Albert "Al" Marks

Albert "Al" Marks, a deeply beloved, courageous, and compassionate man made his journey into Heaven on Saturday, August 07, 2021. He was 89 years old. A native of Budapest, Hungary, Al came to Houston in 1947, as a Holocaust survivor. He attended San Jacinto High School and then served in the US Army during the Korean War. After being stationed in Germany for two years, Al returned to the US in 1954 and married his high school sweetheart, Sarah Dvoretzky. They became the parents of two daughters and a son. Al worked as a salesman for many years while pursuing his dream of being a musician. His perseverance created the "Al Marks Orchestra," a sound of the 40's dance band. They entertained ballroom dancers at historic Houston icons including the Shamrock Hilton, Rice Hotel, and Petroleum Club. The orchestra brought joy to thousands of Houstonians for more than four decades, performing at New Year's Eve galas, weddings, Apollo Moon Landing parties, and numerous other events. In 1978 he opened his own ballroom, Melody Lane. Al's immense love of opera and his knowledge of European culture inspired him to found "Al Marks Tours and Travel" in the late 1980s. For more than 25 years he escorted travelers on magnificent opera tours across the globe. Passengers delighted in his charming personality and enthusiasm. So many people remember Al for his "unforgettable weddings," and "trips of a lifetime," but clearly one of his greatest legacies is that of a Holocaust educational speaker. He was highly sought after as a lecturer at schools, churches, and Marches of Remembrance held throughout the city of Houston. These heartfelt, compelling speeches left lasting impressions on everyone who heard them, especially students. One of his most emotional experiences was meeting the soldier who liberated him from his fourth and final concentration camp, and Al never failed to mention this in his talks. As a survivor of tragedy, he always had a heart for the downtrodden and underprivileged. He was extremely sensitive to the plight of orphans and widows, always going out of his way to help those in need. He bought a special, modified car for his crippled cousin, thereby transforming that cousin's life. Al also took pride in delivering gift bags to children, especially the mentally disabled and less fortunate. Despite his sad childhood, Al had an amazing sense of humor and positive attitude about life. He loved to laugh, tell jokes, and find the good in all situations, even challenging ones. His favorite operetta, "The Gypsy Baron," contained the words, "You can do just as I if you try, if you try." This became one of Al's mottos. Nothing made him happier than playing music with his daughters, one a pianist, the other a violinist. If he had the opportunity to combine comedy with music, he was truly overjoyed. He was the life of any party. Al is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 67 years, Sarah; daughter and son-in-law Karen and Scott Aarons; daughter and son-in-law Martha Marks and Joel Bromberg; numerous nieces and nephews. Al was preceded in death by his beloved son, David, a resident of the Brookwood Community. Without question the greatest joy in his life was his beautiful wife. In his own words he exclaimed to her, "I have experienced the worst of life and the best of life. I can go through anything as long as you are with me." Graveside services will be held Thursday, August 12, 2021 at 10:00 AM, at Emanu El Memorial Park, 8341 Bissonnet St., Houston, TX 77074 For those desiring to honor Al's memory, donations may be made to Holocaust Museum Houston or visit https://hmh.org/ , Star of Hope or visit https://www.sohmission.org/ , or Houston Food Bank or visit https://www.houstonfoodbank.org/ to join by zoom please click the link https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81875351212

Albert "Al" Marks

November 6, 1931 - August 7, 2021