John Joseph Markowitz

John Joseph Markowitz, 94, of Woodlyn passed away peacefully in Frederick, MD on March 16, 2017. He was the son of the late John (Markiewicz) and Anna Galasiewicz Markowitz. He was a retired machinist from Westinghouse.

John is predeceased by his beloved wife of 63 years, Elizabeth (Betty) Markowitz, who passed away 23 days before him on February 21, 2017; brothers Joseph Markowitz of Darby and William Markowitz of Folsom, and two sisters Anna Storiali and Stella Neiman.

He is survived by his son, John Paul Markowitz of Cantonment, FL and daughter Mary Ann O’Donnell of Mesa, AZ. He was the loving grandfather of Jared and Emily Balogh, Jake O’Donnell, and Lee Markowitz. First and foremost, John was devoted to his family in every way. His many interests included, woodworking, gardening, birdwatching, woodcarving, dancing, opera, Broadway musicals, baseball, history, visiting museums, and telling a good joke. His passion for learning and travel was passed on to all who loved him. John served in the Army Air Corp in the 490th Bomb Group of the 850th Bomb Squadron during WWII. As a ball turret gunner in a B-17, he flew in 28 missions over Germany and France, both in combat and doing food and supply drops to both troops and civilians. His planes were shot down twice, forcing him to parachute to safety. Many of his squadron were lost during those missions.

A graveside service is planned at Mt. Hope Cemetery, 4010 Concord Rd, Aston, PA, on Monday, March 27 at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, contributions in John’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org)