Arthur Robert Marsden, 92, executive Boys and Girls Clubs of Philadelphia
Arthur Robert Marsden, 92, of Philadelphia, a World War II veteran and former executive director of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Philadelphia, died Sunday, June 19, of pneumonia at Lima Estates in Media.
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Arthur Robert Marsden, 92, of Philadelphia, a World War II veteran and former executive director of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Philadelphia, died Sunday, June 19, of pneumonia at Lima Estates in Media.
Known as "Bob," Mr. Marsden was born in Philadelphia to Arthur E. and Edna Milner Marsden. He graduated from Northeast High School, and played soccer and basketball at Temple University, where he received both undergraduate and graduate degrees.
In March 1943, Mr. Marsden joined the Army to fight in World War II. Trained as a rifleman, he participated in Allied campaigns in the Rhineland, Ardennes, and central Europe, including the Battle of the Bulge.
He was wounded in action in Germany on Jan. 25, 1945. Later, he received the Purple Heart and the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with three bronze stars, according to military records.
He was honorably discharged on Jan. 14, 1946, with the rank of first sergeant.
After the war, he returned home and played semiprofessional baseball with the St. Louis Browns from 1948 to 1950. He was an avid golfer and scored a hole-in-one at age 83.
As executive director of the Boys and Girls Clubs, he was credited with bringing together the local clubs under one umbrella organization, his family said. He retired in 1989 after a 38-year career.
"He was very amicable and loved children," said son Dean. "That was his thing. He took a pay cut to go work with the Boys Club." Mr. Marsden told his family that doing what you love is more important than making lots of money, his son said.
Mr. Marsden was active with the Tioga-Nicetown community and received awards for his many contributions.
He married Rita Aldworth in 1950. She died in 1994.
Besides his son, he is survived by son Scott; daughter Tracy Oestreich; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and a devoted friend, Teresa Kelly.
Services were Thursday, June 23.
Donations may be made to the Bridesburg Boys and Girls Club, 2901 Bridge St., Philadelphia 19137.
610-313-8102