Robert Dean Marks of Spotswood, a Veteran of the Vietnam War, died September 8, 2025 at JFK Hospital in Edison New Jersey surrounded by his family. Bob or Bo as he was known to many, was born on March 5, 1944 in Greensburg Pennsylvania to Robert Saul Marks, a Purple Heart Veteran of WW II and Elvira Cremonese Marks.
He graduated from Greensburg Salem High School Class of 1962. He continued his education as a cadet attending The Citadel Military Academy in Charleston, South Carolina, where he received his Bachelor of Biological Science Degree. There he met his roommate the late Author Pat Conroy. Pat’s Book The Lord’s of Discipline is a recount of their experiences of college life at The Citadel. Bo was one of the main characters. He also received a Master of Arts Degree in Education from Chapman College in Orange, California in 1971.
He was commissioned as an officer to the United States Air Force in 1967. He proudly served with steadfast bravery and courage concentrating on the task of defending our country. As a master of all aspects of aerial warfare in fighter aircrafts he excelled in air-to-air combat, air-to-ground combat, the inspections of weapons and operating systems and flying operations. As a decorated Top Gun fighter pilot his mission was to fly, fight and win- AirPower anytime, anywhere. He pursued his mission with excellence and integrity, playing a critical role in helping achieve mission success. He served two consecutive active-duty tours in Vietnam in 1968 and 1969. Robert’s goal and oath was to ensure the United States Air Force remain the best in the world.
He continued to prove his leadership skills and outstanding service during his duties as an active guardsman of The 108th Tactical Fighter Wing Unit in The New Jersey Air National Guard. Robert flew the C7A Caribou in South East Asia, the F-105 Thunderbird, the F-4 Phantom, the KC-135E Stratotanker, just to name a few. He earned a distinguished Flying Cross Medal for the execution and completion of a top-secret aerial rescue mission. He earned The National Defense Medal, The Air Medal, The Bronze Star Medal and many other commendations over the course of his military career. Flying was not just a career for Bo, it was an extreme love and passion for speed and flight.
He retired active duty in 1996 as a revered Lieutenant Colonel. Along with his duties in the New Jersey Air Force Reserve he also flew as commercial airline Pilot for Continental Airlines for 24 years. After retiring from the Air Force reserve and the airlines he continued his flying career by obtaining private clients with their own private airplanes jet setting them all over the country. Throughout his flying career he acquired 34,000 hours of flight time. Robert Dean Marks lived with exemplary strength and courage, as one would expect from such an intelligent, dedicated and loyal serviceman of the United States Air Force.
He never stressed about long hours, sleepless nights of service or early morning roll calls. He never complained about pain or whimpered or cried out. He lived life fearlessly, always waiting for the call for his next mission assignment. He never quit fighting, never surrendered and never gave up. His death was stoical and quiet.
Robert was a Faithful member of The Immaculate Conception Parish in Spotswood, New Jersey where he attended Mass Services every Sunday with his family. He had a special devotion to Our Blessed Mother Mary. He dedicated every flight and mission to her maternal care and protection. He prayed faithfully “Oh Blessed Mother, in your infinite mercy, grant me the knowledge and the clarity I need to safely navigate this mission and flight, May Angels fly with me and guide me safely through the sky. Amen”
Fly High and God speed on your last mission home Dad, We Love you.
He is preceded by his loving wife Phyllis Marie Parise Marks. He is survived by his daughter Michelle Marks and her children Carmen and Valentino Major from Massachusetts. His son Robert V. Marks and his wife Carol of Long Beach, N.Y. His son Paul Marks and his sons Daniel, Billy, and Paul and wife Brenda of Union Beach, New Jersey. His daughter, Amy Belmonte and her children, Nicholas, Zachary, Paris and Layne of Monroe Twp. New Jersey. His son Anthony Marks of Monroe Twp. New Jersey. His daughter Kirsten Minter Marks and her husband Dustin Abshire and their daughter Miles. His sister Barbara Hurd and late husband Terry of Greensburg Penn. and their daughter Danielle and husband Nick Ross of Boseman, Montana. His brother-in-law Nick Parise and wife Linda of New Stanton, Penn and their children David Parise and wife Jill and their children, Paige Luke and Mia of Greensburg, Penn. Daniel Parise and Sharon of Greensburg Penn. and Deanna Nestor and husband Scott and their children, Nicholas, Christian and Austin of Wheeling, WV.
Roberts’s family has entrusted his care to the Pantalone Funeral Home Inc. For online condolences / directions, visit us at pantalone.com. Natale N. Pantalone, supervisor.