Deceased October 26, 2016

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50th Reunion Book Entry

In Memory

Marshall Weston Neale was born in Stamford, Conn., on July 16, 1925, and died in Guilford, Conn., on Oct. 26, 2016.

Marsh belonged to Theda Xi at Amherst. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1943 to 1946.

After leaving Amherst, Marsh went into news work as a reporter for UPI in New York. He moved from news to public relations with Waksman and Walworth, a New York firm specializing in food public relations. He was there from 1949 to 1983 and rose to the level of executive vice president. Marsh joined another food public relations firm, eventually becoming a partner and later the owner of the firm, known as Lewis and Neale. He retired in 1990.

In addition to representing a great variety of food companies and food trade associations, Marsh served his client, the American Spice Trade Association, as director of information for 40 years. He was known as “Mr. Spice” in the food editorial world. He lectured, wrote extensively and was a spokesman on every aspect of spices. He continued to represent the Trade Association in his retirement as it senior public relations counsel.

Marsh married Ruth Kilburn in 1949. They have three daughters: Karen, Susan and Sally; and four grandchildren. In retirement, Ruth and Marsh pooled their talents and began crafting shorebird decoys, which they sold for the benefit of their church.

He will be missed.

Celeste Ringuette W’48

50th Reunion

Marshall Neale
After leaving Amherst, Marsh went into news work-night editor with a radio station in Stamford, CT, contributing editor for trade magazines, and reporter for UPI in New York. From news he went into public relations with a New York firm specializing in food public relations. He became a partner, then owner, of the firm. He retired in 1990, though he continued to serve as a consultant, spending a day or two a week in Manhattan.

Marsh married Ruth Kilburn in 1949. Both were graduates of Darien, CT, High and she was very nearly. The girl next door." They have three daughters and four grandchildren. The Neales moved from Darien in 1990 to their present home in Guilford, CT. There they are very active in the First Congregational Church and assorted volunteer activities. To their great delight, one daughter and two grandchildren also live in Guilford.

In addition to representing a great variety of food companies and food trade associations over the years, Marsh served his client-the American Spice Trade Association-as Director of Information for 40 years. Known as "Mr. Spice" in the food editorial world, he was a prolific writer, lecturer, and spokesman on every aspect of these exotic products-from their tropical areas and long history to their uses today. In "retirement, 11 he still serves as the spice association's senior public relations counsel, operating as a "telecommuter" out of Guilford in addition to time in New York and some business travel.

Marsh's main hobby (after tennis and fishing) is wood-carving; Ruth's is painting. A few years ago they pooled their talents and began crafting shorebird decoys which they sell for the benefit of their church. Marsh also recently became PR man for the church.

"Where does the time go? We're busier than ever!"