Leroy "Lee" Marshall II

Leroy “Lee” Marshall II, a lifelong New Jersey native, passed away on October 20, 2025, surrounded by family and friends who loved him deeply. Born in 1948 to Leroy and Babette Marshall, and raised in the rough-edged river town of Gloucester, NJ, Lee grew up scrappy, adventurous, and fearless. He was the kind of kid who hunted snapper turtles in the creeks and came home muddy, laughing, and probably in a bit of trouble. He also spent plenty of time tormenting—and protecting—his four sisters, Barbara, Hilda, Cass, and Kim, who loved him fiercely.

He served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, an experience that shaped his strong sense of loyalty and toughness. After his service, Lee worked hard, played hard, and built a life rooted in family, friendship, and the simple joy of being outdoors.

He was a true jack of all trades who could fix just about anything — a diesel engine, a Harley, or a broken-down boat in the middle of Fortescue Bay. He could even keep his beloved 1980 yellow Chevy Suburban running, despite its frequent breakdowns, and he taught his sons to do the same. He approached every problem the same way he lived his life: with determination, creativity, and a laugh that let you know everything would turn out fine.

A fisherman through and through, Lee spent countless hours on the tidal waters of South Jersey and along the coast of West Palm Beach, Florida, teaching his sons, Lee and Karl, how to fish, crab, and find patience in the rhythm of the tide. Those long days on the water were about more than catching anything. They were about learning resilience, humor, and heart. More importantly, he taught his sons the value of putting family first, no matter what challenges life throws your way. He inspired them to live lives of service, science, critical thinking, and the courage to question the status quo — lessons that became as much a part of them as the tides they learned to read together. He shared that same bond with his nephew Keith, who was like a third son to him, teaching him the same skills and passing along the same lessons, laughter, and love of the water that defined so much of Lee’s life.

In his later years, Lee shared his life with Bonnie, his closest companion and true soulmate. The two were inseparable and lived together for more than a decade, finding joy in simple moments, laughter in everyday life, and comfort in each other’s company. Their days were filled with laughter and passion, and their home was often open to friends and family — a place of good stories, loud laughter, and a welcoming table for anyone who stopped by.

Always up for an adventure, Lee traveled to China to visit his son during his Peace Corps service. With his long hair, beard, and pirate leg, he became an instant celebrity wherever he went, winning smiles and curiosity from everyone he met.

Lee was funny, stubborn, loyal, bold, loud, and soft-hearted, often all at once. He was also a fierce defender of those who could not defend themselves and never had much patience for pretense or injustice. He was the kind of man everyone in town knew, the one you could not walk down Broad Street with without hearing a dozen “Hey, Lee!” calls. His friendships ran deep, built over decades of loyalty, laughter, and showing up for the people who mattered.

He is preceded in death by Bonnie Samuel, beside whom he will be laid to rest. He is survived by his sons, Lee and Karl Marshall, and five beloved grandchildren: Sofia, Maddie, Mason, Mckenzie, and Alex, who carry forward his humor, strength, and love of life.

Lee’s story is one of love, laughter, and the kind of presence that could fill any room. His life was about the now — which, as he always seemed to know, is all that really exists. Above all, he was a family man. His greatest pride was in his two sons and the men they became — guided by his lessons, his humor, and his unwavering belief in standing by family no matter what. If there is a lesson to take from his life, it is just that: to live fully, love deeply, and never let the moment pass you by.