Joe, Joe Mama, Santa Joe, and Mayor of Columbia were among of Joseph F. Marks’ beloved nicknames in the peaceful Maryland town of Baltimore, where he passed away. Joe said his goodbyes to this world on January 31, 2024, at the age of 72, leaving behind a legacy marked by love, laughter, and the everlasting warmth of the Christmas spirit that characterized him.
From the day of his birth on February 19, 1951, in the bustling city of Washington, D.C., Joe devoted his life to his loved ones, his career, and his neighborhood. In Baltimore, Maryland, his voyage came to a peaceful end, leaving an undeniable impression. Joe’s impact goes beyond the number of years he spent here; it is a demonstration of the power of staying dedicated to what truly matters in life.
Family Ties: A Pillar of Love and Support
The people Joe loved most in the world were his family. His 47-year marriage to Barbara was built on a foundation of shared experiences, both happy and sad, which strengthened their love for one another. Their shared experiences as parents woven a web of relationships that included Sean, Kelly, Mary, and Matt. Even though Joe’s son Michael passed away, being a grandfather to Rowan, Declan, Liam, Owen, and Eleanor brought him much joy. Love from family was a constant in Joe’s life; he was close to his brothers John, James, and Patti, and he had fond recollections of Jerry and GiniAnn, who are no longer with us.
Early Years: St. John’s College and St. Mary’s College
The foundational experiences that shaped Joe’s character began in Washington, D.C., at St. John’s College High School. While he was a student at St. Mary’s College in Dodge City, Kansas, these principles kept growing. His dedication to his studies set the stage for a life of honesty, perseverance, and service to others, qualities that have come to represent Joseph F. Marks.
As a businessman, Joe took great pride in his ownership of Marks Bros Painting, which extended far beyond the realm of home decor. Because of his honesty and strong work ethic, it became a medium through which he affected people’s lives. Joe played Santa Claus around the village, making everyone happy with his infectious “Ho, ho, ho!” that could melt the ice on the coldest winter day. His joyful demeanor throughout the Christmas season won the hearts of many and left an indelible mark on their lives.
Values that Defined: Family, Hard Work, Faith, and Community
Joe’s love of athletics revealed a different side of his personality. He was a proud and encouraging presence wherever he went, whether it was coaching football or seeing his kids play sports. He became a rock for his children, who knew they could always count on him no matter what, and his contagious excitement propelled them to greatness on the field. Family, faith, job, and community were the pillars upon which Joe’s life rested. He left behind a legacy that will reverberate for years to come, one that was built on love and laughter. all fortunate enough to have known him will miss him dearly, but his ideals will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
A Legacy of Love Lives On
Stories, touched lives, and treasured memories abound in the legacy of Joseph F. Marks, a devoted husband, father, grandpa, brother, and friend. Even if Joe’s laughing has died down, his soul will live on in the lively echoes that his laughter left behind.
Your time has come, Joe. We will miss you dearly till we are reunited. The family would like to request that, in honor of Joe’s kind spirit, donations be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society instead of flowers. At a later point, there will be a private burial to pay tribute to a man whose influence extends well beyond his physical grave.
