BRADENTON BEACH – The life and legacy of longtime Bradenton Beach resident David Marshall was memorialized and celebrated on Saturday.
Marshall, 74, was struck by a car while crossing the street near his Bradenton home on Aug. 24. On Sept. 5, he passed away as a result of the injuries he suffered.
His memorial service took place Saturday morning at the Harvey Memorial Community Church in Bradenton Beach, followed that afternoon by a celebration of life at the Drift In, where Marshall worked in various capacities for the better part of four decades. During his time in Bradenton Beach, Marshall also worked at the Bridge Tender Inn, Oma’s pizza and the old Sun House restaurant.
Known by locals and visitors worldwide for his gregarious personality, his beard and his feathered and decorated hat, Marshall was also well known for playing Santa Claus and Father Time during local holiday events.
Marshall eulogized
Led by Pastor Steve King, the memorial service included a eulogy given by Marshall’s step-daughter Roberta Perella, who traveled from her home in Massachusetts.
“To know David was to meet an extraordinary person. He was his authentic self and his first impression was him to the core. He was unique and impressionable. His heart and soul were nothing less than kind, caring and peaceful,” Perella stated in her eulogy.
“David was also a caring husband. Though they just wed this past June, David and my mom (Martha Kelley Marshall) were together 23 years. They were a unique couple with so much love for one another, and it was evident. As my sister said, our mother has lost her swan,” Perella stated in her eulogy.
“The name David means ‘beloved.’ Indeed he was. David was a legend. David, may we all remember your kindness, love and peace. Please watch over us all on your celestial travels with your wings made of shining gold. And, if we come across a random feather, we’ll always remember to stick it in our hat,” Perella stated in her eulogy.
Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie and acting Police Chief John Cosby were among those who attended Marshall’s memorial service, and they joined the others in singing “You Are My Sunshine” in Marshall’s honor.
“It was an actual celebration of life. It was old Bradenton Beach,” Cosby said.
A life celebrated
The celebration of life included live music by Dos-Macs, a pot-luck dinner, a memory table and wall adorned with photographs of Marshall and his family members and friends, and a memory jar in which people could share their written memories of Marshall.
Perella expressed her gratitude and appreciation for the efforts of Drift In owners Joe and Angela Cuervo and manager Doreen Flynn.
“The Cuervos have been nothing but hospitable to my mom and in memory of David having this phenomenal celebration. Doreen did a ton of work coordinating everything and that is so appreciated. I’m overwhelmed by the Privateers bringing their Santa’s Sleigh and having a plaque to hang on the sleigh in David’s honor. David loved his community and he gave back to it in so many different ways. The community is rallying around my mom and you can feel the love.”
Regarding the still active “David Marshall Recovery” GoFundMe online fundraiser, Perella said, “We appreciate all the donations. The proceeds already donated went toward David’s cremation and ceremony.”
While seated at the bar next to an empty seat left vacant in her late husband’s honor, Martha Kelley Marshall said the community’s response was “overwhelming.”
“David loved them all. The service was beautiful and my daughter gave a beautiful eulogy. Thank you to everybody,” she said.
Martha “Marti” Michael is Martha Marshall’s daughter and Roberta Perella’s sister. When asked about her step-dad, the New Hampshire resident said, “Even though this was a tragedy, everyone still has a smile on their face thinking about David.”
Longtime Drift In patron Bill Wisotzke was among those who wore a decorative hat in Marshall’s honor.
“This is in commemoration of our great pal David Marshall. I wore a hat with all this stuff on it as an imitation of him, which is the best form of flattery,” Wisotzke said.
Anna Maria Island Privateers Terry “Cookie” Rapert and Kristen “Beaver” Terrell presented Marshall’s wife with a plaque of appreciation that says, “In loving memory of our beloved Santa, David Marshall.”
Regarding the plaque, Rapert said, “Dave Marshall has been our Santa for our Christmas in July for Lord knows how many years. We made a plaque for his wife and we’re going to put one on our sleigh.”
In reference to the large number of people gathered at the Drift In, Marshall’s nephew Erik Marshall said, “This is amazing. This shows how many people’s lives he touched in 45 years out here.”
