Marshall Joseph Becker, age 86, of West Chester, Pennsylvania passed away peacefully on Wednesday November 27, 2024, after a protracted illness. Born May 14,1938 in New York, New York, he was the son of the late Louis Becker and the late Lee Rosensen Becker.
Marshall grew up in Connecticut where he graduated from Fairfield High School. He completed his undergraduate degree in Anthropology, with minors in Geology and English at the University of Pennsylvania, where he had distinction as a Benjamin Franklin Scholar. His academic acumen led to his induction into the Phi Beta Kappa Society with honors in Anthropology. Continuing at the University of Pennsylvania, he completed his M.A. with his thesis entitled: “Small structure excavations at Tikal Guatemala”. He was privileged to be in the first groups of students to conduct field studies at Tikal, one of the most prominent sites of the Classic Maya civilization.
Upon completion of his thesis, Marshall was an Instructor in Anthropology at the University of Toledo, Ohio for several years before accepting the position as an Associate Professor of Anthropology at West Chester State University. He then completed his doctoral dissertation, ”The identification of a second plaza plan at Tikal, Guatemala, and its implications for ancient Maya social complexity” and was granted his Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania and recognition of full professorship in Anthropology at WCU. In later years, upon retirement, Marshall was conferred the title of Professor Emeritus.
The consummate scholar, Marshall’ s pursuits ranged from archaeology and ethnology of Mesoamerica to biological anthropology in eastern North America and reaching abroad as far as Italy and the Eastern Mediterranean. He spent time working and researching at Tikal and Quirigua in Guatemala and later traveled to Copan, Honduras to conduct research there. His settlement work at Tikal will continue to have a positive effect on the field of Maya studies.
He traveled extensively in Europe in pursuit of his other research interests; from Crete to Prague, and London to multiple sites in Italy including Cremona and Rome. He was honored as a “Visiting Fellow at the University of Cambridge” and “Honorary Research Fellow” at the University College of the University of London. He later focused on colonial archaeology and ethnohistory with concentrations of research of the “Delaware Peoples” such as the “Lenape” and “Munsee” and developed a focus on wampum. He collaborated with Jonathan Lainey to produce the book “The White Dog Sacrifice” which describes the use of wampum in an Iroquoian ceremonial sacrifice ritual. Another published book, in collaboration with Philip P Betancourt, was “Richard Berry Seager – Pioneer Archaeologist and Proper Gentleman”. He amassed a wealth of more than 500 publications that he authored and myriad others that he reviewed or edited and continued to stay active while battling his illness.
Marshall had the distinction of being an exacting professor who expected his students to apply themselves to the best of their ability. This led many to drop his class immediately upon seeing the dreaded, renowned syllabus that he distributed the first day of every class. For those who endured his rigorous teaching, they found a knowledgeable and caring teacher who guided them skillfully through the studies of anthropology and archaeology. He ensured that his students had exposure to studies beyond the campus and engaged them at lectures, professional meetings and local archaeological projects. He was also instrumental in organizing the Anthropology and Linguistics academic clubs on the WCU campus. He was a mentor to many students who sought his guidance and support and continued that support throughout their personal and professional lives. He was quoted as saying: “We may be better known by our publications, but our students are our true legacy.”
Marshall had personal interests beyond his scholarly pursuits. First and foremost, Marshall loved dancing, enjoying a wide range of music; standards, disco, Cajun, Latin and polka. No lady would be left without a partner should Marshall be at the dance. He even had special dancing shoes always at the ready should the occasion arise. He had a penchant for Western films, especially those starring John Wayne. Of course, classic films highlighting dancing, as those with Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire were favorites. No offer of dining involving any type of pasta, be it spaghetti or lo mein would ever be refused. A bowl of chocolate ice cream to follow would be considered perfection.
Marshall is survived by his brother Richard Becker, nephews Scott Becker, Jeffrey Becker and Brent Becker, and many devoted “adopted nieces and nephews” who were honored to call him “Uncle Marshall”.
Contributions can be made in his memory to either of Marshall’s most significant charities: Macular Degeneration Research or American Cancer Society with emphasis on bone cancer research.
Per his request, there is no service planned, but there will be a Celebration of Life in the Spring of 2025. Updates will be made available on this website.