Marvin Paul Gussman

Marvin Paul Gussman
1938-2008
Marvin passed away peacefully at his home in Beverly Hills on May 10 after a brave twenty-seven month long battle with pancreatic cancer. Marvin was born on March 13, 1938 in Brooklyn, New York to Mae (Heifetz) and George Gussman. After living in New York and Bridgeport, Connecticut, the family settled in Los Angeles, where Marvin graduated from Venice High School. Marvin went on to marry his high school sweetheart, Madeline Joy Manning, and enjoyed 50 years together before his passing. Marvin was the President of Marvin Engineering Co., Inc., a well-respected aerospace and defense manufacturing company, located in Inglewood, California. Marvin founded the company in 1963 with his entrepreneurial spirit and a commitment to his customers. This allowed the company with meager beginnings to grow into the The Marvin Group. The Marvin Group, located throughout Southern California, consists of Marvin Engineering Company, Marvin Land Systems, Aerospace Dynamics International, Geotest - Marvin Test Systems and Flyer Defense, LLC. The Marvin Group currently employs 900 people and does business with over 40 countries. Marvin was also committed to his community and the lives of those around him. He gave of his time and also contributed to many charities including Pediatric Surgical Services at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Save A Heart Foundation, Vista Del Mar Child & Family Services, and Children's Burn Foundation. Marvin loved his garden and spent countless hours cultivating what is known as "Marvin's Garden." His home was referred to as the white house, referring to the beautiful all white roses and flowers growing in his front garden. He was an avid sports enthusiast with a passion for the LA Lakers. The true spirit of Marvin was to work hard and give back to others. He was a man who believed in people and took pleasure in being able to help others and see them succeed. He will always be admired throughout his community and workplace as a great man with integrity and a kind and giving soul. Marvin is survived by his wife, Madeline Gussman. His 93 year old mother, Mae Heifetz. His five children and their spouses, Howard and Ellen Gussman, Cheryl Gussman, Michelle and Rob Crandell, David and Deena Gussman, Lisa and David Zairi. His thirteen grandchildren, Shelby and Shane Gussman, Travis and Joshua Kaupp, Brandon, Carly, Mollie and Chloe Crandell, Lily, Andrew and Michael Gussman, and Karen and Asaf Zairi. He will be missed more than words can express. Services will be held on Wednesday, May 14, 2008 1:00 PM at Hillside Memorial Park 6001 Centinela Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90045. In lieu of flowers the family is requesting that donations may be made in memory of Marvin to Tower Cancer Research Foundation at (310) 285-7242 or www.towercancerfoundation.org.