Stephen F. Markell

Markell, Stephen F. EAST GREENBUSH Stephen F. Markell, of East Greenbush, died on March 9, 2010 after a brief illness. The son of Charles B. and Mabel F. Markell was born in Brookview, N.Y. in 1914. At Castleton High School, Mr. Markell met Marjorie Miller of Schodack Landing and, without hesitation, recognized the love of his life. The couple married in 1939, raising four children, Clark S. (Joyce) of Minot, N.D., Lynnette (Bernard) Noonan of Castleton, N.Y., Eric M. (Ellen) of Newcastle, Wash. and Stephen J. (Tammy) of Milton, Pa. Mr. Markell led 4-H Club activities, was a longtime member of National Grange, served as trustee of Greenbush Cemetery Association and remained a member of Van Rensselaer Lodge No. 87 F&AM for over 65 years. Over those same decades, he poured his energy into support of ministries of Greenbush Reformed Church, including service on the founding board of directors of Sunshine Day Care Center. He took pride in upkeep of the historic church properties. Mr. Markell represented Schodack and surrounding towns in the Rensselaer County Legislature from 1972 until his retirement 16 years later. He used elective office to support measures to promote growth in the county and enrich communities where families thrive and give each other a helping hand. His work as a chemical operator, painter and maintenance foreman at Sterling Drug Co. in Rensselaer, covered the demanding production years of World War II and ended with retirement in 1978. He was predeceased by his beloved Margie in 2000 and by his sister, Ruth Cox of N.C. He is survived by sister and kindred spirit, Marvell Jordan of East Greenbush. Daughter-in-law, Barbara B. Markell of Red Hook and many nieces and nephews enjoyed bonds of affection. Thirteen grandchildren brought light and joy, Scott Markell and Seaman AEAN Jeffrey Markell of Goshen, N.Y., Matthew (Major Katharine) of San Antonio, Texas, Kathryn (Christian) McMurray of Arlington, Va., Sarah Markell of Brookline, Mass., Alexandra Ahearn of Newcastle, Joanna Markell (Steven Williams) of Klamath Falls, Ore., Andrew Markell of Belgrade, Mont., Andrea Markell of Minot, Jennifer (Andrew) Edmonds of Durham, N.C., David Noonan and Sarah Landry of Albany, N.Y., Kimberly Worobey and Jonathan Worobey of Castleton. Three great-grandchildren hold the future, Robinson Edmonds, Lucy Markell and Joshua Markell. In recent years, Mr. Markell was blessed to be part of the congregation at Nassau Reformed Church and its local ecumenical ministry. Funeral services will be at Greenbush Reformed Church, 688 Columbia Tpk., East Green-bush at 11 a.m. on March 13. Friends are invited to call at Rockefeller Funeral Home, 165 Columbia Tpk., Rensselaer from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, March 12. Anyone wishing to make a memorial donation in Mr. Markell's name may contact Nassau Resource Center, 495 Main Street, Nassau, NY 12123.