John A. Marker

1918 - 2021

John A. Marker, formerly Maksymiec, 102, passed away on Jan. 20, 2021, at Indian River Estates in Vero Beach, Fla. A decorated World War II hero, he lived a full life of military heroism, travel, and adventure.

John was born on July 16, 1918, in Manchester, N.H., to Wasyl and Justyna (Harasym) Maksymec. In 1934, he entered the Civilian Conservation Corps, served four years, and later earned an associate's degree.

He was inducted into military service in 1939 where he first served in the artillery, achieving the rank of sergeant. He later earned an officer's commission and became a bombardier on a B-17 with the 8th Air Force, 91st Bomb Group in Bassingbourn, England. He flew combat missions over occupied Europe until his plane was shot down and he was captured by the German military. He became a prisoner of war for 18 months in Stalag Luft III, from which he escaped. He was awarded two Purple Heart medals, five Air Medals, and a POW Medal along with several other service awards.

After the war, he married Marjorie Roth and settled in New York City and then Syosset, Long Island.

He had careers as a builder, freelance realtor, and store owner. He and Marjorie traveled worldwide, visiting 72 countries and all 50 states. In 1959, they traveled on their boat to Florida, where they established a business.

He enjoyed scuba diving in the Caribbean, fishing in Alaska and Canada, golfing, swimming, and spending time boating. He especially loved his boxer dogs.

After Marjorie's passing, he moved to Indian River Estates in Vero Beach, Fla.

John was preceded in death by his brothers, Myroslaw Maksymiec, Wasyl (Chuck) Maksymec, and his sister, Olga (Maksymec) Loudenslager. He is survived by several nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.

Funeral services will take place at a later date at the Veteran's Cemetery in Boscawen, N.H.