John P. Marnell, catering manager with Syracuse University Food Services since 1991, died suddenly at his home in DeWitt on Oct. 15. He was 51.
Marnell attended SU and the Rochester Institute of Technology before moving to New Orleans, La., where he was catering manager at the New Orleans Hilton. He came to work in SU Food Services in 1990.
As catering manager, Marnell played an integral role in many special events on the campus, including the annual International Thanksgiving Dinner, the 20th anniversary of the Hildegarde and J. Myer Schine Student Center, the former Madrigal Dinner, Homecoming and Commencement activities and more.
"Student groups and campus departments alike found John wonderful to work with when planning an event," says Dave George, director of SU Food Services. "His ability to listen to a customer and find a way to make their dreams come true while staying in their budget was a strong point of John's. He was creative, talented and sociable. He was highly regarded by his co-workers and peers, who will miss his friendly smile and willingness to get the job done."
Surviving are his wife, Wendy; a daughter, Nicole; a son, Ryan; one brother; three sisters; and several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, Oct. 22, at 4 p.m. in Hendricks Chapel. A reception will immediately follow in the Goldstein Auditorium in the Schine Student Center. Parking will be available in the Irving Garage.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Marnell family for a memorial to be established at SU in his name, c/o Susan Waterschoot, 206 Dawley Rd., Fayetteville, N.Y. 13066.
