Hugo Edward Marxer

Captain Hugo Marxer, USN (Ret.), of Marietta, Georgia died peacefully surrounded by his loving family on April 2, 2023. “Max” was born on May 22, 1933, the son of E. Hugo and Florence Marxer. He grew up in a large family in Des Moines, Iowa and Portland, Oregon and graduated from Portland’s Washington High School in 1951 as the Valedictorian and Student Body President. A stand out varsity athlete in basketball and baseball, he attended the University of Oregon prior to entering the United States Naval Academy in 1953. As USNA’s varsity soccer goalie, he led his team through many victories including two wins over Army. He graduated in the top quarter of his class in June 1957.

Reporting to USS Bradford (DD-545), he served as the ship’s navigator. Upon the completion of submarine school, he was assigned to USS Caiman (SS-323). On a blind date, Hugo met the love of his life, Miss Jacklyn Love, who was named Queen of the Kentucky Derby in 1957. They were married in San Francisco in 1961 and were united in marriage for 62 joyous years.

Selected by Admiral Hyman G. Rickover, the father of the nuclear navy, he advanced his nuclear power training and reported to USS Andrew Jackson (SSBN) where he served as Reactor Control Officer. Subsequent submarine assignments included: USS Daniel Webster (SSBN-626), USS Benjamin Franklin (SSBN-641), and as Commanding Officer of USS Ulysses S. Grant (SSBN-631).

Completing a tour at the Pentagon in Washington D.C. as the Director of the SSBN Security Program, he was assigned as the Commanding Officer of the submarine tender USS Canopus (AS-34). Under his command, USS Canopus made national news in the rescue of British dentist Dereka Dodson, who spent five perilous days in a life raft before being saved by Captain and crew. His final assignment was Chief of Staff, COMSUBRON 16. His military decorations include three Legions of Merit and two Meritorious Service Medals.

Retiring from the Navy, Hugo joined the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations (INPO), which was responsible for inspecting and advising the nation’s nuclear power generating stations to raise their standard of excellence in nuclear power. After ten years at INPO, he started his own consulting company to provide mentorship and training on nuclear power operations.

“Gramps” as he was known by his nine grandsons, was the beloved patriarch of his family. He blessed them with his Roman Catholic faith, love of country, love of family, and was an unwavering model of honor and integrity. He passed on his passion of bird hunting and fly fishing to his daughters, sons-in-law, and their sons, having walked many fields, rivers, and streams with them. Family was what he always said was “the most important thing in his life”.

He was adored by his family, his friends, and the men and women with whom he served.

He is survived by his beloved wife Jacklyn, daughters (Shawn Bendig, Gerri Critikos, and Dana Marxer) and nine grandsons.

Bravo Zulu, Captain.