Marrow was born in New York City, the second oldest of six children of Lithuanian-Jewish parents Rebecca (née Green) and Dr. Isidore L.

[1] His siblings were Ruth Kagan, Alfred, Sylvia Cares, Lucille Richman, Blanche Jungreis, and Seymour.

His father and mother later purchased land in Long Beach, New York, building a mansion on the northwest corner of Beech Street and Magnolia Boulevard, the site of many family gatherings.

Among his numerous books, he wrote a biography of friend and fellow psychologist Kurt Lewin.

While earning his master's degree in New York City, he married his wife, Russian-born Monette "Monte" Marrow (née Courod).