Michael Marden ’55

Michael died of esophageal cancer Jan. 7, 2010, in New York City.  

Son of Nicholas B. ’23 and Kathryn Marden, Michael came to us from Briarcliff High School. At Princeton he was a member of Tower, majored in history, and wrote his thesis on “Nicholas Trist and the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, 1847-1848.” Senior year he roomed with Tom Patton, Gene Herbert, and Russ Smouse.

After Army service in Europe, Michael enjoyed a long and successful career with CBS Television, eventually becoming director of program development, responsible for development of network comedy and dramatic series.  

After his retirement, Michael remained active on several fronts. He obtained a master’s degree in American studies from Columbia and continued with CBS News/The New York Times conducting telephone interviews with members of Congress, political delegates, and the general public.

He also worked with the Service Employees International Union, recruiting members to support various political candidates and issues, including the presidential campaigns of John Kerry and Barack Obama. An avid cyclist, Michael logged many miles biking through New York’s boroughs and far beyond.

Michael is survived by his wife, Leslie Macpherson; sons Scott, David, Christopher, and Michael, and daughter Sarah (all by his first wife, Suzanne Jacobs); a grandson; and a brother and sister. To them all, the class extends deepest sympathy.