before beginning his thirty-year tenure as the principal of Sweeney School in Willimantic. Ralph was honored as Principal of the Year, by Windham Public Schools, several times during his career at Sweeney School. The Thanksgiving Feast and the enjoyment of his singing of the turkey song, as well as the annual assembly during which he read The Giving Tree, were a few of the many well-loved traditions that he established while at Sweeney School. After his retirement in 1992, Ralph continued to consult and taught Paraprofessional Courses at Quinebaug Valley Community College. Ralph always loved working in his garden, reading, UConn Basketball, and the Boston Celtics. He had a wry sense of humor that would keep people who experienced his jokes, on their toes. After he moved from Columbia, where he lived for 40 years, to Colchester in 2013, Ralph continued to enjoy gardening and going to the gym. Ralph considered his most cherished achievement to be the loving, close knit family which he created.

Ralph is survived by his wife, Ellen (Shapiro) Marshall, his children, Michael and Elizabeth, his daughter-in-law, Ann, and grandchildren, Benjamin and Hanna Marshall. He is also survived by his beloved brother and sister-in-law, Dr. David and Barbara Marshall of Troy, NY. Extended family includes many adored nieces, nephews, and cousins.

On Friday, September 27th, 2019 at 11:00 a.m., there will be a memorial service at the Temple Bnai Israel at 383 Jackson Street in Willimantic, CT.  Graveside service will be private and at the convenience of the family. 

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