Marshall Gambrell Sr., age 74, of New Haven, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 18, 2024, with his loving family by his side. He was the beloved husband of Sharon (Spruill) Gambrell. Born in New Haven on July 11, 1949, he was the son of the late Christopher Gambrell and Fleta H. Gambrell Tolson and was a longtime resident of New Haven.
Marshall began working in his younger years with the City of New Haven Police Department as a police aide and moved his way up the ranks from police officer to Sergeant. He had a remarkable career with NHPD. During his 30 years of service, he participated in the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), earned his Winged Wheel patch with the Motorcycle Unit which represented the skill of the rider of both gun and machine, child development fellowship with Yale Child Study Center, and obtained numerous awards and citations from law enforcement and social/civic organizations before his retirement. Marshall was recruited and decided to pursue the opportunity to return to the workforce after retirement, first with the Southern Connecticut State University Police Department as a campus police officer and later with the Knights of Columbus providing security.
Marshall is well known to the community, and many are thankful to him for his great service. Even in his later years, people would recognize him and thank him for the impact he had on their lives. He was a true patron to society, a generous man who was very selfless, helping family, friends, or strangers was commonplace for him. A humanitarian who regularly donated to charities for children and cancer research and quietly performed wonderful random acts of kindness. Marshall took pride in working in his yard, detailing his cars, and displaying his collectibles. In addition to being an avid classic diecast car collector, he would spend hours looking into the latest household gadgets and electronics to explore. Marshall was smooth and quite a dapper dresser and walked with a swagger without arrogance, if he liked you, he would connect with you through laughter — a true jokester that would fill every room with his presence. He was a great father, grandfather, husband, brother, uncle, and a truly amazing son. His greatest love was his family, and he lived every day to protect, support, and care for each of them.
He leaves to cherish his memory, his beloved wife of 54 years Sharon, daughter Tanyce Gambrell of Hamden CT; granddaughter Krystin Gambrell; and bonus daughter/ niece Tracey Hayes of New Haven CT; siblings Edna R. Hayes, Linda Gambrell, Rosemarie Offiong, Cynthia (Tolson) Vincent, Christine (Tolson) Weston husband Jay, Kevin Tolson; as well as many nieces and nephews and a loving extended family.
He is preceded in death by his son, Marshall Gambrell Jr.; his brothers, Leroy Owens, and Curtis (Pete) Tolson Jr.; bonus brother, Morris Moreland; and stepfather Curtis Tolson.
Without any doubt Marshall was one of the best guys to work with. Levelheaded, fair and firm in enforcement of the law. He was most reasonable in speaking with not only complainants but also arrestees. My heart goes to his family as I know the tragedy they experienced in the past as well as today on his passing. Marshall and Marshall Jr. are in heaven together. Never forgotten. Good men.