Raymond Duane Marshall – Boston, Pa.
On Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2022, Raymond Duane Marshall, age 83, one of the finest of men to come out of Boston, Pa., died surrounded by his family, just like he would have wanted. Raised by his parents Leslie and Margaret Harper Marshall, along with his brother, Leslie Jr., Ray learned to work hard, to serve his country, and most importantly, to share his friendship and love with others without hesitation or judgment. He was a courageous and honorable man, the strong patriarch of our family, had the best memory of all of us and always enjoyed a good sunburn during family vacations in Ocean City, Md. He was the faithful and loving husband of Judy (Kerber) Marshall; and a dedicated father to his sons, David Marshall, with whom he resided in Buena Vista and Paul Marshall (Theresa) of Star Junction; the passionate grandfather to Maria (Erick) Adams of Perryopolis, Sarah (Randy) Smalley of Perryopolis, Allison (Anthony) Hertzig of Boston and Emily Marshall of Star Junction; and his great-grandchildren, Presley Marshall, Julian Hertzig, Mason, Ava and Brody Adams and Avery and Elyse Smalley; also nieces and nephews. He was the uncle and beloved surrogate father to Glenn (Mandy) Harvey of Castle Rock, Colo. and Rachel Harvey (Tony) Bekavac of Pleasant Hills. His family was the essence of his life. After graduation from Elizabeth High School in 1956, Ray served in the U.S. Army, 8th Infantry Division, Medical Battalion, Airborne, in Germany. He enjoyed golfing and softball and rarely missed a sporting event of his granddaughters. His career as a machinist spanned many decades. He and Judy started their precision machining business (Dapul) in their garage and eventually succeeded in establishing the business as an international manufacturer. He will be deeply missed by all of us who enjoyed his warmth and the sheer pleasure of his company. He loved others for whom they were and because he wished the best for them without asking anything in return. He was bigger than life, yet a humble man. We’ll remember his beautiful blue eyes, his warmth and intelligence, the kindest of smiles, his caring heart and unconditional love. He was a gentleman and a truly good man. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother. Friends will be received at PAUL E. BEKAVAC FUNERAL HOME, Elizabeth, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. A blessing will take place at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022, in the funeral home with Deacon Dale DiSanto officiating, followed by a military service at 1 p.m. in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Bridgeville. Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, 600 River Ave., Suite 400, Pittsburgh, PA 15212. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
