ALAN HOWARD MARKS
passed away on June 22, 2020. He was 76 years old and had been ill for some time. Alan was born and raised in Brooklyn, N.Y. by his parents Frieda (Gamolsky) and Meyer Marks. Alan’s father died unexpectedly when Alan was only two years old and his mother raised him and his five siblings as a single working parent; not an easy thing to do, particularly in the 1940’s.
Alan is predeceased by three of his siblings: Carole Pope, Barbara (Martin) Bernstein, and Arthur Marks. He is survived by his two sisters: Judith Rogers (Arthur, deceased) and Francine Hochberg (Marvin). Alan is also survived by his life partner and the Love of his Life, Deborah Rogers. Alan will be greatly missed by his many nieces and nephews: Marcia McLaughlin (Owen), Karen Tommer (Martin), Lori Digiacomo (Curt), Jennifer Hochberg, Pamela Lee (Brian), Mark Bernstein, Debra Davis (Greg), Steven Rogers, Allison Rogers (Ivan), and Alan Pope. He is also survived by many grand nieces and nephews.
A dedicated life-long educator, Alan was a Sociology Professor at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. His expertise was in the area of Death, Dying, and Suicides, particularly as it affected young people. His passion for this subject was certainly informed by his own early life experiences of losing his father at such a young age, and sadly losing his mother when he was still in his 20’s.
Alan attended PS 9 and Manual Training High School in the Park Slope section of Brooklyn. He graduated from the University of Miami with a Bachelor’s degree and went on to earn both a Masters and Doctorate degree in Education from the University of Georgia. A gifted writer and educator, Alan earned numerous academic awards and published many scholarly articles. He was awarded tenure status as a Professor of Sociology and was well recognized and respected in his field for his knowledge and expertise.
Alan was a dog lover who enjoyed life, an avid and talented Bowler, and a surprisingly good dancer. He loved traveling and family-get-togethers, especially those that took him back to NYC, where most of his family resides. His wonderful sense of humor made being with him fun. He was also a great chess player; his niece Karen cherishes her memories of her Uncle Alan teaching her the game at a very young age.
A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, June 27, 2020, at Riverwood Memorial Gardens in Maumelle, Arkansas.
Due to Covid-19 Restrictions, we ask that social distancing is practiced and masks are worn in attendance. In lieu of flowers, a donation in Alan’s name can be made to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. To sign the online guestbook, please visit: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.