Veteran Buffalo radio newsman Ray Marks (Markiewicz) has died after a lengthy battle with cancer. His friends say Ray died at the Roswell Park Cancer Institute, where he was being treated as he continued his recovery from a bone marrow transplant.
Prior to the transplant one year ago, Ray was feted by friends and broadcasting colleagues at a gala fundraiser in Evans to raise money for his medical expenses. The love and respect for Ray from the hundreds who were there was clearly evident. Ray shared his courageous battle with cancer in a WBFO News story aired in 2014.
Ray Marks was best known for his years as news director at WGR 550AM and later at WBEN 930AM. Earlier in his career, Ray was a news producer at WIVB, Channel 4. He also served a stint as news director of WJTN Radio in Jamestown. After his retirement from full-time work, Ray contributed pieces to WBFO 88.7FM and served as an adjunct professor teaching communications at Medaille College.
Ray had a tremendous love of the outdoors. Before taking ill, he was providing fly-fishing lessons to veterans who were having difficulty adjusting to civilian life. He was the Buffalo area organizer for the national program Project Healing Waters.
According to his family, a wake and funeral are planned for Saturday, February 7th at the Addison Funeral Home, Main Street, Angola. Calling times: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and 6 p.m to 7 p.m. followed by a Memorial at 7 p.m.
Ray is survived by his wife, Barbara and two children, daughter Cheryl and son David, as well as grandchildren.
WBFO extends its sympathies to his family, friends and broadcasting colleagues.
