Obituary for Marshall Cheek Kidd
Marshall C. Kidd passed away at the Huntington retirement community in Nashua, NH, on April 18th, one week after his 97th birthday. Born in 1923 in Columbus, Ohio, he was the only child of J. Marshall Kidd and Frances Cheek Kidd. He grew up in Columbus and received all his formal education there, from grade school through college. As a high school student, he excelled at the clarinet, occasionally playing with professional musicians. He graduated from Ohio State University with a degree in chemical engineering, later returning for a degree in electrical engineering. Marshall and his longtime sweetheart, Ann Gessaman, married in December 1945. They soon left Columbus for the East, where they would spend their life together, starting with Haddon Heights, NJ, then on to Wayland, MA, Schenectady, NY, and Woodbridge, CT, finally retiring to Nashua. Their most beloved home of all was a cottage on Lake Winnipesaukee, a beautiful place for many family gatherings over the years.
As an electrical engineer, first at RCA and later GE, Marshall always seemed to be working on something exciting. With his broad interests and creative mind, he approached widely varying projects with curiosity and enthusiasm. At RCA, his research in sound technology resulted in several patents. His work there also included development of the control system used in the Lunar Excursion Module for the Apollo program. At GE, his engineering background, knowledge of finance, and early appreciation of the potential of semiconductors and computers helped him guide GE in technology investments. In the 1980s, he was the creator and publisher of MicroIntelligence, his newsletter about the latest breakthroughs in computer technology.
Even in retirement, Marshall actively followed technology, finance, music, and other interests. In their later years, he and Ann travelled to Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America. At the Huntington, he ran a discussion group, played clarinet for the sing-along, and wrote The Old Philosopher column for the Huntington newsletter.
Marshall’s family will fondly remember how much he enjoyed life, no matter what setbacks he faced. He was energetic, yet easy-going and friendly with everyone he met. Marshall relished the many friendships he made at the Huntington and greatly appreciated the kindness of the staff.
Marshall was preceded in death by his parents; his stepmother, Irene Kidd; his wife of seventy years, Ann; and his granddaughter Sarah Kidd.
Marshall is survived by sons Steven Kidd (Margie) of Pepperell, MA, and Gary Kidd (Patricia Knapp) of Bloomington, IN; daughter Cynthia Denison (Charles) of Verona, WI; grandchildren Rebekah Hewitt, Charlie Denison, Jackie Rivetts, Melissa Schlager, and Elizabeth Kidd; and seven great-grandchildren.
Services: There will be a private family gathering when circumstances permit, but no public services. Donations in Marshall’s memory may be made to United Way’s COVID-19 fund to support local needs in the wake of the pandemic. Please make checks payable to “United Way of Greater Nashua” (write “COVID-19” in the memo line) and mail to United Way of Greater Nashua, 20 Broad St., Nashua, NH 03064. The Davis Funeral Home, 1 Lock St, Nashua NH 03064, has been placed in charge of arrangements. An online guest-book is available at www.davisfuneralhomenh.com “ONE MEMORY LIGHTS ANOTHER.”
As an electrical engineer, first at RCA and later GE, Marshall always seemed to be working on something exciting. With his broad interests and creative mind, he approached widely varying projects with curiosity and enthusiasm. At RCA, his research in sound technology resulted in several patents. His work there also included development of the control system used in the Lunar Excursion Module for the Apollo program. At GE, his engineering background, knowledge of finance, and early appreciation of the potential of semiconductors and computers helped him guide GE in technology investments. In the 1980s, he was the creator and publisher of MicroIntelligence, his newsletter about the latest breakthroughs in computer technology.
Even in retirement, Marshall actively followed technology, finance, music, and other interests. In their later years, he and Ann travelled to Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America. At the Huntington, he ran a discussion group, played clarinet for the sing-along, and wrote The Old Philosopher column for the Huntington newsletter.
Marshall’s family will fondly remember how much he enjoyed life, no matter what setbacks he faced. He was energetic, yet easy-going and friendly with everyone he met. Marshall relished the many friendships he made at the Huntington and greatly appreciated the kindness of the staff.
Marshall was preceded in death by his parents; his stepmother, Irene Kidd; his wife of seventy years, Ann; and his granddaughter Sarah Kidd.
Marshall is survived by sons Steven Kidd (Margie) of Pepperell, MA, and Gary Kidd (Patricia Knapp) of Bloomington, IN; daughter Cynthia Denison (Charles) of Verona, WI; grandchildren Rebekah Hewitt, Charlie Denison, Jackie Rivetts, Melissa Schlager, and Elizabeth Kidd; and seven great-grandchildren.
Services: There will be a private family gathering when circumstances permit, but no public services. Donations in Marshall’s memory may be made to United Way’s COVID-19 fund to support local needs in the wake of the pandemic. Please make checks payable to “United Way of Greater Nashua” (write “COVID-19” in the memo line) and mail to United Way of Greater Nashua, 20 Broad St., Nashua, NH 03064. The Davis Funeral Home, 1 Lock St, Nashua NH 03064, has been placed in charge of arrangements. An online guest-book is available at www.davisfuneralhomenh.com “ONE MEMORY LIGHTS ANOTHER.”