On Tuesday, December 19, 2023, N. Marks Byam peacefully passed away at the age of 82.

Marks was born October 26, 19 in Norwich, NY to Archer & Ellen Byam.

Marks was a United States Army Vietnam-era veteran, serving in active duty 1964-1966 and in the Army Reserves until 1970. He was an expert in pistol and rifle and received both an expert infantryman badge as well as a good conduct medal.

Residents of Wellsboro, Middlebury, and neighboring communities will remember Marks during his pivotal role in reshaping the small towns of Holiday and Nelson. Moving several of the homes and even a few churches, literally changing the face of those communities after the 1972 Agnes floods to make way for the Tioga-Hammond and Cowanesque dams.

Marks then enjoyed a career with the Tioga County Housing Authority as maintenance technician for the public housing projects in Westfield, Elkland and Lawrenceville. Marks loved hunting and was an expert marksman with both rifle and bow.  His proficiency in mechanics served as a significant asset in both his professional endeavors and for his family. He skillfully tackled repairs ranging from household appliances like washers and dryers to heavy machinery such as bulldozers.

Marks is survived by his four step-daughters, Jeanne (Scott) Eschbach of Elmira, NY, Cathy Cressman of Elmira Heights, NY, Susan (David) Cray of Ocala, FL and Peggy (Todd) Mengee of Mansfield, PA; grandchildren, Daniel (Jennifer) Eschbach, Laurel Eschbach, Hunter Cray, Heather Cray, Alexis (Ryan Moore) Mengel, and Katie (Joseph) Scogna and great-grandchildren, Bryce, Tanner, Sophia, Hailey, Caleigh, Raelyn, Mason and Rowan. 

Marks is also survived by siblings Elaine (Byam) Riker of TN, Lawrence (Jane) Byam of Brandon, MS and Althea (Byam) Fountain of Norwich, NY, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Additionally, he is survived by sisters-in-law, Geraldine Hemenway and Patricia Husted as well as a sister-of-the-heart, Sandy Snell.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Cressman-Byam, his parents, brother Everett Byam and sisters, Nadine Byam and Alicia (Byam) Livingston, as well as in-laws: Paul and Arline Irwin of Glendale, AZ, Hugh and Judy Irwin of Denton, MD, Roy Hemenway of Wellsboro, PA, Edward Husted of Nelson, Donald Irwin of Wellsboro, PA and John Snell of Wellsboro, PA.

Friends and family are invited to pay tribute to Marks at Tussey-Mosher Funeral Home, 139 Main Street, Wellsboro, PA from 1:00-2:00pm on Saturday, December 30, 2023 concluded with military honors.

As an expression of sympathy, the family suggests memorial donations be made to a charity of one’s choice.  To share a memory or condolence visit www.tusseymosher.com.