ForeverMissed
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This virtual page is in celebration of my father, a dear and wonderful man who loved many things throughout his life -- his family, his children, his garden, his friends, and his family home.  He was particularly proud that he graduated from Olean High School in 1949 and attended every reunion he could.  Dad was a veteran of the Korean War, serving with the U.S. Navy on the USS Rendova.  When he returned back to Olean, he worked at Dresser-Clark until his retirement in August 1989.  He was a life member of the Pulaski Club and a member of the Charles Harbel Post #892 American Legion in Allegany, NY.  His mother, Helen V. Subjeck Marcus, died in 1976, and his father, John J. Marcus, died in 1993.  He had seven children, eleven grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, two sisters who predeceased him, and several nieces and nephews.  As a Roman Catholic, Don was a member of St. John's Church in Olean.  He was a recovered alcoholic, remaining sober more than 20 years.  He loved life to the fullest.  He was often heard saying "today is a good day, I got out of bed this morning."  He was an avid gardener.  Never a year had gone by when he did not plant and attend to his vegetable garden.  He had a pet squirrel in his back yard (uncaged) who he would feed and care for every day.  He died of mesothelioma, a true tragedy considering how otherwise healthy he had lived the last years of his life.

January 15, 2022
January 15, 2022
While i Did not know this Donald J Marcus, my friend who was also named Donald J Maecus just passed awat this week. He was not a veteran, but spent over 50 years caring for Veterans as a Doctor for the VA. He often wondered if he made a difference. It is evident by the tribute to this Don Marcus that they both made a difference and both connected to Veterans. I am sorry for the loss of your Heroic Don, he served on Earth i. So many ways. I am sure he will continue to serve in the great land beyond. As a combat medic myself, please accept my Final salute to Don, an American hero by all accounts. Thank you to his family for his sacrifice and service. Men and Women like him are why we live in a land of free people.
December 24, 2014
December 24, 2014
Merry Christmas Dad! You are still missed!
November 26, 2014
November 26, 2014
Happy Thanksgiving Dad. Wish you were here.
October 22, 2014
October 22, 2014
I really don't know what to say. Dad...you were one of the sanely strongest figures in the last part of your life, and may have been as strong had you been given an opportunely earlier. I am so tremendously sad about the events of the last six months, and know you would be as well. I find it very difficult to wrap my head around the fact that a close relative could act on such brutal instincts against individuals they claim to love, and had at some point in the relationship at least proven that trust was a strong part of their relationship. I hope you are there to give comfort and love to Sun Yol and Samantha!! I do truly miss you! Take care of our loved ones there in heaven! I know that's where you are! I do love you!
June 15, 2014
June 15, 2014
Hi Dad...it's been almost three years since you went to join your family in heaven. Today is Father's Day and I've been thinking of you a lot this week. We still miss you, particularly the stable role you had in our lives. I know you would be devastated to learn that Tony hurt some of the people you loved. I hope Sun Yol and Samantha have found their way to you and you can help them find some peace. Life is just so hard sometimes, particularly when tragic events happen that are senseless!  I hope you have a wonderful Father's Day! Lindsay sends her love.
June 16, 2013
June 16, 2013
Happy Father's Day, Dad! Sure do miss you!
December 15, 2012
December 15, 2012
Today it's been a year since you've gone to be with your family in heaven. I know you are with the ones you love and who love you, those who passed away before you. Perhaps today is the first anniversary of your reunion. Know that those of us down here who love you still miss you. I will light a candle for you tonight in memory of your passing. Lindsay, Marty and I love you very much.
October 28, 2012
October 28, 2012
To my father, who epitomized everything I respect -- dignity in the face of adversity, integrity beyond reproach, simplicity in a complex world, a keen intelligence, and a wit free of negativity. You loved people for who they were, not what you wanted from them. You loved life, and life loved you in return. You are in our hearts forever. I am comforted knowing you are with God.

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January 15, 2022
January 15, 2022
While i Did not know this Donald J Marcus, my friend who was also named Donald J Maecus just passed awat this week. He was not a veteran, but spent over 50 years caring for Veterans as a Doctor for the VA. He often wondered if he made a difference. It is evident by the tribute to this Don Marcus that they both made a difference and both connected to Veterans. I am sorry for the loss of your Heroic Don, he served on Earth i. So many ways. I am sure he will continue to serve in the great land beyond. As a combat medic myself, please accept my Final salute to Don, an American hero by all accounts. Thank you to his family for his sacrifice and service. Men and Women like him are why we live in a land of free people.
December 24, 2014
December 24, 2014
Merry Christmas Dad! You are still missed!
Recent stories

Sun Yol, Michelle, and Samantha Marcus

June 24, 2014

My father loved all his children, all their spouses, all his grandchildren, and all his great-grandchildren.  He never treated any one family member different than another (at least not after he was forced into sobriety and eventually got his life back on track).  He always spoke lovingly of his "Korean" family, particularly since Sun Yol and Michelle lived in Korean the first decade of their family life.  He looked forward to their travel to the U.S.,and was partcularly happy when they relocated to the U.S. in the late 1990s.  My father often had many stories about Samantha, particularly her "spitfire" personality.   He looked forward to their calls and visits, and shared their many accomplishments with great pride with all his friends. 

I wish I knew my grandmother better.

January 7, 2013
I did not know her well, but from the fleeting memories I have of her, she was happy, fun, loving, and giving woman. My grandmother was placed in a 24/7 psychiatric facility probably for what we now know to be Alzheimer's. I would not be surprised if she suffered from bipolar disorder, but neither of these disabilities made her a woman unworthy of a loving family. I know my father loved her dearly, and I know she loved him. Most of my memories I have with my grandmother were going to their house when I was very young, usually during the holidays. There was always plenty of food and love to go around. There were a few incidents when I remember my grandmother at our family house. Usually these were following baptisms and/or first communions. My mother did not like my paternal grandparents, and was often picking fights with them. Suddenly, one day when I was young, we were not permitted to see our grandparents. It was not too long after that when my father became distant to his children, drinking a lot. Within short order, my grandmother was committed to long-term psychiatric care for "blood clots in her legs." I never saw nor spoke with her after that institutionalization. She died in Gowanda Hospital several years after her admission. I wish I had more and better memories. Rest in peace Grandma! !

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