Published: Aug 2, 2005
Robert Gordon “Bob” Marsh, a 1966 University of
Tampa graduate and official Hernando County archaeologist for 32 years, died in
his home on April 4. He was 81.
Marsh also was a well-known educator,
having taught social studies courses and served in administrative positions at
Hernando County high schools from 1970 until his retirement in 1986. He also
taught part-time at Pasco-Hernando Community College from 1973 until
2004.
A native of Warren, OH, Marsh enlisted in the Air Force after
graduating from high school in 1941. He subsequently fought in the Italian and
African campaigns in World War II. After the war, he remained until 1953 to work
in Italy, where he also studied at the University of Rome.
He returned to
the United States in 1954, completing his bachelor’s degree at UT in 1966 and a
master’s degree at the University of South Florida in 1974. He also had studied
at California’s University of Santa Clara in 1973 under a National Science
Grant. He taught social studies and coached junior varsity basketball at King
High School in Tampa from 1966-70, the year he relocated to Hernando
County.
As an archaeologist, Marsh participated in numerous excavations
in Florida, including a project sponsored by the National Geographic Society.
His work as Hernando County historian was among a body of volunteer service that
also included helping to establish the Little Red Schoolhouse Library, chairing
a task force for drafting the county’s comprehensive plan, and sitting on the
boards of the Withlacoochee Regional Planning Council and the Hernando
Association of Retarded Persons, for whom he volunteered as a grant
writer.
Also known for being an activist for the environment, Marsh
served on the Hernando County Environmentally Sensitive Land Committee from its
inception until last year.
Marsh is survived by his wife, Kathleen
Kirkman Marsh, a sister, a son and daughter, a stepson and stepdaughter, and
several nephews, nieces and grandchildren.
For more information, contact
the Office of Public Information at publicinfo@ut.edu or (813) 253-6232.