Francis “Nim” Marsh III 87, of Cranston, Rhode Island passed away Monday March 30, 2026 after a short, but hard-fought battle with cancer. 

Born in Cambridge, Massachusetts on February 2, 1939 he was the son of the late Joan (Phippen) and Francis Marsh II, brother to Joan Marsh Lawrence.  Nim leaves behind his loved ones, wife Naomi Thovmasian Marsh, stepchildren Leah Thovmasian Hill and husband Alex, Diana Sanginario and husband Tim, and Arthur A. Thovmasian III and wife Natalie. He relished his role as Grampy to Ian, Riley, Zara, Reece and Arthur and could be counted on for a lot of fun and playfulness.  He was a special uncle to Betsy, Ned and Billy Lawrence and their children.

Nim’s time at Noble and Greenough in Dedham, Massachusetts, followed by his degree from Boston University’s School of Journalism, provided a strong foundation for a respected career and fostered many lifelong friendships. His love of the outdoors complemented his decades long roles as editor and writer for outdoor publications.  He could be counted on to create magic with lengthy articles he edited. He had a long affiliation with Cruising World and more recently was editor of Points East  before retiring.  A man of great faith he found solace in the woods, at sea, on his bicycle and by running. He considered himself lucky that he could continue with all these activities he loved throughout his life. He was generous with his time and energy and was quick to help friends and family with any project they were excited to share with him.  

His glass was not half full or half empty, his glass overflowed and he lived his life that way. He was a happy man who stayed excited about life and always was ready for the next adventure.  In 1995 he spent a year crisscrossing the Atlantic, hopping on and off boats, still writing and working odd jobs; that was how he recharged himself.  When he returned home in 1996, he came back refreshed, met Naomi and was ready to start his new adventure and relationship with her and her three children.

Visitation will be held on Friday April 3, 2026 from 9:30-11:00am in Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Armenian Church 70 Jefferson Street Providence.   A Funeral Service will follow at 11:00am in the church with burial to follow in Swan Point Cemetery Providence. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Armenian Church or Lowell’s Boat Shop 459 Main Street Amesbury, MA 01913.