Robert H. Marshall, 83, of Zelienople, passed away Wednesday, March 4, 2026.
Born March 25, 1942, in Gayly, Pa., he was the son of the late Howard L. and Mabel G. (Glass) Marshall.
Robert was a member of St. Peter's Reformed Church, where he served as an elder and president of consistory. He was a distinguished graduate of Morehead State University in Kentucky. He played in the Lexington Kentucky Symphony and several dance bands in Lexington and Ashland, Ky.
For 30 years, Robert worked as the band director for Pine-Richland School District. He also played with the Allegheny Brass Band and was a member of the Civil Service Commission Board. He coached baseball for the Zelienople-Harmony Athletic Association. In his down time, he enjoyed golfing, traveling, laughing at his own jokes, and relaxing with his animal friends.
Robert leaves behind to cherish his memory his son, Jeffrey A. Marshall (Nicole Campbell), of Zelienople.
In addition to his parents, Robert was preceded in death by his wife, Judith (Moore) Marshall, whom he married June 18, 1966.
MARSHALL - A memorial service for Robert H. Marshall, who died Wednesday, March 4, 2026, will take place at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 14, at St. Peter's Reformed Church, 320 E. Grandview Ave., Zelienople. A luncheon will follow the service in the fellowship hall.
Robert will be laid to rest at St. Peter's Reformed Church Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Robert's memory to St. Peter's Arthritis Foundation, https://foundation.sphealth.org, or to a humane society of your choice.
Arrangements were entrusted to BOYLAN FUNERAL HOME, 324 E. Grandview Ave., Zelienople.
Expressions of sympathy may be made with the family at www.boylanfuneralservices.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Butler Eagle on Mar. 7, 2026.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Marshall

20 Entries

Daniel Costello

March 13, 2026

Most of us from the class of `75 never considered that Mr. Marshal was just a young man 32 years of age. For us, he was the wisest and kindest member of the faculty, the one person who uniquely understood and appreciated our every interest. His response always included a smile that was a reassuring reward. He was a blessing to each of us, a trusted leader and a guide who supported and encouraged us, or when he thought better of our ideas, we listened. He was our chief. He always looked out for us, and one memorable story is presented below, originally composed to celebrate his 25th anniversary. Just thought it the time to share again.

Ode To A Festival In Montour (November, 1974)

It was one fateful night during Marshall's reign,
the march we prepared but never played.
The last to line up, the last to go,
but the audience would never know
what brilliant finale we'd planned that night
in old Montour under stadium lights.

The air grew cool as a breeze crept in.
The band on the field was the seventh sin,
and we were the eighth on the end-zone line,
counting the seconds as the measures rolled by.

When towering malice reached out from the night,
twisting, monstrous into the light,
a sheer wall of rain like a glacial fall,
as wide as the field and ten stories tall.

In the stands people rose in screams of despair
stampeding the aisles, leaping the rails.
But the seventh kept marching a bold Sousa drill
like dumb-witted beasts being staged for the kill.

It crashed down on them hard, bent them in half
like the wrath of God from Moses staff.
Consumed by the shroud Sousa's memory was gone,
and no one could tell if the Seventh played on.
Then the jaws of the storm opened wide upon us,
when Marshall cried, `Run!... Run for the bus!´

Oh woe to those players with tubas and drums,
wishing they´d chosen the flute or baton.
And woe to us all for the shoes on our feet,
mud sucking anvils that dug in so deep.

`Hell, where is the bus? Can you see through the storm?´
But someone was there, waving us on.
Bob Marshall, our chief, how'd he get there so fast?
counting us in, every woodwind and brass.

He climbed on the bus with a burdened scowl,
rain rolling off his thick golden brows.
For he was the last, we were ready to go,
and the audience would never know
what brilliant finale we'd planned that night
in old Montour under stadium lights.

We all love you, Chief.

Paul Gerlach

March 11, 2026

What a warm and loyal friend we have lost. Bob and I met occasionally during our careers but after retirement there were many golfing and lunch get togethers.

He was a man of dignity, humor, and very high character. Bob's love for music, and teaching was exceeded only by his devotion to his students.

Good bye old friend. Memory Eternal!

Barbara Kerschner

March 7, 2026

I still remember meeting Mr. Marshall as a fourth grader at Hance Elementary School when we got to try out different instruments. I joined the band in fifth grade as a trumpet player and was in his bands through High School. Marching Band was my favorite because we did fun music and amazing marching routines. He made a lasting impression and inspired my love especially for the brass bands. I remember those days fondly and know he will be missed. I am sorry for your loss and hope you can take comfort in knowing that his positive influence as a music teacher touched all of his students.

