Remembering Brendan Marx

Longtime Scarsdale resident, attorney, father, friend, athlete, and philanthropist.

Brendan Marx, 67, a devoted father, accomplished attorney, and cherished member of the Scarsdale community, passed away on May 31, surrounded by his loved ones, after a courageous five-month battle with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.

Known for his quiet strength, kindness, and unwavering integrity, Brendan leaves behind a legacy of exemplary legal work, boundless love for his family, and a deep commitment to serving others.

Over a career spanning more than four decades, Brendan practiced law in New York with great distinction, culminating as a Principal at Offit Kurman. His clients included individuals, businesses, and organizations across a wide array of industries—from education and entertainment to manufacturing and nonprofit sectors. He was especially proud to represent charities, cooperative corporations, and condominium associations. Colleagues and clients alike described him as a brilliant litigator and one of the kindest people they’d ever met.

Brendan was born in Bronxville, NY, on December 9, 1957, to his parents, Roland and Patricia (Johnson) Marx and raised in Yorktown Heights with his three siblings. His childhood was filled with joy and adventure, shaped by parents who instilled in him the value of education, hard work, and above all, family. During middle school, Brendan’s family relocated to Paris, France - a place that awakened in him a deep connection to his heritage. Though not one for tattoos, he often joked that if he ever got one, it would say “La famille avant tout” ("Family above all"). He continued studying and practicing French throughout his life.

Service to others was central to who Brendan was. He devoted countless hours to charitable work, most notably through Hitchcock Presbyterian Church’s Midnight Run Program, where he regularly prepared and delivered food and clothing to the homeless in New York City for the past 15 years. His children have vivid memories of visiting Blythedale Children’s Hospital, delivering Thanksgiving turkeys to families in need in the Bronx, and welcoming a young girl into their home through the Fresh Air Fund.

While Brendan would be embarrassed to receive the accolade, he was a serious athlete - a marathon runner, cyclist and triathlete at the highest level. His favorite sport was skiing, although he did it less regularly. Less than 10 years ago, he became an IronMan champion. Brendan instilled in his children a love for running and biking. Weekends were filled with family bike rides, local 5k races, triathlons and impromptu backyard obstacle courses.

Above all his roles, Brendan’s greatest joy was being a father. He loved his three kids more than anything. His children describe growing up with him as “like magic,” recalling weekend adventures that ranged from hiking, white water rafting, to building life-sized igloos and sleeping under the stars in their backyard.

He is survived by his three children Kira Marx, her fiancé James Seidman, Lindsey Rappaport (Marx), son-in-law Michael Rappaport, Ryan Marx, and daughter-in-law Lauren Marx (Wiener); his beloved life partner Melissa Beverly; his former wife and mother of his three children Sandi Marx and their stepfather Keith Marshall; his father Roland Marx; his three siblings and their partners Robert Marx (Nancy Marx), Audrey Alonis (Joe Alonis), Elisabeth Marx (John Marco); his stepdaughters Colette and Celeste DiLauro; his grandchildren Jack and Jordan Rappaport; and his seven nieces and nephews Hayden Marx, William Marx, Andrew Alonis, Patrick Alonis, Amelia Alonis, Linus Marco, and Nina Marco. Brendan’s memory and impact will remain with each of them every day. 

Brendan’s family is raising funds in his memory for research on Glioblastoma disease. Learn more and donate here.