John M. Markum

"Belchertown - John M. Markum, 95, of Ware Rd., died on June 7, 2012 at home. He was born March 23, 1917 in Venus, Lithuania, son of Jonas and Dominique Markunas. John and his family left Lithuania when he was 13, relocating to Barre, MA. He then moved to Athol for many years, before moving to Belchertown in 1963. John worked as a farm hand for the University of Mass in Amherst for 20 years. Many people may remember John as The Bird Man, as he raised different species of tropical birds over the years. He was predeceased by his wife Pauline (Azubilius) and a son John Markum. He will be missed by a son, Richard Markum of Whiteford, MD and daughter Pauline Reid of Lenox, MA. He also leaves four grandchildren, David Markum of Australia, David Reid of Mesa, AZ, Linda Reid of San Francisco, CA and Susan Reid of Seattle, WA and two great grandchildren Jessica and Josh Markum of Australia. A graveside service was held on Saturday, June 9th in Gethsemane Cemetery in Athol. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, June 16th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Francis Church in Belchertown. Donations may be made in his memory to the Belchertown Senior Center. Beers & Story Belchertown Funeral Home was entrusted with the arrangements. "