Marshall Howard Segall

Marshall Segall, 1930 - 2025: A Life of Gusto, Wisdom, and Profound Impact Marshall Segall, a beloved mentor, esteemed cross-cultural psychologist, and fiercely engaged humanitarian, passed away on December 20, 2025, at the age of 95. He was born on April 22, 1930. Marshall will be remembered by countless friends and colleagues as a man who lived his life with gusto and an unshakeable positive disposition. He was widely regarded as an excellent teacher and "the best boss" one could ever have, a person who was "full of fun, wise in dealing with difficult people, a teacher through and through." Together with his late wife, Sally, they were a "font of hospitality and thoughtful conversations," creating warm homes in places like Martha’s Vineyard, Warren, RI, and during their tours in Syracuse University's overseas programs in Florence, Strasbourg, Poitiers, and London. His energy was infectious, making others feel they "could do more than I might have once thought," and many credit him with changing the direction of their lives, "not only intellectually, but also in terms of what it means to live a good life." A Distinguished Career Marshall’s professional life was defined by his pioneering work in cross-cultural psychology and his commitment to addressing significant social issues. He authored or co-authored several books on cross-cultural psychology while at Syracuse University in conjunction with his work in Africa and Europe. Marshall always believed that cross-cultural psychology should have relevance to current affairs and public policy, and one of his major early interests was the cultural vs. biological origins of aggression. In his later career, Marshall focused almost completely on combating racism. His final major accomplishment was the translation and distribution of the exhibit, “All of Us Are Related, Each of Us is Unique,” based on research demonstrating that race is not a biological concept but a sociological construct. Marshall believed this finding should be widely publicized in the USA, and he spent much of his later life giving opening speeches for the exhibit. A Broad Range of Joys A man of varied interests, Marshall was active in local theatre and singing groups during his high school and college years, a passion for music that remained a great source of joy until his death. He also worked as a taxi driver, a job that provided him with "salty tales about rides he provided to a colorful clientele." Marshall developed a love for Europe as a student in Geneva, and that continued throughout his life as he lived, worked, and developed lasting friendships in England, France, Switzerland, and Italy. While there, he would never pass up a good meal, a fine wine, or a trip to the theater or art museum. Marshall was keen to enjoy everything that was on offer, no matter where he was. In his retirement, Marshall became a keen fisherman, teaming up for the "Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish derby," and an artist who took up painting water-colours and later oils. He sold his paintings of local sites and Paris highlights as cards under the signature "Marshall Arts." He also always enjoyed playing the odds, whether it was poker, the stock market, the horses, or the lottery. Over almost 60 years together, Marshall and Sally shared adventures and a love of travel, opening their home to friends and family, no matter where they were. They were never happier than when they were entertaining or enjoying a meal with those closest to them. Marshall was diagnosed with Alzheimer's-type dementia roughly 10 years ago. Despite the progression of his illness, he remained mostly in good humor, retaining his wit and social skills. He continued to paint, sing, and express interest in "going out and people watching, taking pictures and commenting on the beauty of the natural world." To the very end, he "never met a bowl of ice cream that he didn't think was extraordinary." Marshall is survived by a sister-in-law, Janine Moden, two daughters, BK Segall and Laura Moore, two stepchildren, Diane Block and Edward Wilson, and grandchildren Noah Block, Claire and Christopher Wilson, and Ryan Segall. May he rest in peace. The family will hold a private memorial service for Marshall.