Morton J. Marks, 99, of Providence, passed away on March 10, 2026. He was the husband of the late Lucienne Brunschwig Marks and the life partner and best friend of Zelda Goldman. A native of Warren, RI, he was the son of the late Charles and Elizabeth (Marder) Marks and the brother of the late Dr. Alan Marks.
Mr. Marks was a graduate of the former Warren High School, Brown University (BA degree in 1948), and Harvard Law School (JD degree in 1951). He was admitted to the Rhode Island Bar in 1951 and to the District of Columbia Bar in 1954. Mr. Marks was also admitted to practice and presented numerous cases before many United States District Courts, including those in Rhode Island, Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, and the former Panama Canal Zone. As a United States government attorney, he also presented cases in many federal appellate courts throughout the United States. After retiring from the federal government, Mr. Marks continued to practice in the Superior Court of Rhode Island, the Rhode Island Supreme Court, and the US District Court for Rhode Island.
Mr. Marks enlisted in the US Army upon graduating from high school during World War II, where he was trained to be, and later served as, a Japanese language instructor. Mr. Marks served for many years in legal positions in the United States Department of Labor, first in Washington, DC, and later in Puerto Rico as the Department’s Regional Attorney and Chief Representative for Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, and the former Panama Canal Zone. Mr. Marks was a past president of the Federal Bar Association of Puerto Rico. Also, he was the recipient of numerous awards, including the Department of Labor’s Career Distinguished Service Award and the first Regional Director’s Award for Outstanding Service.
In addition to Zelda Goldman, he is survived by his daughter Andrea Berkowitz (Gary), daughter-in-law Simcha Marks, ten grandchildren, and very many great-grandchildren. His son Chaim Shimon (a.k.a., Peter) o.b.m. predeceased him. Morton was a very popular grandfather and great-grandfather.
Morton (Mordechai Yakkov) is remembered by his grandchildren as a passionate and proud Jew and supporter of Israel who loved Hashem (G-d). He supported many Jewish causes and was very kind, generous and caring—mentoring and constantly encouraging us to be our best selves. He is missed by all.
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