Hilary Gbolarumi Atitebi Ganiyu Marquis was born in Lagos on June 1, 1950 to Mr. Joseph Pedro Ayodeji Marquis II and Mrs. Tryphena Marquis nee Callisto. Hilary attended Kings College, Lagos; Federal Government College, Sokoto; and Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria where he met his loving wife Dr. Belinda Agharese Marquis, nee Omo-Osagie. In 1978, they exchanged marital vows at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church Gbaja-Lagos. After receiving his Bachelor’s degree with honors, he performed his National Youth Service in Calabar, teaching art in a secondary school. His first job was at Lintas Nigeria LTD where he was a manager in the art department. He subsequently immigrated to the US with his wife and son for his Masters in Fine Arts at Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester NY. Hilary pursued his lifelong dream of graphic design and printing with passion and dedication. He founded Adplus Associates, a graphic design and printing company. He was a successful businessman and entrepreneur, attaining various accomplishments for his company.
Hilary was an exemplary husband, father, friend, and community advocate. He worked tirelessly to make a difference in each life that he touched. He was a Boy Scout, and a member of many organizations including: Rotary Club-Kings Park (former president), Egbe Isokan Yoruba (president), Greater Wyandanch Chamber of Commerce, Egbe Omo Yoruba, and Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed teaching and mentoring young children. He was a volunteer tutor at the Wyandanch Library and local schools.
Hilary was always ready to lend a helping hand whenever
requested. He would go an extra mile to help a friend in need. As one
friend described him, “he was a total gentleman”.
Mr. Marquis was a genuine renaissance man, with interests
that range from geography, history, and languages. He will attempt
to connect with anyone by speaking in their native language and
discussing their culture. He was a keen and unbeatable table tennis and
Squash player. Even his son took up Squash lessons in college to try to
beat his father.
He loved his adopted country, native country, ethnic Yoruba
tribe, his family and friends. He endeavored to propagate the knowledge
of Nigerian culture, especially the Yoruba culture. He loved his culture
so much so, that he initiated the Yoruba language classes at the Elmont
Public Library.
Hilary is survived by his wife Belinda Agharese; his children
Joseph Pedro Ayodeji III, Belinda Oyinkan, Yvonne Titilayo; his grandson
Joseph Paulo Ayokunle; his brother Lakunle, as well as many nieces,
nephews, and cousins.
Farewell gentle son of J.P.A Marquis from the illustrious city of
Lagos and ancient city of Oyo, Nigeria.
Sun re o. - Rest in Peace.
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