Willard E. Marsden

MARSDEN, WILLARD E., 93, of Narragansett, died Sunday in his home of forty years. He was the husband of the late Evelyn (Conlon) Marsden. Born in Pawtucket, he was the son of the late Samuel and Lily (Chatterton) Marsden. He was a graduate of Pawtucket East High School. Mr. Marsden apprenticed as a toolmaker at the US Navy Torpedo Station in Newport and worked there throughout the war. Following the war, he worked in the Applied Math Department at Brown University for over 20 years. After the couple moved from Providence to Narragansett full time in 1973, he worked at University of Rhode Island for the engineering department. An avid bridge player for over 60 years, he earned a masters level status and played competitive bridge until 2011. He was a fateful fan of the Red Sox since he attended his first game at Fenway Park in 1937 and followed the team until his passing. He and his wife travelled to South Africa, Swaziland, Hong Kong, Macao and Greece to visit their son in conjunction with his overseas assignments with the US Department of State. He is survived by a son Willard E. Marsden, Jr. and his wife Mary E. Marsden of Arlington, VA; and a granddaughter, Elizabeth Ann Marsden. A funeral service will be held at 10 AM Saturday at the Avery-Storti Funeral Home, 88 Columbia Street, Wakefield. Burial will follow in New Fernwood Cemetery, Kingston. Visiting hours will be Friday 4-6 PM. Memorial donations may be made to Hospice Care of RI, South Team 143 Main Street, Wakefield, RI 02879.