John M. Marko, Jr.

John M. Marko, Jr. 71, of Rome, Pennsylvania passed away on Sunday, March 29, 2009 at the Robert Packer Hospital, Sayre, Pa following a period of declining health. John was born on January 13, 1938 in Bernardsville, New Jersey the only child of Catherine (Kocsis) and John Marko, Sr. John was formerly a reporter and photographer for the Bernardsville News in New Jersey. He was a retired postal employee and in 1995 he moved from New Jersey and made Rome his home. John loved the area and quickly became involved with the Rome Fire Department assisting them with Fire Police Duties. In addition he was also a member of the Twin Tier Antique Tractor Club, served as Auditor for Rome Township and was secretary for the Wysox Creek Water Shed. An avid outdoorsman and wanting to share his knowledge and experiences with the youth, John helped to establish the Valley Youth Hunter Education Challenge an organization whose moto is "Aiming for the future" When not sharing his love for the great outdoors, John found time to visit with the elderly and deliver Meals on Wheels for Bradford County. He was a true giver and an avid antique collector too. John is survived by his community, many friends, an Aunt Rose Rice of Bridgewater Township, NJ; and several cousins among them John Dubus of Daly City, California; Edward Rice of New Jersey; Christina Merton of Egg Harbor, NJ; John Patry of Milford, NJ, Trudy Belles, Wilkes Barre, PA, Henry Emeter, Margaret White, and Margo Wagner all of Ontario, Canada. John was predeceased by his parents Catherine and John Marko, Sr. Friends are invited to attend Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated on Friday, April 3rd at 10 am at St. Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church, Towanda, Pa with Father Alfhones Perikala, officiating. Interment will follow in the parish cemetery. A period of visitation and time of sharing memories will be held on Thursday evening, April 2nd from 7 to 9 pm at the Sutfin Funeral Chapel, 273 S. Main St., Nichols. Memories and condolences may also be shared by visiting our website at www.sutfinfuneralchapel.com Flowers will be provided and memorial contributions in John's memory may be directed to the Valley Youth Hunter Education Challenge, c/o Mrs. Nan Lowery, 1534 Front Street, Athens, PA 18810 or the Rome Fire Department, PO Box 77, Rome, Pa 18837 in loving memory of John M. Marko, Jr.