JOEL MARKOWITZ Obituary

JOEL MARKOWITZ
On Tuesday, November 7, 2017 of North Bethesda, MD. Beloved son of the late Cantor Morris and Faye Markowitz; loving and cherished brother of Rabbi Chanan (Ellen) Markowitz, Bruce (Petrina) Markowitz, Stuart (Beverly) Markowitz, David (Stephanie) Markowitz and Saul (Bonnie) Markowitz. Treasured uncle of Nina (Joshua) Markowitz, Sarah (Igor) Grobman, Brian (Jenna) Markowitz, Joshua (Anna) Markowitz, Tova Markowitz, Eric Markowitz, Michelle Markowitz, Andrew Markowitz and Brandon Markowitz. Proud great uncle of Maksim, Chase, Ava and Declan. Also survived by many loving cousins, aunts, uncles and fiercely devoted friends.A native of Buffalo, NY, Joel was an outstanding academic scholar, prolific writer and a lifelong ice hockey enthusiast. His wry sense of humor was classic. He was a highly acclaimed and award-winning theater and performing arts critic. Joel was the founding editor-in-chief and publisher of the DC Metro Theater Arts, the largest on-line source of performing arts coverage in the Mid-Atlantic United States. He promoted and encouraged the professional careers of countless and grateful performing artists who also mourn the passing of an adored treasure. Joel will be greatly missed by his loyal family, friends and the national theater community. His lifelong legacy of loving kindness and generosity will endure forever.Graveside services will be held on Thursday, November 9, 2017 at 1:30 p.m. at Garden of Remembrance Memorial Park, 14321 Comus Road, Clarksburg, MD. Family will be observing Shiva Thursday, Saturday, Sunday evening at the home of Bruce and Petrina Markowitz with Minyan at 6:30 p.m and continuing Monday and Tuesday evening with Minyan at 7 p.m. at the home of Stuart and Beverly Markowitz. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the ALS Association, 7507 Standish Place, Derwood, MD or to JSSA Hospice, 6123 Montrose Road, Rockville, MD.www.shomreineshama.com

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Published by The Washington Post from Nov. 8 to Nov. 10, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for JOEL MARKOWITZ

13 Entries

Jacqueline Brown

April 16, 2024

Joel was a dear friend. Our friendship; he was a brother (to me) from another mother. I saw him the summer of 2017. I met one of his brothers and nephew. I went to see him at his apartment. He wasn´t able to speak, but his face lit up for joy when he saw me. His brother invited me to have lunch with them. That was the last time I saw my friend. Joel, helped me promote my play, "A Conversation With The Man Who Killed My Son." Joel gave me pointers and constructive feedback about my play. I was the play, "Rumors," in 2011. The play had a twist. I played "Officer Welch," as a female. Joel came to see the play. I saw my very first review of me on dc metro arts theater. I didn´t know him then. But, two years later in 2013, I contacted him about my play, and he was very helpful. He sent John Stoltenberg to review my play. Joel also gave me a job as a critic. I went and reviewed countless plays. I will always remember Joel´s kindness to me. I miss him.

November 10, 2017

Our sincere condolences to the entire Markowitz family. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.Ruth Hawthorne, Corresponding Secretary Riverside High School

Tina Lurie-LoTenero

November 10, 2017

My sincerest condolences to the Markowitz family. I grew up in Buffalo, and went to Ahavis Achim synagogue. I knew Cantor Markowitz and I went to school with David. I'm so very sorry for your loss.

W S

November 9, 2017

Among my Yahrzeit Lights, yours will always burn brightest. Please, make certain that you, Our Brother Gary, and of course Vince, all save my seat in the theatre, because I will get there later than you guys. Can't wait to sit with all of you someday. Lehishtame'a, Yechiel ahuvi (you were always indulgent with my Goyische Hebrew).

John McDiarmid

November 9, 2017

Joel gave a lot of happiness to many people.

Lawrence Harris

November 9, 2017

May Joel's memory memory be a blessing to his family. I only knew Joel briefly but I could tell he was a kind soul. I came to know Joel after the death of a friend and that Joel helped care for him towards the end. Joel will be missed.

November 8, 2017

As an actress in the DC area I had the pleasure of seeing Joel whenever he came to see one of our shows. He always knew what to say to make you feel special and had a way of leaving everyone with a smile on their face after chatting with him. I was so sad to hear about his struggle with ALS and while I'm very sad he's gone I'm trying to find peace in knowing he's out of pain. I'm so happy I had the oppotunity to know him! I am verysorry for your loss and will continue to keep your family in my prayers!

Peter Schott

November 8, 2017

I remarkable individual, so dedicated to promotion of the theater arts. Traveled with him often to NYC as part of Ushers. Made it easier for me to become part of theater community in Rehoboth

Nancy Goldberg

November 8, 2017

I am so sorry to hear about Joel. I always enjoyed talking with him. Please accept my sincere condolences to his entire family. Sincerely, Nancy Goldberg

Diane Carroad

November 8, 2017

Missing Joel -- his passion, exuberance, humor, energy, and generosity. He shared so much information about the DC-area theater community and publicized new performers as well as experienced ones and small, community theaters and established professional ones. The DC-area theater community will always remember Joel's dedication to expanding our awareness and helping artists and venues. He left us too early but I hope he is at peace now.

November 8, 2017

My deepest sympathy to the family during this time of sorrow. May you find comfort in the fact that the Almighty God will make you firm and He will make you strong. He will firmly ground you during this time of grief. 2 Peter 5:10

Wendy Leibowitz

November 8, 2017

Joel introduced me to many theaters that I never knew--and I'm a DC native. His love and enthusiasm for the theater and for everyone connected to the arts made our city, our community and our world much richer and more entertaining. In a world of harsh critics, Joel never, NEVER saw a show where there was nothing or no one to admire, praise and remember. I know he's in paradise now--and his paradise has several shows a day. He's organizing celestial theater groups as I type. I will try to emulate his kind eye whenever I go to the theater, and Joel taught me never to cancel plans due to bad weather. He's from Buffalo.

Morgan Hoover

November 8, 2017

Will always remember Joel for his friendship, his concern for the less fortunate, his ability of overcome difficulties, his courage in dealing with his ALS and for his devotion to the theater arts. He and collaborated together in doing a review of a Kennedy Center tribute to Joan Rivers on his theater arts website and that along with the time we spent together dining out, etc will ba always be one of my favorite memories of the time I spent with Joel.

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