John Marcel Marquis

John Marquis, 54, died surrounded by his loving family on December 3, 2024, less than three months after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

John was the devoted father of Alec, 27; Andrew, 25; and Avery Marquis, 21; and the cherished stepfather of Brianna Rivera, 27 (Edward); Jose Rivera (Teanna Ruby), 24; and Damian Andre, 17.  He and his wife, Vanessa Marquis, recently welcomed their grandson, Wesley, to their family. 

John was also the beloved brother of Michele Marquis Timan (Terry); Jeanne Marquis Fitch (Mark); Tammy Marquis Kersten (CJ); and Paul Marquis; as well as the uncle to his seven nieces and nephews.  John was predeceased by his mother, Patricia; father, Marcel; and his first wife, Linda Morrison Marquis.

Nothing was more important to John than his family, and when Linda died in 2016, his only priority was helping his children navigate life without their mother. He eventually considered Linda’s request that he try to find love again. John joined a dating site for parents and upon meeting Vanessa, “it was love at first sight,” he recently explained. And together, John and Vanessa created a beautiful new family for which they both felt blessed. He was especially proud of the young men his sons have grown into and the way they look out for their sister. He loved that Avery, a student-athlete at Lander University in South Carolina, will be following in her mother’s footsteps by going to nursing school after her graduation in May.

John was unique in the best sense of the word; he had many qualities that set him apart.  Though he wasn’t of Irish descent, John had “the gift of gab”—but he was also a thoughtful listener who filed everything away and remembered it. He spoke bluntly and would win no awards for political correctness. He single-handedly kept the baseball cap industry in business.

Like his father before him, John was an accomplished carpenter, known for his skill and aesthetic. He was a thoughtful and loyal friend. He fiercely loved his family. He had a self-deprecating wit, kind eyes and an unforgettable smile. 

In keeping with John’s wishes, there will not be services, but the family deeply appreciates the outpouring of support they have received.