Marshall Lodge McSorley

Marshall Lodge McSorley of Chestertown, MD passed away on Feb. 8, 2026, at Christiana Hospital in Newark, DE. He was 38. Marshall was born May 31, 1987, in Chestertown, MD, the son of the late Samuel E. McSorley (Aug. 27th 2025) and Kim Jones McSorley of Chestertown. He was a 2005 graduate of Queen Anne’s County High School and a 2010 graduate of Salisbury University, earning a bachelor's degree in environmental science with a minor in Geographic Information Systems. He worked for David A Bramble Construction after graduation until taking a position with Cecil County Dept. of Public Works in 2012. Marshall willingly embraced many roles doing whatever was needed to get the job done, acting as an inspector, project manager, equipment operator, software application designer, event coordinator, planner or supervisor. Above all, he was regarded as a mentor and teacher. As Cecil County Watershed Coordinator, he devoted himself to protecting and improving local waterways. He was deeply passionate about education, delivering presentations to students of all ages about water quality and promoting restoration efforts. In partnership with University of Maryland Sea Grant Extension, he prepared and taught 4 cohorts of the Cecil County Watershed Stewards Academy. He was instrumental in securing and managing millions of dollars in competitive grant funding to bring stormwater and stream restoration projects from concept to completion. In recognition of his leadership and expertise, he was recently appointed by the Maryland Municipal Stormwater Association Board President to serve as Chair of the Phase II MS 4 Committee. His legacy lives on in restored shorelines, healthier streams, and thriving native landscapes. Marshall’s devotion to his family, friends, and traditions was a true testament to the person he became. A true conservationist and loyal friend. Spending time at the family property fondly known as Damsite was the cornerstone of how deeply committed he was to protecting and preserving the environment for generations to come. Marshall held close many family traditions from hosting oyster roasts at Thanksgiving dinners to crab feasts in the summer. He was tireless in maintaining the property for all to enjoy. Marshall was always happy and eager to answer the call and help anyone in need. He was an avid fisherman and hunter who loved sharing his passion and skills with those around him. Whether casting a rod from the bulkhead to catch a delicious rock fish or taking long walks through the back woods to check on the wildlife, he cherished and celebrated his blessings through his actions and deeds. Marshall felt great joy in the accomplishments of others, whether it was assisting a teammate with scoring a goal in a soccer or lacrosse game, or watching a friend’s child catch their first fish or shoot their first duck, goose, or deer. He had a keen eye for capturing amazingly beautiful sunrises and sunsets on the Chesapeake Bay. If you had a question on almost anything related to nature, he was your source for information. Following in the footsteps of his great grandmother, grandmother, and father, he was a birder - maintaining a life list of all his sightings over the years. Marshall was never without a dog. More often than not, he was seen with a yellow lab at his side, until a golden retriever stole his heart. His loyal trio of dogs, Oakley, Clip Jasper, and Linda Lou, were truly part of the family. In addition to his mother, he is survived by sister Braley McSorley Cole (Adam) of Easton, MD, and his devoted partner of 12 years, Melissa Wooddell and her children Renae Feister (Jimmy) and Robert Stickley. Services will be held Wednesday, Feb. 18th at 12:00 at Fellows, Helfenbein, and Newman Funeral Home, 130 Speer Road, Chestertown, MD. where relatives and friends may visit 1 hour prior on Wednesday 11:00-12:00 and on Tuesday Feb. 17th between the hours of 5:00-7:00 pm. Interment will be held privately in St Paul’s Cemetery-Kent.

Marshall Lodge McSorley

May 31, 1987 - February 8, 2026