Louis (Lou) Marchuk passed away on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at the age of 80.

Born in a labor camp in Germany on December 1, 1943, Lou spent his first years in a displaced persons camp before moving to a coal mining community in Belgium, and then immigrating to the United States in 1955 with his father, mother, and sister at age 11. Lou later moved to the Fairview Village section of Camden where, in the late 1960s, he met the love of his life, Dolores (D'Adamo), and they remained by each other's side until the very last moments of his life. Lou and Dolores were devotedly married for more than 53 years, having two children, Nikole (Schwender) and Adam (Marchuk).

Wickedly smart, and a life-long student, Lou was a graduate of Camden Catholic High School and Drexel University. An accomplished and highly respected civil engineer and professional land surveyor, Lou spent more than 40 years with the New Jersey Department of Transportation where, in the late 1990s, he served as the lead surveyor for the State of New Jersey to settle the longstanding boundary dispute between New Jersey and the State of New York over Ellis Island (where Lou, himself, arrived in the United States some 40 years earlier). He held leadership positions with multiple professional organizations, received numerous awards and accolades, and his contributions to the field are enduring. Always generous with his time, Lou was a mentor to many.

But where Lou made his greatest impact was in his humanity, and with his family and friends. For those lucky enough to fall in those categories, "Big Lou," as he was affectionately known, was larger than life. He left an immediate and lasting impression on everyone he met, and people were drawn to him. He was "that guy" - the one that everyone gravitated towards, wanted to sit with or talk with, or spend just a few minutes with, in any setting. He was a leading character in all the old stories, and a leader in life. Lou was sharp-witted and opinionated, and he loved to debate - about everything - even when you agreed. He was big-hearted and kind, the first to offer a helping hand to anyone needing it, and abundantly generous, never wanting any recognition or credit. He was uniquely authentic and lived his life with integrity. And he was the world's best Dziadzia - the title I think he cherished the very most in life.

Lou was loved. He leaves big shoes to fill, and words cannot describe how much he will be missed.

Lou is survived by his wife Dolores. His daughter Nikole (Schwender) and husband Michael, grandchildren Luke and Noah, and four-legged best friend, Harry. His son Adam (Marchuk) and wife Raven, and grandchildren Gabriel and Zackary. His son Louis J. Sr. (Vogel) and wife Sandra, grandchildren Louis Jr. and wife Stephanie, Matthew and wife Farah, Zachary, and Olivia, and great-grandsons Louis J. III (James) and John Richard.

Services will be held this Friday, January 19, 2024, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish Shrine - St. Lawrence Roman Catholic Church, 135 N. White Horse Pike, Lindenwold, NJ 08021. Visitation will be at the Church from 9am to 11am, with mass to immediately follow. His family will host a get together to celebrate Lou's life after the mass. All are welcome, and additional details will be provided.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to a charity of your choice in Lou's honor. If unsure, Lou was a strong supporter of Ukrainian charities and animal shelters and welfare organizations.

Services