Gordon S. Marshall (1919 – June 2, 2015) was an American businessman and philanthropist. He was the founder of Marshall Industries, a publicly traded company from 1984 to 1999. Gordon S. Marshall died on June 2, 2015, at the age of 95.[1]
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]
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 .[6]
He served on the board of directors of the Amistar Corporation (OTCMKTS:AMTA) from 1974.[6]
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]