Fred J. Marsh

Fred Marsh Obituary

Fred J. Marsh, 103, of East Windsor, died on Sunday, (June 8, 2003) at St. Francis Hospital. Fred was a motorcycle dealer for 77 years. He raced on cinder and dirt tracks up to age 68, and last hill climbed at age 89. He was inducted into both the Indian Motorcycle Hall of Fame and the American Motorcycle Hall of Fame. Fred was a Staff Sergeant in the Air Force during World War II. He is survived by two nieces, Betty E. Tefft of Wallingford, and Dorothy J. Gioscio of Enfield; a nephew, Allen S. Marks of West Hartford; many great-nieces, great-nephews and extended family members. In lieu of flowers, donations in Fred's memory may be made to the East Windsor Animal Shelter, c/o the East Windsor Police Dept., 25 School St., East Windsor 06088. A commemorative gathering for family and friends will be held Sunday, June 15, at Marsh Motorcycle Co., 36 North Rd., East Windsor, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The J.M. Bassinger Funeral Home, East Windsor is assisting with arrangements.

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Published by Hartford Courant on Jun. 10, 2003.

Memories and Condolences
for Fred Marsh

13 Entries

David Ellis

November 20, 2020

I remember fed since the 60s I bought my first 750 motorcycle he show me how to ride it this man was a rider now he’s in heaven still riding peace brother ty

Emile Racine

June 17, 2003

To the family of Freddie, I extend my sympathy. I never met him but have frequently visited the Indian Museum in Springfield where there is always information about him, and yesterday while I stopped there is when I learned of his death. My father used to ride Indians back in the 30's and 40's and he had two brothers who were dealers in South Burlington, Vt. I have always been interested in people who were associated with the Indians. I hope to some day be able to own and ride one similiar to the 39 Chief that my father rode.

It seems that a great friend to the Indian fans has been lost.

Sincerely, Emile L Racine

Paul Sylvia

June 13, 2003

I earliest recollections are of when Marsh Motorcycle was located in a small shop near the river, and my Dad would bring me there to have my bike fixed. Fred always had time to talk to me. Later on, as a teenager, I used to marvel at the 750SS's and Le Man's in his shop. One of my last recollections is of when, circa 1990, Fred became intrigued by my SR500 and asked if he could ride it. I said sure, and was duly impressed when he kick-started it and rode it around the parking lot of his shop. I will always use his legendary vigor as inspiration to live life to the fullest.

George Yarocki

June 13, 2003

I first met Fred in the early seventies. I was restoring a 1928 Indian 101 Scout and needed a Splitdorf generator. Even back then these were in short supply. Fred had one but didn't really want to sell it. When he learned that this generator of his would put an Indian motorcycle back on the road, he did sell it to me, and at a fair price too. I knew then that I had just met a very special person, a person dedicated to motorcycling and especially the Indian motorcycle. Fred's and my path crossed many times over the next thirty years but I never forgot that first, pleasant experience.

George Yarocki

Bob Waterman

June 13, 2003

I've known Freddie for forty years and will miss him alot. My son and I have bought 4 Moto Guzzi's from him. He always had time to sit and talk with you about any subject. I always called him old man so he knew it was me he was talking too. I know that he left the business in good hands and he will be looking down to see that we all can get a Moto Guzzi to ride if we want too. Fred will be missed but not forgotten by us.

gerald sibley

June 12, 2003

To Fred and the members of his family I send my sympathies to all. I knew Fred for many, many years. In my younger days I met Fred at the hill climbs and scramble tracks along with enduros. He was always a gentleman a strong competitor and a good sportsman willing to help others. When i was athe Chief of Police in the Town of East Windsor Fred was always eager to assit law enforcement and contributed to the community in many ways. Thanks for the opportunity to concider him as one of my friends over the years.

Chief Gerald Sibley Ret.

Bob Shepard

June 11, 2003

My wife and I met Fred at Indian Days about 3 years ago. We were so impressed with him and his dealership that we ended up buying a Moto Guzzi from him and his nephew Allan last year. We always enjoyed stopping in and talking with him when we were in the area.

milli yarocki

June 11, 2003

i had the privilige to meet mr. marsh when i went to his place with my husband. i also sat at the same table at the dinner on indian day. he will be missed by many.

my sympathy to those he left beind.

milli

Richard Bendel

June 11, 2003

Every thing i know came from you fred.You are still an insporation!I Hope when you got on that great indian motorcycle [with side car ] and dukie in it. is a great adventure! Pave the way for me my friend!Love you always and forever! Richard Bendel& family!

Ron paquette

June 10, 2003

i had the pleasure several years ago to meet fred. although i never owned a guzzi i found it great to talk to fred and to see his love of riding. he was an inspiration to all to never grow up and to do what you love most, at any age. ride on fred

Ralph DeLuco

June 10, 2003

I used to ride my bicycle accross the bridge from Windsor Locks and drool over Fred's bikes back in the late 60's. Fred was always friendly and remembered me over the years. He was a gentleman and will be missed. Godspeed Fred.

From all of us at Canton Cycles and the CMBA, thanks for all you did....

Tony Dabrea

June 10, 2003

Thank you Fred for the great memories at the track and at the hill climbs. It was always an inspriation for my daughter and myself to see Fred for so long at something that he loved so much. Each day I would ride past the shop and see Fred on his bike doing laps in the parking lot. I would blow my horn and Fred would always wave. I am going to miss Fred and his motivation in life. He help me get through a few rought days in my life.

Paul Lodola

June 10, 2003

I remember Fred when I was a teenager and my dad bought me a red columbia bicycle from Fred. He was Located in the center of town near the cigar shop where Mr Frey and Mr Kilty hand rolled broadleaf cigars. I liked to visit the old shop and listen to the adults talk about adventures that I could not enjoy until later.
In the early 60's Fred and I attended a Dale Carnigie Course. That is when I found out how quick witted fred really was. He could have made a fine public speaker, among all his other accomplishments.
The early Guzzi riders had an abundance of adventures with fred.
He will be missed by many!
Sincerely, Paul Lodola

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