Marks, Samuel, Wayside

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Samuel “Chubby” Marks, of Wayside, died peacefully at home on April 25. Chubby was born on
January 13, 1930, to John and Rose Marks in Long Branch. In 1947 he graduated from Red Bank Catholic High School where he was a quarterback of the football team, Golden Glove Boxer, and member of the baseball team. Chubby went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in business from Monmouth College in 1961. Chubby married the love of his life, Annette, on June 30, 1962. After almost 54 years of marriage, he still referred to her as his “bride.”

Chubby served in the Korean War from 1951-1953, during which time he was stationed in Japan. He was town councilman and deputy mayor of Long Branch, and a member of the Long Branch Knights of Columbus and of Deal Golf and Country Club.

Beyond designations, Chubby was a natural businessman. In 1974 he built, co-owned, and managed the New Shrewsbury Ice Rink. However, Chubby is best known as an innovator of the beach club industry, creating the business model of a family beach club. He owned and managed Surfrider Beach Club, Sea Bright, for 26 years. For the last 23 years, he managed Water’s Edge and Edgewater Cabana Clubs. Chubby was often referred to as a Sea Bright “Mainstay.” He was recently retired.

A lifelong and devout Catholic, Chubby was an altar server for most of his adolescence. He was a member of St. Michael’s Church. When he wasn’t driving his iconic red BMW, Chubby enjoyed playing golf, reading history novels, and traveling to Aruba.

Chubby’s endearing spirit left a lasting impression on everyone he met. He was deeply loved and respected by so many. Chubby was a friend, boss, confidant, disciplinarian, mentor, “man of distinction,” and adopted grandfather.

His family will forever remember Chubby as PopPop – a doting husband, father, and grandfather who loved each of us tremendously. He will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.

Chubby was predeceased by his parents, John and Rose Marks; and his brother, Michael Marks. Chubby is survived by his wife, Annette Marks of Wayside; his daughters, Joette D’Esposito of Monmouth Beach and Jadine Finch, Orange, Connecticut, and their husbands, John D’Esposito and Kevin Finch; and three grandchildren, Jaclyn D’Esposito, Jordyn D’Esposito and Sydney Finch. He also leaves behind his brother, John Marks, and his sister, Rose Marie Caprioni, both of West Long Branch; and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 28 at Damiano Funeral Home, 191 Franklin Ave., Long Branch, from 4 to 8 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, April 29 at 10:30 a.m. at St. James Church, 94 Broad St., Red Bank. Entombment will follow at Woodbine Mausoleum in Oceanport.

In lieu of flowers, and in support of his granddaughter, Sydney, the family requests donations in memory of “Chubby” Marks be made to the Autism Services and Resources Connecticut, (“ASRC”), 101 North Plains Industrial Rd., Harvest Park Bldg. 1-A, Wallingford, CT 06492. The ASRC is a nonprofit organization that serves individuals with autism, their families, and the professionals who work them with the goal of being fully-included participating members of their communities. The family invites you to leave a letter of condolence, share a story or make a donation by selecting the appropriate tab.