RICHARD PATRICK MARSHALL

WEYBRIDGE — Richard Patrick Marshall, 65, of Weybridge, Vt., died peacefully on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025, in Round Rock, Texas, surrounded by his loving family. His last selfless act was to donate his organs to save other people’s lives.

Rick was born on April 10, 1960, in Berwyn, Ill., to Richard and Nancy (Patrick) Marshall. He attended St. Louise de Marillac in La Grange Park, Ill., and graduated from Riverside-Brookfield High School in Riverside, Ill., in 1978. He earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 1983 and began work at Digital Equipment Corporation in Marlborough, Mass. On June 4, 1988, he married Sara (Thurber) in Middlebury, Vt., and they raised their three boys in Weybridge.

After spending 16 years with Digital, Rick began his own business, Cadenza Systems, working in IT for mid-sized newspapers around the country. After 12 years, he closed his business, spent four years at Keurig Dr. Pepper, then joined the Orvis Company as part of their IT team. He thoroughly enjoyed being part of the Orvis family.

Rick had many interests and passions that he pursued throughout his life. At Digital he learned to play ice hockey and was a member of one of the competitive teams. On moving to Weybridge, he became involved at the Memorial Sports Center, playing ice hockey, volunteering to drive the Zamboni, refereeing both youth and high school hockey games, serving as president of the Friends of Middlebury Hockey, and generally helping out around the rink in myriad ways. In 2017, he became the rink manager and immediately, as was his way, set about upgrading rink communications electronically and endeavoring to make improvements to every part of the center.

From an early age, Rick played the guitar, among other instruments, and followed this passion all his life. He took lessons in downtown Chicago, spent weekends at Jorma Kaukonen’s Fur Peace Ranch learning the craft from professional musicians, and ultimately helped form a band, the Horse Traders, which played events and weddings around Vermont.

But above all, Rick loved spending time with his family. He was happiest smoking meat and cheese on his Big Green Egg for a family dinner; going to concerts with his sons, especially to see the Allman Brothers at the Beacon Theater in NYC; taking walking tours in Europe with Sara, where he would utilize his skill with his digital camera to take (many!) photos; or walking the beaches of Cape Cod with Sara and their dog, Buster, on a cool fall day. He also loved his trips back to Chicago to see his family there. He remained an avid Bears, Blackhawks, and Cubs fan.

He will be greatly missed by family and friends. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Sara (Thurber); sons Alex (Thana), Nate (Caitlin), and Ben; and grandchildren Connor and Elliot; his father, Richard; sisters Patti, Cathy, and Sue; and many beloved in-laws and nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his mother, Nancy.

The family is extremely appreciative of the care Rick received at Ascension Seton Williamson Hospital in Round Rock, Texas, and they thank the extraordinary staff and medical personnel who cared for him and helped his family during his last days.

A celebration of Rick’s life will take place on Dec. 6 at 2 p.m. at the Congregational Church in Middlebury. In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made in Rick’s memory to the Friends of Middlebury Hockey, Marshall Memorial, P.O. Box 835, Middlebury, VT 05753 or online at memorialsportscenter.org/support-msc/donate.◊