It is with great sadness that the College shares the news of the passing of Emeritus Professor Alfred Marks. Marks taught English, specializing in early American Literature, from 1963-1985.
A resident of New Paltz for more than 50 years, Marks earned a master’s degree and Ph.D. from Syracuse University. Prior to coming to New Paltz, he taught English at Ohio State University and Ball State University. He also served as a visiting professor and Fulbright scholar in Kanazawa, Japan. He was instrumental in establishing the “sister city” connection between New Paltz and Osa, Japan, which has fostered warm friendships between residents of both cities, including many visiting students.
In addition to teaching, Marks was a translator of modern Japanese literature. He worked as a translator and essayist on volumes such as “A Courtesan’s Day: Hour by Hour,” “The Faithful Samurai,” and “Hiroshige: Birds and Flowers.” He also was the co-author of two books: “Surimono: Prints by Elbow” with Edythe Pollster and “The Cry That Rang from Brussels to New Amsterdam” with Francis Devos.
Prior to his death, Marks served as New Paltz town historian, village historian, and church historian.
Marks is survived by his wife, Herta, whom he married in 1942; his son, Stuart; his daughters, Thea Welch (Michael) and Christina Haley (Raymond); nine grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren with the eleventh on the way.
