Age 97, a long-time resident of the Tonawandas and most recently Orchard Park, passed away peacefully to join his Lord and Savior on February 26, 2025, surrounded by his family.
He is survived by his wife of 71 years Kathleen (nee Hendler) and children Marlin S. (Donna), Shelley, Brenda (Rob) Powell, and Bradley (Karen). He had 9 beloved grandchildren: Jonathan (Michelle), Lindsey (Joe), Brittany (Jared), Rebecca (Justin), Victoria (Steven), Emma, Kate, Paige, and Jack; and 8 great-grandchildren: Bridgette, Dalton, Grayson, Aubrey, Weston, Dakota, Isabelle, and Emmylou; and a special nephew, Paul Baker.
Marlin was the youngest of 10 children born to Charles and Florence Salmon in Hamilton, Ontario. Marlin immigrated to the United States at the age of 15 and served in the U.S. Army in the European Theatre during WWII. After returning from the war, he attended Veteran’s High in Buffalo, NY and the University of Buffalo, receiving his law degree in 1954.
Upon graduating from UB, Marlin worked for the Ford Motor Company before joining the law practice of W. LaVerne Baldwin in Tonawanda, NY and eventually established Schnell & Salmon Attorneys at Law in Tonawanda. He maintained his law practice in Tonawanda for over 50 years until retiring at age 80, also serving as Tonawanda City Attorney and Judge. Marlin valued his many close friendships and was a true patriot who loved his country. He had a strong sense of community service, participating in many organizations including Salem United Church of Christ; Ken-Ton Lodge No. 1186 F&AM; Tonawanda Grand Island Shrine Club; Ismailia Shriners; American Legion Post 264; Rotary Club of the Tonawandas; Boy’s and Girl’s Club of the Tonawandas; Tonawanda, Erie County, and New York State Bar Associations; Tonawandas Industrial Expansion Corp.; Board of DeGraff Memorial Hospital; and The United Way. He loved traveling, spending time at the Salmon family cottage in Long Beach, Canada, valued education, and was a life-long- learner. Marlin was most proud of his family and measured his own success by the success of his family. We cherish the many wonderful memories that will keep him in our hearts.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Salem United Church of Christ, 114 Morgan St., Tonawanda, NY 14150 at 11 AM on Saturday, June 7, 2025. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Salem United Church of Christ Endowment Fund or the Ken-Ton Lodge No.1186 F&AM, 49 Simson St., Tonawanda, NY 14150. Arrangements by: CASTIGLIA FUNERAL HOME, INC., 824-6435. Please share your condolences at: www.castigliafuneralhome.com
