Joseph M. MARKS

MARKS Joseph M, 90, longtime Lexingtonian, died Fri in Roanoke, VA. He was born in 1920 in Knoxville, TN. He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Tennessee. After moving to Lexington in 1955, he and his wife, the late Vivian Marks Shraberg, raised a family as he held a series of management positions in local businesses. Joe was an office manager for New York Life when he retired at the age of 80. His passions were the theater and opera. Joe was involved with Studio Players as an actor and board member for more than 50 years. His love of opera covered eight decades and made him an expert on the works of Wagner and the great performances of the 20th century. Since moving to Roanoke in 2008, he did not miss a production of Opera Roanoke. Joe Marks was a member of Temple Emanuel in Roanoke and was previously a member of Temple Adath Israel in Lexington. He served as organist at Adath Israel in the 1960s. He was predeceased by his longtime companion, Norman Parks. He is survived by son, Jeffrey Marks and daughter-in-law, Roxanne Marks of Roanoke and son, Neil Marks and daughter-in-law, Pam Marks of Oxford, OH; grandchildren, Michael Marks and Dr. Sarah Marks of Lexington and Eric Marks of Orlando, FL, and one great-grandchild. A memorial service will be held at Temple Emanuel in Roanoke on Mon, May 24. Those who would like to make a contribution in his memory are asked to consider Opera Roanoke, 1 Market Square, 2nd Floor, Roanoke, VA 24011.