Jon Alan Marshall's Obituary
Jon Alan Marshall, beloved husband, father, grandfather, educator, and community voice, passed away peacefully on March 30, 2026, in Strongsville, Ohio, at the age of 88. Born on July 6, 1937, in White Township, Pennsylvania, Jon lived a life defined by curiosity, generosity, and a deep commitment to sharing knowledge with others.
Jon’s love of learning began early, nurtured by student teachers who first introduced him to the wonder of education at the Keith Laboratory School in Indiana, PA. He went on to graduate from the College of Wooster, completed a specialized astronomy education program at San Diego State and then earned a master’s degree from Michigan State University. His passion for the stars became a guiding force throughout his life.
For 32 years, Jon taught physics and astronomy at Strongsville High School, where he inspired generations of students to look upward and think bigger. He also welcomed countless younger students into the Strongsville planetarium, hosting field trips that became cherished memories for many in the community. Jon was an original member of the Great Lakes Planetarium Association (GLPA) and its Cleveland subchapter, the Cleveland Regional Association of Planetarians (affectionally known as “CRAP”), helping to shape regional astronomy education for decades.
His dedication to the community extended far beyond the classroom. Jon was a proud member of local astronomy groups and was well known for his annual Star of Bethlehem programs, which blended science, history, and storytelling. For four decades, he served as the unmistakable “Voice of the Mustangs,” bringing energy and heart to Strongsville Mustangs football games. He also lent his voice and spirit to the Southwest Community Chorus and spent 30 years as the master of ceremonies for the Strongsville Community Band.
Jon’s talents were as wide-ranging as his interests. He could fix anything and there was no limit to his ability to design and build things with wood. His crowning achievement is the family cabin on 30 acres in Carroll County, a place that became a sanctuary for family gatherings, stargazing, and quiet reflection. He loved astronomy and music in equal measure, and he shared both passions freely with those around him.
Jon is survived by his devoted wife, Joan; his brother, Greg; his daughter Jennifer and son-in-law Jeff; his son Jeff and daughter-in-law Jeanette; and his grandchildren A.J., Jake and Helena. He is preceded in death by his parents, (Samuel) Frank Marshall and Anna Viola McAfoose and his brother Dennis.
A private ceremony will be held to honor Jon’s life. His family takes comfort in knowing that his legacy lives on in the students he taught, the community he served, and the countless people whose lives were brightened by his voice, his humor, and his boundless curiosity about the universe. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Strongsville Community Band (https://www.strongsvillecommunityband.com/#donate).
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