Richard Satterlee Marks, proud veteran, family man
Richard Satterlee Marks, 88, of Milton, passed away peacefully Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025. Born Aug. 30, 1936, in Little Falls, N.Y., Richard was the beloved son of the late William and Helen Marks.
A proud veteran, devoted family man, and lifelong learner, Richard lived a life of service, dedication, and quiet accomplishment.
He graduated from Herkimer High School in 1954 and earned a bachelor of science degree in chemistry from Lehigh University in 1958. He later received a master’s degree in environmental science from George Washington University, reflecting his deep commitment to education and scientific inquiry.
Richard served his country with honor for 21 years in the U.S. Air Force, including three tours in Vietnam. He was awarded seven Air Medals throughout his service and completed his career with an assignment to the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Upon retiring in May 1979, he was honored with the Defense Meritorious Service Medal for his distinguished contributions. He went on to work for 20 more years as a defense contracting consultant.
Beyond his professional achievements, Richard was a man of deep curiosity and craftsmanship. He was an aviation enthusiast and longtime volunteer with the AMC Museum, where he spent over 15 years as part of a restoration team that helped reconstruct a historic AC-47 aircraft that flew over France on D-Day. He also had a lifelong love of clocks, finding joy and satisfaction in building them by hand, where he combined patience, precision, and artistry.
Richard is survived by his loving wife, Kathy Marks; his daughter, Karen Louis; his son, Richard Marks Jr.; his sister, Shirley Bauerman; his stepdaughter, Bridgette Tanner; step-granddaughters, Natalie and Bailey Tanner; and granddaughter, Emma Louis Collins. He was predeceased by his parents, William and Helen Marks.
Richard will be remembered for his quiet strength, his devotion to family and country, and the thoughtful care he brought to everything he did, from military service to restoring aircraft to the intricate work of clockmaking.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, Aug. 25, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Hwy., Lewes, with visitation from 10 to 11 a.m.
Interment with military honors will be held at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va., at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Richard’s memory to two organizations that held special meaning to him: Air Mobility Command Museum 1301 Heritage Road, Dover AFB, DE 19902, amcmuseum.org; or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, stjude.org.
Visit Richard’s Life Memorial webpage at parsellfuneralhomes.com to share memories and condolences.
