John Paul Markowitz

John Markowitz Obituary It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of John Markowitz on March 9th, at the age of 68, from a brief illness. A beloved husband, father, and grandfather, John will be missed by his family and friends.

Born July 10, 1956, in Chester, Pennsylvania, John was the son of John Joseph and Elizabeth Mildred Markowitz. John’s father served admirably in World War II. He was a Ball Turret Gunner in a B-17 and flew many missions during the war. John was very proud of his father and his military service. His mother, Betty, was a homemaker and a wonderful baker, giving John a lifelong love of apple pie.

John was a teacher of studio art and art history at the University of West Florida from 2000 until retirement in August 2024. Prior to UWF, he taught at Millersville University, Lancaster, Pennsylvania for 11 years. He was also a practicing artist, working in oil paint on canvas. He had a solo show at the Pensacola Museum of Art in 2021 and exhibited widely to much acclaim, winning numerous “best of show” and “juror’s choice” awards. John was an amazing painter and a caring teacher who influenced generations of students. He considered his interaction and mentorship with students his greatest achievement in life.

 John was an avid reader of biographies and art theory and had a tremendous recall for historical facts and quotes. He was also a capable administrator, having served the University of West Florida as Program Director for the Department of Art and Design from 2010-2016 and interim Chair of the English Department in 2016-2017.

 John is survived by his wife, Cheri, son, Lee Markowitz and his wife Kate, grandchildren Clark and Hal, stepson, Paul Stadden and his wife Jennifer, and grandchildren, Felicity, Greg and Hannah, and sister, Mary Ann O’Donnell and her husband Bill.