On this earth, no longer walks a truly incredible person. Avid reader, prolific writer, wise storyteller, and retired principal, Marshall Hallowell Layton (Dr. Rock), left the world a better place through his selfless actions and constant dedication to encouraging others to be their best. Though he has passed, his legacy and love of life is still carried on in the numerous lives he has touched over his 96 years.
Marshall was born and raised in the city of Harrisburg, PA. Over the years, he has shared many stories of his adventures while growing up and working as a youngster in a city he loved. From transporting groceries at the Broad Street Market in his little wagon, to lifeguarding at the YMCA, his escapades with siblings, cousins, and friends created captivating tales of young life in Harrisburg.
When he was 18 he was drafted into the Navy and was a welder before starting college with the assistance of the GI Bill. He earned a Bachelors of Science in Psychology from Howard University, a Masters Degree in Education from Willimantic State College, a six-year degree in Administration from the University of Connecticut, and he earned his Juris Doctorate from Howard University. Though his educational path had a rough beginning (he dropped out of school in 9th grade), Marshall realized the importance of education, becoming a dedicated life-long learner and advocate for other's education.
As an educator in the Harrisburg School District, he worked tirelessly to guide individuals on the path of responsible humanship and the development of a love for lifelong learning. During his long career in academics, he worked as a fifth grade teacher at Woodward Elementary, a first grade teacher and math advisor at Camp Curtain Early Childhood Center, assistant principal/principal at Melrose Elementary, a principal at Harrisburg Middle School, and finally retired as a principal at Lincoln Early Childhood Center. Throughout all of his years with the district, he always spoke highly of the faculty and staff with whom he worked. He especially appreciated the opportunities to collaborate with them on projects that enhanced the educational experience for students and their families. Students may remember his poems on the walls of the middle school “The Eight Great Windows” or having him come into their homes to read a bedtime story with their families. Dr. Rock’s dedication to education was evident to everyone he encountered.
Anyone who knew Marshall knows that he loved to read. He encouraged everyone to read and could frequently be found with a book in hand. In his home there were always piles of books, as he possessed the ability to read many books simultaneously. His local grandchildren were fortunate enough to always find him a willing reader for any and every book they chose during the years that he and their grandmother provided childcare. A few lucky people were even able to hear him read poetry and prose of his own creation.
He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Dorothy (Hanna) Layton, and their three children, M. Hanna Layton, Marsha Layton, and DorothyRose Layton. Additionally he leaves behind sons, Marshall Layton, Morris Layton, and Timothy Layton, and daughters, Deborah (Layton) Estes and Alyssa (Layton) Andrews. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Hope Azular, Leiya Wilson, Kirstin Gerena, Morris Layton, Matthew Layton, Tree Layton Zuzzio, Treasure Johnson, Taryn Woodson, Pablo Yatsko, Landon Andrews, Cleo Yatsko, Jasper Layton-Guthier, Amanda Layton and Nina Layton in addition to great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. His surviving siblings are Mara (Layton) Moore, Nathalie “Timm” (Layton) Simpkins, and brother from another mother, David “Jeff” Adams. He was preceded in death by his parents Mara (Carter) Layton and Ira L. Layton, his brothers Ira “Sonny” Layton and Morris Layton, and his sister Harryette (Layton) Alexander.
There are no services at this time.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Dr. Marshall H. Layton Memorial Scholarship to help Harrisburg students further their love of learning.
Link for donation: https://www.tfec.org/scholarships/dr-marshall-hallowell-layton-memorial-scholarship/
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