Dr Eugene “Gene” Melvin Marks, 93, a longtime resident of Newtown, died November 4. He was born to Marcia Tritchler Marks and Dr Sidney Marks in Buffalo, N.Y., July 5, 1921.

His education included Amherst High School, and the University of Buffalo for both his bachelor’s and medical degrees. Dr Marks served in the US Army during the Korean War, where he was assigned to a MASH unit that was later the subject of the movie and TV series, M*A*S*H.

Dr Marks worked as a general practitioner in Alden, N.Y., for many years and then as an occupational physician at Dupont, before moving to Newtown with his family in 1968. In Connecticut, he was medical director for Remington Arms in Bridgeport, until his retirement. After his retirement, Dr Marks continued to work part-time for the Connecticut State Health Department, for a number of years.

In Alden, he was a member of the Alden Presbyterian Church and an active member of the Kiwanis.  In the 15 years they lived in Alden, he and his family hosted exchange students from Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Thailand, and Uganda.

Dr Marks was an avid clarinet and saxophone player in his youth and played in a jazz band throughout high school and college. His interest in music continued throughout his life and he was a dedicated tenor in the choir of the Newtown Congregational Church. 

He will be remembered for his keen intellect, sense of humor, devotion to his family, and his generous spirit.

His wife, Edna Aranibar Marks of Newtown; his sister Patience (Marks) Dybowski of Snyder, N.Y.; his children and spouses Joanne and Jerry Shpunt and Edward and Tammy Marks, all of Newtown, Dr James Marks and Judi of Princeton, N.J., Catherine and Lou Scott of Preble, N.Y., Judy and Bill Freitag of Hershey, Penn., and Elizabeth and Richard Cortright of Darien; 18 grandchildren; and three great-granddaughters survive Dr Marks.

Plans for the funeral and memorial service to be determined.

Donations in his memory, rather than flowers, may be sent to Newtown Congregational Church, 14 West Street, Newtown CT 06470.

The Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street, Newtown, is serving the family.