Kris Baumgarten Broge

March 6, 2026

What a wonderful man. My husband Art had the pleasure of teaching with him during his years at PineRichland and always enjoyed his great sense of humor. I had the privilege of having him as my band teacher starting the first year he began teaching at PR. He and Mr. Matteo were great influences on my appreciation for music.

How you can show support

Get email updates whenever changes are made.

Send flowers

Consider sending flowers.

Add photos

Share their life with photo memories.

Plant trees

Honor them by planting trees in their memory.

Donate in Memory

Make a donation in memory of your loved one.

Share this page

Invite other friends and family to visit the page.

Eric Spaulding

March 6, 2026

So sad to read of his passing. He wasn´t just a teacher or an educator, he was a good man you could trust. He´d make you laugh and make you think, sometimes with the same line. God bless you, sir.

Tracey Braton Fanning

March 6, 2026

You can see & feel by all the comments what a rare gem of educator & person he was - amazing legacy of influence on young people. Blessed to have the memories. Strength & love to his family

sherry swarmer

March 6, 2026

Our three children, who are all adults now with children of their own, entered the wonderful world of Bob Marshall in fourth grade band and continued in that world all through high school. He was loved!We came to know him well through band boosters...he referred to me as "the band nurse"! He truly cared about his students and they cared about him as well.
There will never be a teacher like him. Rest in the peace that you deserve Bob.
With deepest respect,
Sherry & Wally Swarmer

David Emmert

March 6, 2026

Mr. Marshall was my teacher from fourth grade through high school and treated students with kindness and patience. He helped me understand both music and a lot about life along the way. I´m grateful for the time I got to learn from him.
The Marshall family will be in our prayers this evening!

Michael Perdew

March 6, 2026

I remember him well. What a great guy. He will be sorely missed.

Vince Miller

March 6, 2026

Mr. Marshall was a wonderful, caring teacher and band director. I appreciate the mentorship and guidance he provided. May he rest in peace.

Katie Pouchot Chapin

March 6, 2026

May he rest in peace. What a fun man, who was a privilege to know and learn from. I loved being his student and his sense of humor will stick with me forever! Praying over your family

Mary Grogan Curry

March 6, 2026

I had Mr. Marshall for Band in high school. He was so compassionate. He cared about the music & us kids, too. He was & still is my favorite teacher. My deepest sympathy to you & your family

Courtney Zillweger Steiner

March 6, 2026

Mr. Marshall, or just Marshall as we all affectionately called him, was simply the best! He loved music and he shared that love with his students. He had a high standard but also had such patience and made us laugh. A lot. He was a wonderful man with a giant heart. I am better for having known him and grateful to have been taught by him. I am sad that he has passed but I wish him eternal peace. I will always remember him with great fondness.

Paul Carson

March 6, 2026

My deepest condolences to the Marshall family, I hadn´t seen Bob in a long time but he was a great man.

Lou Ann Pusateri

March 6, 2026

My deepest condolences, i knew of him but, never in any of his classes. I'd see him in the halls of Richland but that was it. May he R.I.P. I was a graduate of class of 1972

Kevin Kick

March 6, 2026

What a wonderful man...what a life well lived! Thanks for the blessings you provided to so many of us!

Christen Braun

March 6, 2026

Mr. Marshall was a legend at Richland and later Pine-Richland High School. He was such a huge part of my high school experience. The Marshall-isms that my classmates still reminisce about decades later never cease to put a smile on my face. Much love to his family. I am forever grateful he was a part of my world.

Andrea Simmons

March 6, 2026

To the Marshall family i am sorry for what all of you are feeling- it such a heartbreaking weight losing someone of this magnitude! For myself and i believe all of his students- he was a fun bright light in the halls! And even though i couldn´t read a single note- he made me join band if i wanted to be with my friends so badly! It was the best 4 years of my life because of him! I feel very privileged to have known him!!

Trent Steavenson

March 6, 2026

Mr. Marshall´s impact reverberates into the world in a myriad of ways. He was always a champion for his students.

He was genuine and a great role model and mentor.

He led with compassion

So many of us had the good fortune and advantage to know him.

He made a difference.

Bonnie Bollinger Berzonski

March 6, 2026

Mr. Marshall was a true legend at RHS. He was one of the very best teachers in the district and he was loved by every student. When I read in the obituary that he enjoyed laughing at his own jokes, it made me smile. That was completely Mr. Marshall. Thank you for everything, Mr. Marshall, and for allowing this choir kid to be the band announcer and letting me go on the band trips with my friends, even though I couldn't read a note of music!

Showing 1 - 20 of 20 results