David Alan Marquis, 89, of Warren PA passed away on Sunday, December 10, 2023, at Kinzua Healthcare and Rehabilitation.
Dave was born on January 16th, 1934, in Pittsburgh PA to the late William Calvin Marquis and Mary Jane (Moore) Marquis. He graduated from Connellsville High School in 1951. He enrolled at Penn State University, hitchhiking back home to Connellsville each Friday night to work a weekend shift at the Clairton Steel Works to help pay for his education. He earned a B.S. in Forestry from Penn State in 1955. Following graduation, Dave served in the US Army from 1955-1957, and was honorably discharged at the rank of 1st Lieutenant.
Dave joined the US Forest Service as a forestry researcher in 1957. He continued his education, attaining both an M.S. in Forestry and a PhD. in Forest Ecology and Silviculture from Yale University. Following career positions with the US Forest Service in eastern Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and New Hampshire, Dave and his wife, the late Patricia Grace (West) Marquis moved to Warren in 1970 where he became project leader at the Forestry Sciences Laboratory for the Allegheny National Forest. Dave was a noted forestry researcher, publishing over a hundred scientific papers and frequently presenting at forestry conferences. He was instrumental in the early development of computer software programs for use in forestry.
Dave, with his wife Pat, was very involved in local theater, through both Warren Players and the Struthers Library Theater, holding many leadership positions. In March 2023, Dave was honored with the Struthers Library Theater “Peacock Award” in recognition of his work during the 1983 renovations. Additionally, Dave had an avid interest in trains, model railroading and photography. He was a lifelong Pittsburgh Steelers fan. He loved to travel and visited all seven continents. He was a member of the First Methodist Church of Warren.
In addition to his parents, Dave was preceded in death by his first wife Patricia (West) Marquis, his second wife, Gloria (Larson) Marquis, his daughter, Beth Ann Burkey, and three siblings.
He is survived by his loving children: Barbara G. Zawacki (Jon Marti) of Warren and David R. (Linda) Marquis of Silverdale WA; nine grandchildren, Derek Zawacki (Laura Guncheon), Tyler (Emily) Zawacki, Jared Zawacki (Alyssa Gray), Nina Johnson (Nathan Cox), Katelyn (Brandon) Yates, Michelle (Ray) Roberts, Donna (Chris) Palumbo, Troy Hammerbeck, and Lindsay Albaugh (Matt Consalvo); and 13 great grandchildren.
A celebration of Dave’s life will be held on Thursday, January 4, 2024, at 11:00 am at the First Methodist Church, 200 Market St., Warren PA with the Rev. Dr. Mark E. Hecht, pastor, officiating. Family will receive friends prior to the service in the church parlors from 10:00 to 11:00 am.
Those wishing to place memorials may do so through Struthers Library Theater, 302 W. Third Ave, Warren PA, First Methodist Church, 200 Market St., Warren PA, or Hospice of Warren County, 1 Main Ave., Warren PA, www.hospiceofwarrencounty.org <www.hospiceofwarrencounty.org/>. Email condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com <www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com/>. The Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home Inc. has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.