Philip A. Marks

Renovo - Philip A. Marks, 90, a lifetime resident and businessman died at his residence unexpectedly, but peacefully, on Sat. Jan. 12, 2008. He was born in Renovo on May 17, 1917, son of the late Sol and Rachel (Rubin) Marks. Phil was the valedictorian of his graduating class from Renovo High School and planned to attend Dickinson Law School but because of the death of his father just 11 days after graduation, his plans changed. He took over the operation of the Sol Marks Clothing Store that his father had opened in 1903. He was still operating the store on a daily basis at the time of his death. The Sol Marks clothing Store is the oldest Woolrich dealer in the nation, a fact that Phil was very proud of. He was invited as a guest of honor to the Woolrich 150th year celebration a couple of years ago and was highly thought of by the Rich family. Phil was lovingly known as Mr. Renovo to many area residents. His love for Clinton County, but especially the town of Renovo, was evident in his willingness to give of his time and talent to many organizations. He was a member of Temple Beth Ha Sholom in Williamsport, Renovo Rotary Club, Clinton County Economic Partnership, Community Trade Association, served as a board member of the Bucktail Medical Center and the Renovo Area Public Library, two facilities that he fought passionately for to keep functioning in Renovo. He was a 61 year member of the F & A.M. Lodge #495, was a past director of Citizen's and Commonwealth Banks, and a member of the Renovo Railroader's Association. The only thing that ranked above his love for his town was his love for his country. Phil served with the U.S. Army during WWII, is the present commander of the V.F.W. Post 6178, member of the American Legion Post 442, and could be seen with the Bucktail Detachment of the Marine Corps League at almost every veteran's funeral service to help provide military services for that veteran and comfort the family in a way that only he could do. The picture that joins this obituary was taken at the Veteran's Day service this year at the local high school and, if you look closely, you can almost see a tear in his eye as he speaks about his service to his country. Beside all the people in Renovo who will miss him deeply, he is survived by a special friend and companion of many years: Elizabeth Sheehan, one sister: Betty (Virgil) Scardino of Boca Raton, Fla., four nieces: Hyaline (Sherwood) Greenberg of New York City, Susan (Kenneth) Cohen of Yardley, Pa., Rene (Garth) Panzer of Hawaii, and Cyd Scardino of Boston, Mass., one nephew: Richard (Kathleen) Gittleman of Princeton, New Jersey and several great nieces and great nephews. Phil was preceded by two sisters: Jane Friedberg and Rosalind Gittleman. Ecumenical funeral services will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Renovo on Monday, Jan. 21, 2008 at 11:30 a.m. Conducting the services will be Marvin Hurwitz from Temple Beth Ha Sholom, Rev. Dee Calhoun from Trinity Episcopal Church, and Fr. Donald Boslett of St. Joseph Catholic Church. Interment will take place in North Bend Cemetery where full military honors will be provided by the Marine Corps League. The family will receive friends at the church from 10:00 a.m. until service time. The family has requested that flowers not be sent (Uncle Phil is allergic to them) and request that in his memory donations be made to your favorite charity. The people that knew Phil will know the things that he was passionate about. Phil Marks never met a stranger and the folks that met him never forget him and his love for people. Maxwell Funeral Home of Renovo is in charge of the arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to www.BestLifeTributes.com