Mr. Michael Robert Marks

BARNEVELD - Mr. Michael Robert Marks, age 48, was received by those who went before him, especially Grandma Rosie, when he passed away on Sunday, July 2, 2017 at the Johns Hopkins Hospital in Maryland with his loving family at his side, after a brave 5-year battle with cancer. Born in New Hartford on October 14, 1968, Michael was the son of Joan Marks and Daniel “Danny” Alberico. He was a graduate of Whitesboro High School/Class of 1986. His areas of study varied during his college years. Michael was a proud veteran of the United States Naval Construction Battalions, better known as the Seabees, where he worked in Fiber Optics and Communications stationed for some time in Japan. He then studied at Onondaga Community College and graduated from the Oneida BOCES program as a Licensed Practical Nurse. He relocated to California where he resided for several years and worked in the restaurant industry in management positions offering his talents in the area of hospitality. Locally he was a former manager of the Route 69 Steakhouse in Whitesboro and at the Moose Caboose Restaurant in Inlet. In 2007 he was associated with the family concern, Thendara’s Van Auken’s Inne, a Victorian-style eatery nestled in the beauty of the Adirondack Mountains. Lastly, he worked as the Food & Beverage Manager at Vernon Downs where he also held a gaming license. As his illness excelled, he worked very hard at his treatments and you never heard him complain. Michael was a one-of-a-kind guy, always with a smile upon his face, and a hardy supply of humor on hand. He captured the hearts of his family from the day he was born. His name Michael means “God-like”, and for sure, his life turned out that way. During his younger years, he was active in his church and was known in the Whitesboro community as a civically and socially minded citizen. He was a member of the American Legion Post 893, in Old Forge, NY. He was a patron of the Arts and the Theater, and he was blessed with a memorable voice. He was a natural born leader, which was apparent in his work. His persona illuminated a bright light and people were naturally drawn to him. He had an awesome aura about him that was charming and welcoming and he offered guidance to many. Of course, Michael was the life-of-the-party; he created the space and was a congenial host. He saw to people’s needs and gave selflessly. He was a good son, a brother’s best friend, and a helping hand to all. His generosity of spirit will live on. In 2015, Michael was not able to work, but it was a situation that allowed him the time to become a foster parent. The House of the Good Shepherd had a family of six in need, ranging in age from a newborn to an eight-year old child — all six knew his love. Flowers also bloomed by his love. He had an interest in the Home & Garden TV channel and admired arrangements that evoked harmony and expressed who he was and what he appreciated. He had a meticulous flair for style and life! For Michael, being in the company of family and friends was the ultimate. Christmas was his favorite time of year and he always gave the perfect gift. He was busy with decorations, snowmen, Radko ornaments, the company of the children, opening presents, and there was always more than one Christmas tree. Michael never ran out of ideas. He also took to traveling, and he was known to spontaneously get in his car and go on a tour to wherever the road took him, usually to his favorite destination, Florida. He loved animals, nature, and the outdoors. He was a dog whisperer to his many canines, and he held horses in high esteem for their strength and sleek beauty. Michael kept longtime friendships that were entwined in his life till the end. If he loved you, the loyalty lasted. He honored the Lord and was most comfortable in the presence of the beauty of Historic Old St. John’s Church. Michael certainly packed a lot into the 48 years of his life, and he did it his way! He lived each day never knowing if it would be his last. It is difficult to sum up all that he taught others, but the tally would include acceptance, perseverance, peace, and unconditional love. Michael is survived by his mom, Joan; his dad, Daniel; and his sister, Mary Marks. He was blessed with an extended family including Michelle Alberico, Dana Alberico Lonis and her wife Kelly, twins Daniel II and his wife Michele Alberico, Dennis Alberico and Lori, and David Alberico and Christy. He also leaves his nieces and nephews, Shawn, and Joey; Maddox, Michael, and Miriam; Daniel III and Delaney; Alyssa and Korryn; Nikki and Frankie; several great-nieces, great-nephews, aunt and uncles, Mary Lou and George Bonanza, Norman Stark, Joan Bigelow, Marie and Jimmy Behr, Emily and Paul Lee, Joseph Alberico and Barbara, and Anthony Alberico; cousins, godfather Robert Grimaldi, godmother Carol Desrocher, and godson Michael Phelps; and a trail of friends including Steven Dorsagno, Jade and Randy Foley and their children Ireland and Gavin, Kim Grant Cerra, Carey Schoen, Cathy and Carl (Catrombone) Edgren, Rochelle Roberts Farrell, Melissa McDonald, as well as so many other wonderful people who he loved. He was predeceased by his maternal grandparents, Russell and Rose Marks; paternal grandparents, Joseph A. and Mary Alberico; uncles Nick, Jimmy, and Art; and aunt Palma who passed in infancy. The family extends gratitude to the nursing staff of 10E at Upstate Medical Center; Dr. Dan Choo, a personal friend of the family who facilitated treatment by Dr. Thomas Uldrick of the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, Bethesda, MD who gave Michael hope; and Dr. Richard Ambinder and staff at the Johns Hopkins Hospital. Michael and his family were graced by the devotion of Georgia and Henry Ortiz, Joan’s best friend and Michael’s second mother. Visitation will be held Sunday from 3:00-6:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. The family will remain until all visitors have been seen. Michael's funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Monday morning at 9:00 from the funeral home and at 10:00 at Historic Old St. John's Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. John Buehler.

Mr. Michael Robert Marks

October 14, 1968 - July 2, 2017