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George Markley Obituary
November 2, 2021
George Jeffrey Markley, age 75, of Fairfield, CT passed away on Tuesday, November 2, 2021 in Fairfield at home with his wife and children by his side, the conclusion of a months-long struggle with lung cancer. As George's focus was invariably on caring for others, many were unaware of his illness as he never wanted his diagnosis to be a source of pain or sadness for those around him. He was born in Quito, Ecuador to Dr. Ludwig and Martha Markley, lived briefly in Bridgeport upon arriving in the U.S., and spent nearly every year of the rest of his life living in Fairfield. He truly loved the community he built there.
George was a graduate of Colby College, where he met his wife Chris, to whom he was married for 51 years. He went on to attend New York University Law School, worked for the firm of Goldstein and Peck in Bridgeport for over twenty years and then established his own law practice in his beloved Fairfield. Much more important to George than his professional accomplishments, were his efforts to do good for others in the community. He sought to do so actively through the Fairfield Rotary Club, the Fairfield Foundation for Education, as co-president of the Fairfield High School PTA, as a volunteer leader at Bridgeport's Downtown Cabaret Theater, as a mentor to children in Bridgeport Public Schools, recruiting for Red Cross blood drives, as a board member at Bridgeport's Park City Hospital, as leader of Fairfield's Holocaust Commemoration Committee, and through so many other groups and organizations as well.
At the core of George's being was his love for Congregation B'nai Israel in Bridgeport, where he served as President, and then as Regional President and North American Board Member for the Union for Reform Judaism. He proudly served as Chair of the Board of the URJ Eisner Camp, where his son and daughter-in-law met and his grandchildren now attend. He was blessed to find a second synagogue home at Temple Beth Shalom in Needham, MA, where his son has served as rabbi since 2006.
George is survived by his brother, Milan Markley, of Denver, CO, his wife Chris Markley, of Fairfield, CT, his children Rabbi Todd and Michele Markley of Needham, MA, and his beloved grandchildren, Mia and Adam.
Due to COVID circumstances, the funeral and memorial observances will be held privately. Those who wish to view the funeral service online can do so by visiting www.greensfuneralhome.com for a live stream at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, November 5.
George's family asks that those who knew him share memories and stories of him through this online form so they can hold onto them for years to come:
bit.ly/GeorgeMarkley
Donations in George's memory can be made to Congregation B'nai Israel, 2710 Park Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06604, or to Rabbi Markley's Discretionary Fund at Temple Beth Shalom, 670 Highland Ave., Needham, MA 02494.
Memories and Condolences
for George Markley
Sponsored by Abraham L. Green & Son Funeral Home.
50 Entries
Wayne Markley
December 15, 2023
The passing of my father's younger brother, thus my uncle, George Markley, was the day before his birthday and on my birthday. While I doubt any of my circle of friends ever met George, if you had you would have never forgotten him. He was one of the best lawyers in Fairfield/Bridgeport CT. A man of compassion beyond words. A devoted follower and leader in the Jewish Reform movement. A father of one of the coolest people I know, who happens to be a Star Wars fanatic, (geek) and a brilliant Rabbi, my cousin Todd. A devoted husband to my Aunt Chris, who like him, devoted her life to helping others, by teaching for years on end. And he was my friend. I knew him as far back as I can remember, going back to when he was in college. Over the years he was someone to talk with at my grandparents family dinners. He was always there to lend an ear when my younger self was frustrated with the adults. In later years he offered me invaluable legal advice for the decade I ran my own business, sadly almost always involving some lawsuit or another. And in later years, after my mum had passed, he was a fellow traveler along with his family, and ours, as we would all meet one a year somewhere different across America. I had so many discussions with him about politics, law, religion, and most of all the family history. Which surprising I knew a story or two he didn't. He knew an amazing amount of our families history, both before the Holocaust and after. But most of all of he was perhaps the kindest man I have ever met (with maybe the exception of his big brother). He was kind just because it was the right way to be. To everyone. Whether it was a law client to a temple member or to a stranger. His warmth and kindness was almost overwhelming. It was impossible not to feel better after meeting him of having a chat with him. A long running joke between us was he was born the day after me. Nov. 3. (Well, it was really before me as he was older) and always complained I screwed it by coming one day too early. Sadly he passed on this day, my birthday a few years ago. So while so many people offered me such kind wishes, I think it is only right I offer praise to a much greater man than me on this day. He is dearly missed by everyone who knew him, and I am one of those. There is a Jewish saying that is said when someone passes, "May their memory be a blessing". With George it was never truer.
James L Morice
November 13, 2023
The Morice's express collective condolences to George's entire family.
George's presence positively effected each member of our family in very personal ways. His friendship and cousel will be missed.
George and I met in 1976; then and on many occasions since that time he expertly guided and handled a number of sensitive family matters for us. I cannot recall meeting a person more giving and less demanding than he.
A briliant memory is his smile and animated happiness when he completed my adoption of my wife's children following our marrage - a complex and highly sensitive matter that blessed us all.
Baruch Ata Adonai Eloheinu Melech HaOlam, Dayan HaEmet.
Sally Goldstein
October 27, 2023
It was fate that I met George in 1997. With him in my corner, I knew I could rely on him to guide me. He was one of a kind. Blessed to have known him. Brilliant and compassionate.
