Bruce Turner Marshall passed away on Friday, October 14, 2016, in Gardner, MA. He was born July 23, 1962 in Ayer, MA, the son of Peter and Cecily (Mattocks) Marshall. Bruce was the head hockey coach at Franklin Pierce University and was entering his second season. Prior to Franklin Pierce, Bruce guided a UConn hockey program over a 25-year span that produced seven All-Americans, 26 All-League conference selections and in 2000 he led UConn to a Division I MAAC championship. In his UConn coaching career he transitioned the program from Division III ECAC through Division I Atlantic Hockey Association to the doorstep of Division I Hockey East. He is the winningest coach in UConn hockey history amassing 355 victories and in 1991-92 won the Edward Jeremiah college division award for national coach of the year and was named the ECAC coach of the year at the conclusion of the 1991-92 season. As an ambassador of UConn hockey Bruce was known as a persistent and successful fundraiser for UConn hockey. The fruits of his tenacity can be seen in the on campus Mark Edward Freitas Ice Forum which opened in 1998. He has previously spent time working with the USA Olympic Development program, served two terms as Vice President of the American Hockey Coaches Association and has sat on the Hobey Baker Award selection committee. As a player, he lettered four years at UConn, played in 94 career games and was the co-captain of the 1984-85 season. Prior to UConn Bruce attended Bancroft School, Worcester, MA and graduated from Noble and Greenough School, Dedham, MA where he played hockey and baseball. Bruce was one of the most thoughtful and giving people one would ever encounter always thinking of others first, sending notes of thanks and remembering birthdays and other milestones of countless people that touched his life. Bruce will be remembered by his players as a consummate teacher on and off the ice, guiding them and teaching them lessons that would serve them well long beyond their last shift. They will remember Bruce taking them to historical sights if the opportunity presented itself on a road trip. Bruce was also known for his humor, practical joking and love of music especially Jackson Browne. He leaves a huge void in our lives. Surviving him is a son Matthew, and three daughters, Mollie Marisa and Marikate. He leaves his parents as well as three siblings, Jonathan and Sharon of Springfield, MA, Kristin Marshall Rogers of Cos Cob, CT, and Stephen and Nancy Marshall of Cazenovia, NY, as well as 11 nieces and nephews, and a dear friend Carolyn Butterworth. The calling hours will be Friday, October 21, from 3 to 7 p.m. in the Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster St., Worcester. The funeral service will be Saturday, October 22, at 11 a.m. in All Saints Church, 10 Irving St., Worcester. Burial in High Plain Cemetery, West Boylston, will be private. In lieu of flowers donations can be sent to the Franklin Pierce hockey program, Franklin Pierce University, C/O Bruce Kirsh-Athletic Director, 40 University Drive, Ringe NH, 03461; or to The Bruce Marshall Foundation - whose mission is to provide strength, hope, courage and love to coaches and athletes in need; PO Box 298, Storrs, CT, 06268.
Published in The Hartford Courant on Oct. 20, 2016