Allan Marks

Our father, Allan Anthony Trinder Marks, was born on 2-9-1934 during historic times and was adopted three and a half years later taking him from Brooklyn, NY to grow up in West Winfield, NY. He graduated from West Winfield High School where he played football and “got into mischief”. He joined the Marine Corps following high school and served as Sgt. Drill Instructor at Parris Island from 1953 to 1956…he loved his time in the corps.

Following his service days he started a career in the beauty industry, eventually becoming a beautician/barber and working for Clairol. He met the “love of his life” Barbara Shalala during a class he was giving when she became “disruptive”-it was love at first sight! He married her August 29, 1961. He immediately became “Dad” to Deborah (Jacobs) Kanafani and Mark (Christina) Jacobs. They would grow the family to include Trinda (Bryan) Steckler and Allan (Donna) Marks.

Allan eventually joined L’Oréal/ZOTO’s where he was a Regional Business Manager and International Show Coordinator for over 30 years. He enjoyed traveling the world, but especially loved coming home to the full house -including his favorite pup “Sniffy”. He was a member of St. James Parish (Seaford, NY), coached little league, served in the American Legion, taught the color guard, played racket-ball, and worked to keep track of the family as it grew and grew.

Together Allan and Barbara raised their family in Levittown, New York before moving in 1994 to Frederick, Maryland. He was an integral member and volunteer manager with the American Legion Post #11. He also embarked on a new career as a pharmacy technician. Eventually, in 2014 they moved and spent the warmest years of their lives in Vero Beach, Florida with their lifelong friends The Christensen’s.

Allan moved to West Lafayette, IN with his daughter and son-in-law for a few years after he lost Barbara. During this time, he traveled, became a member of the Knights of Columbus, Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, Kiwanis, and American Legion Post #492. In 2021 he returned to Maryland to be near the rest of the family as it grew even larger.

Allan was blessed with many grandchildren Marissa (Russell) Stokes; Deena (Grant Galland) Kanafani; Kyle (Sarah) Steckler; Ashlee (Brian) Hoagland; Steven Steckler; Tarik Kanafani; Anthony (Rayssa) Marks; Rachel (Sean) Kelly; Austin Marks; Jade Jacobs; Alex (Kristin) Marks; and Jett Jacobs. He had much joy from the great-grands Findley Stokes, Coby Stokes, Rory Stokes, Mariella Stokes, Dax Hoagland, Grady Galland, and new baby Galland whom he was waiting for when he passed on June 8,2022.

Dad, Papa, Old Papa, Allan was surrounded by loud love and adventures his whole life and up until his very last moments here with us. He was a practicing Catholic, life-long friend to Barbara Christensen, proud supporter of bakeries, ice cream parlors and “hamburger joints” and will be sorely missed. We all find comfort in knowing Mom and “Sniffy” are waiting for him in the heavens.

A celebration of Life is being planned in the vineyards of Montgomery County Maryland. Additional information will be provided to friends and family who would like to share in that time.

Intercessions will be said at The Church of the Blessed Sacrament, West Lafayette, IN. and Saint Raphael Catholic Church, Rockville, MD.

Memorials can be made to the Francis Scott Key Post #11; Attn: Admin Office; 1450 Taney Avenue; Frederick, Maryland 21702

On October 29th, 2022 at 9am,intercessions will be said at Our Lady of Visitation, 14139 Seneca Rd., Germantown, MD 20874.

On October 29th, 2022 at 12pm a simple memorial service will be held at the Rockland Farms Winery 14531 Montevideo Rd, Poolesville, MD at 11:30am