Marvin was born in Pine Bluff, Arkansas on Sept 3, 1928, the only child of Felix and
Gladys Gaske. Growing up, he had many interests. He was an excellent student,
particularly in the areas of Math and Science, and graduated from Pine Bluff High
School as the class President in 1946. Outside of the classroom, Marvin was an
outstanding gymnast. He also loved playing bridge. Marvin was dedicated to scouting
and earned the rank of Eagle Scout.

After a short stint at the Citadel in South Carolina, he went on to study Engineering at
the US Naval Academy and graduated in June of 1951. That same month, Marvin
married Joan Marie Duffy of Baltimore, MD in the Naval Academy Chapel. Their
marriage lasted 70 years until her passing in 2021.

After graduation, Marvin went on to serve in the US Air Force where he was stationed at
numerous bases both in the US and overseas. While in the service, he attended NC
State University and received a Master of Science degree in Nuclear Engineering.
During this period Marvin and Joan were blessed with four children: Stephen, Paul,
Ellen and Philip.

In 1961, Marvin retired as a Captain in the Air Force and joined the US Atomic Energy
Commission working on licensing some of the first nuclear reactors in the United States.
Marvin and Joan settled in Bethesda, MD where they devoted their time to raising their
family. Marvin’s career in nuclear reactor safety continued for over 20 years until he
retired from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission as Deputy Director of the Advisory
Committee on Reactor Safeguards in 1984. Thereafter, he consulted on reactor safety
for several years.

In retirement, Marvin and Joan moved to Heritage Harbor, Annapolis for 18 years and
ultimately to Riderwood Village, Silver Spring where they resided until their passing.
They led an active lifestyle enjoying family, friends, traveling and playing bridge. Marvin
had a lively sense of humor and an unrelenting sweet tooth. He also maintained a
lifelong interest in world news, politics and economic developments.

Marvin passed quietly in his sleep on October 30 th , 2026 at the age of 98. He is survived
by his children and their spouses: J. Stephen Gaske (Patricia) of Fredericksburg, VA, T.
Paul Gaske (Ellen Anne) of Rockville, MD, M. Ellen Gaske of Falls Church, VA and J.
Philip Gaske (Leslie) of Henderson, NV; his nine grandchildren: Mike Gaske (Laura),
Andrew Gendreau (Rachel), Kevin Gaske (Allison), Dennis Gaske, Austin Gaske
(Michele), Alison Gaske Sherman (Tyler), Caitlin Gaske Norris (Nick), Karen Gaske
Anderson (Trevor), and Matthew Gaske (Kaitlin); and thirteen great-grandchildren:
Forrest, Audrey, Reagan, Archer, Claire, Walker, Natalie, Dylan, Ella, Mable, Vivian,
Ingrid, and Vivienne.


A Funeral Mass and Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date.