Newman Marius Marsilius, Jr

Dedicated Statesman

And Public Servant

Newman Marius Marsilius, Jr, 92, died peacefully at home in Easton, June 12. Beloved brother, husband, father, uncle, grandfather, and great-grandfather, he was born in Boston, March 6, 1918, to Newman and Helen Hansen Marsilius.

He leaves behind a brother, Philip R. Marsilius of Bridgeport; four children, including Newman III of Newtown; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and many friends and colleagues.

Mr Marsilius lived a long, productive life and was well known for his contributions to the political, public, and business sectors. During World War II, he served in Africa and the Middle East as well as China, Burma, and India, retiring as a lieutenant colonel in the US Army Ordnance Corps. He received the Bronze Medal for meritorious service.

In 1945 he wed Marie Elizabeth Kuechle and had a wonderful marriage for 63 years, until her death in 2008.

In 1946, he joined the Producto Machine Company, a family-operated machine tool manufacturer in Bridgeport and served with his brother, Philip, until his retirement in 1987. The company, known today as the PMT Group (Producto and Moore Tool), is a manufacturer of high precision tooling and machine tools for global markets.

Mr Marsilius organized the Trumbull Young Republican Club in 1948. He served as representative from Trumbull in the Lower House of the General Assembly from 1951 to 1953, and senator from the 25th District for two terms, 1955 and 1957. He served on several committees — education, transportation and finance, chairing the Senate Finance Committee in 1957. In the legislature, he was a strong advocate for tax and governmental reform, expansion of the University of Connecticut and educational systems, as well as the Connecticut Turnpike. His active political career ended with a bid for the Republican gubernatorial nomination in 1960. He served as a delegate to the 1964 Republican National Convention representing Connecticut. American politics remained a lifelong interest.

 Over a span of four decades, Mr Marsilius served as director on many corporate boards. He was dedicated to public service throughout his life and served many public welfare, educational, and civic organizations. He was a tireless fundraiser and advocate, well known for his leadership in many development campaigns. He will be sorely missed.

A service celebrating his life took place June 17.

In lieu of flowers the family requests gifts be made to the Aspetuck Land Trust, PO Box 444, Westport CT 06881; Mid-Fairfield Hospice, PO Box 489, Wilton CT 06897; or a Hospice of one’s choice.

The Newtown Bee        June 18, 2010