Marshall Wiley, 75, passed away peacefully on June 1, 2024 with his loving & devoted daughter by his side. Cancer stole his earthly strength, but he is now dancing with abandon on the streets of heaven.

Marshall was born on February 21, 1949, the son of the late Romena Wiley & William Ferguson Jr.. Marshall grew up in the care of his mother (called Mommy), who he adored. He was a provider & hardworking even as a child: a paper route at age 11 to help Mommy with the phone bill & DuBarry's Dry Cleaners at age 12 where he continued to work as a second job (to help Marcia pay for college) until their doors closed in 1993.

Marshall graduated from Food & Maritime Trades High School with a focus on Baking in 1967. He furthered his education, completing an Associates in Applied Sciences from New York City Community College in 1970. He went on to earn a certificate in Commercial Cooking & Catering at the YMCA Technical Schools in 1978 which launched his culinary career spanning over 15 years nourishing older adults at Lenox Hill Neighborhood House with delicious & healthy meals.

Marshall was not all work & no play. He enjoyed vacationing, art, Judge Judy, music of all genres, Christmas, volunteering in the food pantry & dancing. He especially enjoyed spending quality time with his loving family & dear friends.

Marshall was predeceased by his parents & his brothers, Sam & Frankie Owens. Those left to cherish his memory include: his friend, Jose Cepeda; Jose's son, Alec Cepeda; daughter, Marcia Wiley; granddaughters, Miquael Williams & Jayda Taylor; siblings, Madlyn Preston, Edward Bates, Carroll Wiley, Ronald Owens, Dickie Owens, Fred Owens, Romena Owens & Melvin Owens as well as cousins, aunts, nephews, nieces and the countless friends and lives Marshall has touched throughout his life.

Marshall was a beautiful person inside & out. His smile was so stunning it would light up the whole room. He cared so deeply for the people around him. He was truly a 'gentle' man & was generous towards others. In honor of his final wishes, Marshall's family will spread his remains during a hike in the Hudson Valley.

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