Siegfried Marks

1930 - 2026

Siegfried Marks was born in Tomaszow Mazowiecki, Poland, June 2, 1930 and passed away at home in Pinecrest, Florida, on February 5, 2026, at 95 years old. He leaves behind his loving wife, Dorrit Marks, after 60 years of marriage, and much-loved daughter, son and grandchild, Melita Marks, Julian Marks and Siena (Fae) Shacter. Siegfried had a stellar, happy life, leaving a small town in Poland during the final year of WWII, attending three universities and becoming a successful international business executive, while raising his family in Miami.

In 1945 the Russians were entering Poland from the east, Siegfried reached Berlin and then walked 300 kilometers with his mother to the home of a cousin in Ludenscheid, Germany. The Red Cross helped connect his aunt to the family who sponsored their transport to Victoria on the west coast of Canada. Siegfried was an excellent student, completed high school and went to the University of British Columbia, followed by his Masters in Economics and Latin American studies at Vanderbilt and doctorate studies at the University of Chicago.

Siegfried loved his work, first at Business Latin America, then Mobil Oil Corporation in New York where Siegfried and Dorrit met and were colleagues. After a 3-year stint in Hamburg Germany, he became Exxon's Chief Economist for Latin America moving to Miami in 1969. He made trips to each Latin American country, meeting with presidents, ministers of economy, and other business executives, conversing in multiple languages. His economic and political climate reports directly influenced Exxon's investment decisions. He spent 15 years as an Economic consultant for USAID in Egypt, Indonesia, Ukraine, and Latin America.

Siegfried loved living in Miami. He was always the life of the party and shared his strong interest with Dorrit on foreign affairs and travel. They traveled to Italy for 20 years, taking Italian language and university courses. Siegfried came home every year telling stories of studying and hiking in the mountains of Italy. Venice was his most beloved city.

Siegfried was a great father. He influenced Melita and Julian's interest in travel, studies and international business and is now influencing his grandchild's future. Siegfried supported his wife's interests including the Dante Book Group, Priscilla's Leadership Group and the League of Women Voters.

Siegfried's love of life and enthusiasm will be sorely missed by friends and family.