Richard (Dick) Warren Marble

Ashburnham, MA - Richard (Dick) Warren Marble, 87, passed away peacefully at his home in the loving care of his family on August 1st. Richard was born in Boston, MA on March 26, 1930, the son of Oscar L. Marble and Margaret L. (Spencer) Marble. Dick grew up on the family dairy farm, Marble Farm, and ultimately became the fourth generation owner. He graduated from Cushing Academy in Ashburnham in 1947 and received a full scholarship to Cornell University, earning his BME in 1952. After serving three years active duty in the US Navy - Destroyer and Submarine Operations as a lieutenant commander, he began his long and distinguished career with General Dynamics, Electric Boat Division in Groton, CT. Dick was involved with many groundbreaking design projects, managing large teams of designers of submarine systems and deep diving research submersibles, including the NR-1 Deep Submergence Submarine. He was Chief Engineer of Deep Submergence and Special Programs at the time of his retirement in 1987. Dick married his sweetheart, Elizabeth Knight, on his birthday in 1955 and they raised their four children, first in Uncasville, CT and then in the house they designed and built together in North Stonington, CT. In 1987 they retired to Ashburnham where they began the loving revitalization of the buildings and the property on the farm. He was active in the Ashburnham Historical Society and spearheaded the restoration of the Society building’s post and beam roof. Dick had a beautiful bass voice and was a member of the New London Seanotes Barbershop Chorus, participating in many competitions. In 1965 his quartet, The Musical Mates, won the Northeast District Championship, and in later years many will remember him in the Starboard Watch quartet. Dick was happiest working around the farm, whistling the whole time. He possessed a true Yankee resourcefulness and philosophy, believing that he could fix anything with just about anything, and he saw value in everything…and saved it…just in case. That “everything” found its way into unique solutions as he and Liz restored the beautiful farm that will now pass on to the fifth generation of Marbles. His work ethic and ingenuity is deeply instilled in his children and grandchildren, as well as the many young people who have worked on the farm throughout the years. Dick was predeceased by his wife of 59 years, Elizabeth (Knight) Marble, who passed away November 8, 2014, and his sisters, Nancy M. Chase and Dorothy M. Ewing. He is survived by his four children and their families: son Richard Warren Marble, II and wife, Catherine of Duxbury, MA; daughter Pamela Marble Sherman and husband, Robert of Lebanon, NH and sons, Luke and Jesse; son Jeffrey Luke Marble and wife Michelle, sons, Alister, Aidan, and Colin, and daughters, Jacklyn and Kaitlyn of Fairfax, VT; daughter Kimberly Knight Marble of Enfield, NH; dear friend and caregiver Sally Erickson; and many cherished extended family members and friends. Please join us in celebrating Dick’s life at the Mack Family Funeral Home, Lamoureux-Smith and Poliks location, 105 Central St., Gardner, MA on Saturday, October 14th, from 1-3:00pm. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Ashburnham Historical Society. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.mackfamilyfh.com