Joseph Marshall, Temple law professor

Joseph W. Marshall Jr., 88, of Philadelphia, a professor emeritus at Temple University Law School, died Sunday, May 4, of congestive heart failure at Bryn Mawr Hospital.

The law school hailed him on its website as "a legendary tax professor who served the law school from 1960 to his retirement in 1996."

His was a quick rise. He began as a lecturer in 1960, then served as an associate professor for two years before being named a full professor in 1968.

In addition to teaching taxation, Mr. Marshall developed the Graduate Tax Program and directed it from 1970 to 1984. During that time, he served as acting dean from 1970 to 1971 and again in 1980.

Recognized as an outstanding educator and colleague, he was honored in 1992 with the Joseph Marshall Scholarship Fund, created by former students.

"He had a dry wit in the classroom, an amazing ability to make a point without overpowering his students," said son Joseph W. "Chip" Marshall III.

Before starting his teaching career, he worked from 1955 to 1963 as an attorney for what became the Philadelphia law firm of Duane, Morris & Heckscher. He returned to the firm from 1999 to 2006.

Born an only child in Brewerytown, Mr. Marshall graduated from Northeast High School, then at Eighth Street and Lehigh Avenue. He served in the Navy during World War II and was honorably discharged in 1946 as a seaman, first class.

He then earned a bachelor's degree in economics from the University of Pennsylvania and a law degree from Temple University School of Law.

He married Catherine H. Santa Maria in 1952. The couple raised eight children in Bryn Mawr and Rosemont.

"He was a great dad and a true gentleman who always lived by the simple truth: You always do the right thing," his son said. "He drove 10 miles one time when he forgot to tip a waitress."

Surviving, besides his son and wife, are sons James M., Matthew and Stephen; daughters Catherine Hurley Bean and Elizabeth Anne DiStefano; and 13 grandchildren. Another son, John Anthony, and a daughter, Mary Brooke, died earlier.

A visitation Friday from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. will be followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11, both at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 21 S. 13th St., Philadelphia. Interment is private.

Donations may be made to Temple University's Joseph Marshall Scholarship Fund via www.mytlawconnection.com.