Gordon S. Marshall

Gordon S. Marshall (1919 – June 2, 2015) was an American businessman and philanthropist. He was the founder of Marshall Industries (NYSE: MI), a publicly traded company from 1984 to 1999. Gordon S. Marshall died on June 2, 2015, at the age of 95.^[1]

Early life

Gordon S. Marshall was born in Los Angeles, California, in 1919.^[2] He graduated from South Pasadena High School in 1937^[3] and the University of Southern California in 1946.^[2][4] He served as a bomber pilot for the United States in World War II.^[2][4] He was an amateur radio operator (call sign W6RR (ex-W6ITA)) and credited amateur radio with leading him into his successful career in electronics.^[5]

Career

Marshall founded his namesake company Marshall Industries, headquartered in El Monte, California, in 1982.^[2][6] He served as its president from April 1982 to June 1992, and as its chief executive officer until 1994.^[6] The company became one of the nation's five largest distributors of industrial electronic components and production supplies. In 1999, it was acquired by Avnet (NYSE: AVT).^[6]

He served on the board of directors of the Amistar Corporation (OTCMKTS:AMTA) from 1974.^[6]

Philanthropy

Marshall served on the board of trustees of the University of Southern California.^[7] He donated US$35 million to USC in 1997. The USC Marshall School of Business is named in his memory.^[4][8]