F. Russell Marks

Russell F. Marks, 93, of Moorestown, New Jersey, peacefully passed away in his Moorestown home, surrounded by family, on January 4, 2026. Born on April 20, 1932, in Bradford, Pennsylvania, Russell lived a long life marked by service, hard work, and a steady presence that became a comforting part of his community. A graduate of Bradford High School, Class of 1951, Russell began working at a young age at the Bolin Dairy Farm, where he remained employed until entering military service. Following high school, he enlisted in the United States Army and was deployed to the front lines during the Korean War. After returning home, he continued a life rooted in dedication and reliability, beginning his civilian career at Esso before continuing his service to the community through the Moorestown Township Public Works Water Department, where he worked until his retirement in 1996. After returning home from Korea, Russell married the love of his life, Anna, in 1954. During their early years together, Anna and Russ enjoyed attending dances at Fort Dix while she volunteered with the USO and he was enlisted, memories they fondly carried with them throughout their lives. Together, they shared 71 years of marriage and began building their life in Bradford, where they welcomed their two children, before later settling in Moorestown, New Jersey. There, they raised their family and put down deep roots. Over the years, their family grew to include four generations, all closely connected to the Moorestown community that Russell and Anna came to call home. Known affectionately as “Sparky,” a nickname he earned through his involvement with the Moorestown Fire Department, Russell began his service with the Moorestown Relief Engine Company (station 312) in 1971. He dedicated nearly three decades to serving and protecting his community, ultimately achieving the rank of Captain and retiring as a Life Member in 1999. Through his example and dedication, generations of his family followed in service to the town he loved. Russell was a familiar sight around town, often spotted driving his white pick-up truck adorned with one-of-a-kind graphics. There was nothing else like it, and there was never any doubt who was behind the wheel — you always knew it was Sparky. An icon of the neighborhood, he enjoyed being outdoors, tinkering with anything he could get his hands on, and without fail, ending each day with a nightly glass of sweet red. Russell is survived by his beloved wife of 71 years, Anna Marks (née Hartshorne); his children, Linda Dye (née Marks) and Thomas Marks; his grandchildren, Bob Dye, Laura Dye, and the late Brian Dye; and his greatgrandchildren, Marissa (Peter), Haleigh, McKenna, Maddox, and Kinsley, who brought him great joy. He is further survived by his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Jim and Marian Hartshorne, Anna Hartshorne, and the late Richard Hartshorne, as well as his cousins, Ricky and Sharon Pohlke. He was preceded in death by his parents, Hazel Marks (White) and Myron Marks, and his parents-in-law, Clarence and Doris Hartshorne. Russell will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to family, service to his community, and the quiet, familiar presence he brought to everyday life. His legacy lives on through the many lives he touched and the generations who proudly follow in his footsteps. A funeral service will be held 10:30 am Monday January 12th at the Lewis Funeral Home, 78 E. Main St. Moorestown, NJ. Visitation from 9:30 am to 10:30 ama on Monday at the funeral home. Interment will be private. In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Relief Engine Co. 222 Chester Ave, Moorestown, NJ. 08057