Steven Alan Marshall

He married his best friend, Deborah (Jacobs) Marshall, and together they shared over 37 joyful years of marriage, filled with laughter, adventure, and unconditional support.

Born in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Steve dedicated his professional life to protecting and uplifting his community. A graduate of Liberty High School and the Allentown Police Academy, he served the Bethlehem Police Department with honor for 20 years. During his time on the force, Steve made a lasting impact — serving as a vice officer, founding the city’s first off-road motorcycle patrol unit, and launching the Volunteers in Police Service program. He was a proud member of Bethlehem’s first Community Police Task Force, a K9 handler, and later served as President of the local Fraternal Order of Police lodge. Steve was deeply committed to supporting both active and retired officers and their families, and was highly respected for his deep knowledge of labor and management law.

Promoted to sergeant, Steve also served on the Lehigh/Northampton County Auto Theft Task Force. In 2013, he became Chief of Police at DeSales University, where he led with humility, fairness, and a deep respect for the values he held dear. Honesty, integrity, and a strong work ethic were the pillars of his character — values he passed down with pride to his children, Gregory A. Marshall of Fort Collins, Colorado, and Dr. Laura J. Marshall of Phoenix, Arizona.

Steve also extended his service to the wider community through his work on the board of Truth For Women/Bloom, where he helped support and empower survivors of sex trafficking and exploitation—a cause close to his heart.

After retiring, Steve and Deb relocated to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where he enjoyed nearly three years of well-earned rest and recreation. He relished long rides on his motorcycle with Deb, traveling from Maine to Key West, as well as cross-country trips, jet skiing, fishing, camping, cooking, and reading. He especially cherished early mornings watching the sunrise with a hot cup of coffee in hand. A man of many passions, Steve loved pickleball, cheering on the Denver Nuggets, and spending time with his beloved Aussie Doodle, Nittany.

Steve will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, quick wit, and deep sense of humor. He brought joy and light to every room, and his legacy of love and leadership will continue to inspire all who knew him.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife Deborah Marshall; his children Gregory and Laura Marshall; his in-laws Kermit and Betty Jacobs; his sister-in-law Donna Jacobs; his nephew Aaron Kocher; his brother Chip Marshall; his niece Jennifer Tyree; and his many close friends — all of whom will honor his memory daily by living with the same joy, gratitude, and fullness he brought to life, reminding us all to enjoy life every day.

A memorial picnic will be held on August 2nd in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. More details will be shared with family and friends in the coming weeks.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Steve’s honor to Kind Keeper Animal Rescue, 1500 LD Drive, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582 — a cause close to his heart.