Marvin Cetron

Marvin was born in New York, NY to Jack and Gertrude Cetron on July 5, 1930. He married Gloria Rita Wasserman on June 29, 1958.

Marvin served in the Coast Guard and held several degrees: a B.S. in Industrial Engineering from Pennsylvania State University; an M.S. in Production Management from Columbia University; and a PhD in Research and Development Management from American University. He was a lifelong supporter of the Nittany Lions football team. He served on the Boards of Advisors for Pennsylvania State University and the University of Delaware and was a guest lecturer at Oxford University.

He was selected by the Institute of Industrial Engineers as one of the top10 Industrial Engineers in the U.S. and has been featured in countless magazines and newspapers. He has appeared regularly on every major television network, including Today, Good Morning America, CBS Morning News, CNN Newsmaker Sunday, Crossfire and Larry King Live shows.

He was one of the preeminent forecaster-futurists in the world. For more than 50 years, he pioneered forecasting for business and government, developing many of the techniques that other forecasters now use daily. He has consulted for some 450 of the Fortune 500 firms and 150 professional and academic associations. He served as an advisor to the White House for every administration from the Kennedy administration through the Clinton years.

He and his long-time writing partner, Owen Davies, authored many books together, the most recent of which is due for September 2020 release. His 1994 study, “Terror 2000: The Future Face of Terror,” predicted virtually the entire course of terrorism in the decade that followed. He was the founder of Forecasting International, Ltd., and was a frequent guest speaker worldwide on a range of topics related to futurism and forecasting.

Marvin loved to joke and was unfailingly optimistic. He was devoted to his family. He was preceded in death by his wife, Gloria, and the months he spent without her were the most difficult of his life. He always said that Gloria was the best thing that ever happened to him.

He is survived by his brothers Allan (wife Francine, deceased) and Ted (wife, Betsy), by his son Adam (wife Kimberley and son Gabriel), and by his son Edward (wife Kathy, son Justin).

A private burial will be conducted for the immediate family. Services to honor Marvin and Gloria Cetron will be held at the anniversary of their passing when their headstones are dedicated.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the diabetes fund of the NIH:

https://www.niddk.nih.gov/about-niddk/faqs#donating-to-niddk

Marvin’s family wishes to extend special thanks to: the nursing staff at The Virginian, in particular Nafi Mboup, who was devoted to him; and Dr. Joanne Crantz, his primary care provider, who made herself available day and night for many years to assist in his care.