Marshall Bernard Stearn

October 17, 1932 - March 6, 2021

SONOMA, CA —

He was a man who was kind, handsome, charismatic, loving, funny and generous of heart. His older brothers, Jerry and Harold called him “Maish,” as did his closest friends. Dad, Daddy or Papa were the treasured labels used, of course by his son and daughter. Much later in life his students addressed him as “Dr. Stearn.” Marshall was the third son of Herman and Rose Stearn. He was born on October 17, 1932 in Chicago Ill.

Due to a change in the family structure and weary of the winters, in 1945 he and his mother moved to Venice, California to be closer to his older brothers.

Marshall attended Venice High School where he excelled in gymnastic “rope climbing”, eventually achieving “championship” status” (his idol was Don Perry -Olympic Rope Climber.)

Venice and Muscle beaches were his ultimate playgrounds for sports, friendships and creating happy memories.

As a young teenager he was having the time of his life; on weekends Marshall caddied for the likes of Spencer Tracy, Kathryn Hepburn and Walter Pidgeon at Westwood, Bel-air, Riviera, and Beverly Hills golf courses.

Upon graduation from Venice High School, Marshall enlisted in the U.S. Navy at the Naval Training Center in San Diego, CA. He became a dental tech at the center Said Marshall… “developing maturity and establishing the best of friendships at the NTC created an unshakable foundation for my future.” After his honorable discharge he moved to San Francisco earning his B.S. degree and teaching credential at San Francisco State University.

In 1961, he married Barbara Jean Messner, a

registered nurse working in surgery at St. Joseph Hospital in San Francisco.

In 1962, Marshall, Barbara and six-month old son, David, moved to San Diego where Marshall enjoyed teaching at Mission Bay High. In 1964, their daughter Heidi was born.

In 1972, continuing to pursue academic studies at U.S.I.U. in San Diego, Marshall earned his PH.D. in Psychology, received his MFCC license and established a successful counseling practice.

One of his favorite activities in the summer months was to make his annual appearance at the Del Mar Racetrack in Del Mar, CA., with a week full of races, fun and “schmoozing” with friends.

By 1990, ever the seeker and now living in Marin County, he pursued and participated in screenplay writing and acting (movies and TV roles.) Too, he self-published many “self-health” books.

In 2005, he moved to Sonoma to be closer to his daughter, his son, his former wife and lifetime friend, Barbara.

He loved to work out, water walk, do yoga and pilates along with “schmoozing” with his friends at the gym.

His love for ALL of his family was ever present; he adored his parents, his brothers. and especially his son and daughter.

Their memories will forever include the wonderful camping adventures of Lake Tahoe, Fallen Leaf and Angora Lakes with him.

Marshall’s well-lived life gave much and often to those who knew him, whether family, friends, students or clients. He was a true “MENSCH.”

We embrace his spirit, cherish delightful memories and smile, believing he is swinging on a shining star “schmoozing” with his parents, brothers, friends and lighting our way as we go on without him.

Preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Rose Stearn, along with his brothers Jerry Stearn and Harold Stearn.

Rabbi Steve Finley of Congregation Shir Shalom along with the Military Honor Guards performed a graveside service on March 11, 2021 at Sonoma Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

Donations in honor of Marshall’s fabulous life can be sent to: Congregation Shir Shalom Sonoma (shir-shalom. org), By The Bay Health (bythebayhealth.org) or Muttville San Francisco (muttville.org).

Family contact is: davidjstearn@netzero.com

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