November 25th, 2023 by WCBC Radio

Thomas R. Marsh, local businessman and community activist, died Wednesday, November 22.  Marsh became the leading spokesman for preserving Bruce High School in Westernport in the mid 1980s when the Allegany County Board of Education consolidated Bruce into Valley High School, later Westmar High School.  Marsh, a 1963 graduate, was a fierce advocate for keeping Bruce open.  Marsh spearheaded political campaigns for himself and others dedicated to "community schools" as high schools would eventually also close in Mt. Savage, Flintstone, Oldtown, and even Lonaconing.

Marsh operated several businesses, including the Chat-N-Chew Restaurant, Marsh Kitchens and Building, the Laundry Basket, and Marsh Apartments in Frostburg.  He served in both the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Army Special Forces.

Friends will be received at the Boal Funeral Home in Westernport Sunday from 3-7 p.m.  Funeral services will be held at the Bruce Outreach Center in Westernport Monday at 11 a.m.