Joseph P. Marks, 78, of Brownville, New York, passed away peacefully on July 30, 2026, at Samaritan Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family.

Joe was born on October 26, 1947, in Watertown, New York, the son of Howard and Keitha (Martin) Marks. He graduated from General Brown High School in 1966 and continued his education at Jefferson Community College.

On March 4, 1968, Joe proudly enlisted in the United States Navy. He served his country honorably until his discharge on July 16, 1969. Upon returning home, he began working as a machinist at Fisher Gauge before embarking on a lifelong career with the United States Postal Service as a mail carrier in Watertown. After 30 years of dedicated service, he retired in September 2005.

Joe was previously married to Michele Martin, and together they had three children. On May 29, 2004, he married the love of his life, Cathy S. Stowell, at the Brownville Mansion. The couple made their home in Brownville, where they shared many happy years together. Cathy retired in 2026 after several years as a bookkeeper in the finance department at Renzi Foodservice.

A devoted member of his community, Joe was a lifelong member and Finance Officer of the Brownville American Legion, a lifelong member of the Brownville Fire Department, and a member of the Watertown Elks Lodge No. 496, where he proudly belonged to “The Old Gang.”

Joe had a passion for sports throughout his life. He enjoyed golfing, watching and playing sports, and was a member of the Brownville American Legion men’s softball team. He and Cathy also loved attending NASCAR races together. Above all else, Joe treasured spending time with his grandchildren and took great pride in attending their sporting events and school activities.

Joe is survived by his beloved wife, Cathy S. Marks; his children, Amy J. (Michael) Hinds of Rochester, New York, Patrick J. (Audrey) Marks of Averill Park, New York, and Michael J. (Nicole) Marks of Brownville, New York; six grandchildren, April (Chris) Robert, Sierra (Patrick) McKinney, Mia Hinds, Matt Marks, Mallory Marks, and Colden Marks; two great-grandchildren, Carley and Chase; his sister and brother-in-law, Terry and Ronald Nichols; his brother and sister-in-law, Steven and Millie Marks of The Villages, Florida; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews; and his amazing neighbors and “favorite son,” Jesse (Danielle) Streeter.

Arrangements are with Johnson Funeral Home, Dexter.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 6, 2026, in Brownville Cemetery. Services conducted by Watertown Elks Lodge No. 496 and the Brownville American Legion will precede United States Navy military honors.

A Celebration of Life will immediately follow at the Brownville American Legion.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Brownville American Legion dedicated to the Honor Flight Program or to Team Twin Peaks, which raises funds for the Gouverneur Breast and Ovarian Cancer Fund, Attention: Deb Haley, P.O. Box 66, Brownville, NY 13615.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.dexterfuneralhome.com.