Obituary of Marc Von May

May 6, 2025

Born in Bern, Switzerland, Marc von May pursued his education in Switzerland and France, earning both a French law degree and a doctorate in French business law, common law, and international management. His career began at Nestlé and Citibank before transitioning into tax consulting. In 1993, he moved to New York City, where he established himself as an investment advisor.

Beyond his professional achievements, Mr. Von May held a deep passion for the performing arts. A health scare inspired him to make room in his lifestyle for walking, running, swimming, and ballroom dancing. Inspired by the Latin phrase mens sana in corpore sano—“a sound mind in a sound body,” he firmly believes that movement enhances reason, stating, “When you move your body, your reason starts improving.”

His dedication to the arts was reflected in his service and philanthropic contributions to the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University. After being introduced to Peabody’s renowned performing arts training programs by his friend Ms. Taylor Hanex, Mr. von May served as a member of the Peabody Institute Advisory Board from 2019 until his death. He established scholarships for voice students at the Peabody Conservatory and has been a strong supporter of the Dance Training Program for Boys in the Preparatory, which offers free lessons to students from Baltimore City public schools. Further solidifying his commitment, Mr. von May made significant gifts to faculty excellence, including the establishment of two endowed professorships – the Marc C. von May Distinguished Chair of Professional Studies and the Marc C. von May Distinguished Chair of Voice – and a more recently established Marc C. von May Faculty Excellence Fund, which supports retention, recruitment, and professional development opportunities for Peabody’s esteemed faculty teaching artists.

In addition to being so very supportive, Marc was a gentle and thoughtful person. He will be sorely missed by his Peabody family.

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