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J. Marshall Obituary
December 15, 1937 - April 2, 2025
John Laird Marshall was born in Madison on December 15, 1937, to John and Sally Owen Marshall. Raised in Texas, and in Madison, where he was surrounded by cousins, he graduated from Wisconsin High, alongside friends with whom he maintained a strong lifelong affiliation. In high school he started his first musical group, which led to a lifetime of performing as a jazz pianist.
Laird attended UW-Madison, where he started a jazz quintet called The Laird Marshall Group. He also performed with Haresfoot, an all-male musical theater troupe, and as an accompanist all over campus.
Laird taught high school math in the Madison area, and also for two years in northern Nigeria, with a UW/Ford Foundation project. He received his doctorate from Columbia Teachers College, and while in New York City was deeply involved in anti-Vietnam war activities. In Madison, Laird worked at the U.W. Education Research Center, and the Poverty Institute. He taught mathematics and statistics at UW-Madison, Edgewood College, and Madison Area Technical College.
Laird married Alice D'Alessio in 1985, and they were partners for the remainder of his life. They shared enthusiasm for travel, writing, cooking, music, nature, and prairie restoration, and were very active socially with many friends, and their families. Laird sang for many years with the Madison Philharmonic Chorus, and after retirement, he played piano with three jazz groups: a septet and two big bands for 20 years.
Laird passed away peacefully, in hospice care. He is survived by his beloved poet/writer wife, Alice; her sons and their families including six grandchildren; his sister, Jan Marshall Fox; many cousins, a niece, and nephews.
In lieu of cards or flowers, the family would be grateful for donations made to the Madison Philharmonic Chorus or WayForward Resources.
Cress Funeral Service
3610 Speedway Rd
608-238-3434
Memories and Condolences
for J. Marshall
Sponsored by Cress Funeral & Cremation Service - Madison West.
6 Entries
Eden Scott
December 27, 2025
I knew Laird from mid summer in Madison Wis. From Australia I was travelling across America and he kindly took me in staying at his home near the lake outside Madison. I had a wonderful time sharing ideas and opinions on everything from Art to Comedy. Eventually O
I moved to rent part of his sister´s home ( Fox) on the lake. One of the original family homes attached to their Frank Lloyd Wright home. I worked for Madison University as a Graphic Designer for the PBS Extn. WHATV21 under David Bednarek and with Dianne Hinkle. All introduced by Laird. He had a habit of making himself invisibly visible. One of the kindest and most intelligent men I have met in my life. God bless his spirit and soul from whence he came.
Eden Scott Australian traveller to USA 1975/76
Edna Ripp Resari
April 17, 2025
Mr. Marshall was my favorite math teacher at Waunakee High School in the eary 60's.
Robert Bolle
April 14, 2025
I remember trying to sing a composition by laird and wondered why the music went were it did. His jazz work was hard to follow but after learning it was great.
Beatrice Nearey
April 14, 2025
Such a loss!
My condolances to the family.
He was a wildly popular teacher. I had him for Geometry the last year Wisconsin High was in operation. He would tell us linguistic tidbits, such as how to say " Happy Birthday" in Xhosa. I saw him again when he came to our Wisconsin High class's reunion in 2015 and he came over to chat.
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Katy Schalles
April 13, 2025
Laird Marshall was my math teacher but what I remember most is his musical talent; he helped a number of singing groups at Waunakee H.S. to win top honors in competition. His ability to play jazz at the drop of a hat was so interesting to us! He is an unforgettable educator and person.
The Staff of Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
April 12, 2025
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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