Sally Goldstein
Louise Karoli Gallagher
October 27, 2023
Remembering fondly, George.....from years gone by at Goldstein & Peck. Your Life is Eternal, as is your Memory. Best regards to Chris, Todd & family.
Sally Goldstein
October 28, 2022
Hard to believe it´s been a year since George has passed. One of the best mentors in my lifetime. A good mensch. In my thoughts always and blessed to have known him.
Bernie Lynch
June 11, 2022
With sincere condolences to the Markley Family. George's many contributions to the Fairfield community, his advice and guidance, his time and generous commitments is an enduring legacy that will inspire many.
Susan & Gerry Callahan
December 3, 2021
So very sorry to hear this news about George. He always had a welcoming smile and was truly a gentleman. I know him from all the PTAs and the Scholarship Foundation. He was a joy to work with. I always considered him a friend. Always enjoyed seeing him marching at the Memorial Day Parade. The world is a sadder place without him.
Glen Keiser
November 20, 2021
George was so kind and caring. He will be sincerely missed.
Barbara Gold
November 10, 2021
George was one of the first people I met when I joined the URJ (then UAHC) Board. His warmth put me and anyone he encountered at ease. I loved working with George and had lively, happy chats at meetings and Biennials. After I left the Board, our paths again crossed at The Rashi School in Massachusetts where his grandchildren and my grandchildren went to school. It was the loveliest of reunions. George was a treasure - may his memory be for a blessing. Barbara Gold, Succasunna, New Jersey
Brad Durrell
November 10, 2021
George was a great guy who did so much for the community. Knew him from our time in Fairfield, politics, and the Bridgeport School Volunteer Association (we served on the board). He was passionate about many things and truly cared about others, including the less fortunate. We didn't always agree but always had interesting and productive conversations; I will miss those conversations. My sympathy to his family.
Alice LaPrise
November 6, 2021
George was a true gentleman and he will be missed.
Alan Cooper
November 5, 2021
Chris, we are do sorry to hear about George. Our condolences to you and the family. We have fond memories of George, both professional and personal. It was an honor to have George as an officiant at our daughter Allison´s wedding
Mitch Teta
November 5, 2021
George was very much a mentor to me. When I decided to start taking appeals, he spent countless hours with me on the phone helping me through the process. We caught up a few months ago, and neither of us told the other that we each had cancer. I very much regret that now. George was an incredibly kind and generous man, and I will certainly miss him dearly.
Jennifer S. Carpenter
November 5, 2021
My deepest sympathies to the Markley family. The Town of Fairfield has lost a bright star. George was one of the nicest people and put so much care into everything he did. He will be greatly missed, but his memory will always be honored and celebrated.
Claire DeVidas
November 5, 2021
Words cannot describe the kindness of this man. He was always the first person I would refer my clients to for appellate work. He was so smart and fun to work with. Never seemed stressed out, took everything in stride. Money never seemed important to him. He was always happy to give advice and help in any way he could. He lit up a room with his happiness. I wish his family peace in the knowledge that he taught so many so much and really made an impact on everyone he encountered.
Debra Greenwood
November 5, 2021
George was a gentleman, who was kind to everyone who had the privilege to know and meet him. He love family, faith and community and will be sorely missed. Our sincerest condolences to his entire family
Brenda Kupchick
November 5, 2021
My sincere sympathies for the loss of George. May your family find comfort in the love and memories you shared together.
Linda Lambeck
November 4, 2021
George and I crossed paths several times but the most memorable one was in December 2001 in a hallway in the David Cidatel Hotel in Jerusalem. We were both getting ice.. The hotel was empty due to 9/11. He was there because his son was in the rabbical school down the block. We were there for our youngest son's Bar Mitzvah. We also knew each other through subsequent missions to Israel, B'Nai Israel and his work with the Bridgeport School Volunteer Association. He was a really great guy. So sorry.
Lori Murchison-Chervin
November 4, 2021
The world is a better place because of George, one of the kindest people I have ever known. I am so sorry to hear of his passing! May your memories of him be of comfort as you grieve.
Joe and Karen Varco
November 4, 2021
Dear Chris and Family:
We were saddened to hear of George's passing. Please accept our condolences and may he rest in peace.
Joe and Karen Varco
Bunny and Arnold Kaplan
November 4, 2021
Dear Todd and family,
Our heartfelt sympathies go out to all of you at this most difficult time. Just reading his list of accomplishments especially within his community gave us a wonderful glimpse of who he was. We send you our most sincere condolences
Warmest regards,
Bunny and Arnie
Louise Katherine Karoli Gallagher
November 4, 2021
Dear Markley family,
My deepest condolences in your beloved George´s passing......I worked @ Goldstein & Peck from 1968-1985.........I will remember George with admiration, always. Memory Eternal.
Geri and David Spollett
November 4, 2021
We are so very sorry, Chris and family. George was a kind and generous man and we know his loss is heart-breaking. We hope you know that we want to help and support you in any way we can.
We met George on our trip to Israel 30 years ago. It was a Jewish/ Christian study group that involved much more than site seeing. George was a valuable member of the group, helping move forward discussions with sensitivity and thoughtfulness. It was the hallmark of George´s personality. His commitment and generosity to the Fairfield community was ever-present. We will remember him always as a person who made a difference in our lives and the lives of so many.
Trina Novak
November 4, 2021
Meeting George over 30 years ago made a massive impression on me. I was co-chair of TBS's Children Center Committee and a new member of the then TBS Board of Directors. We participated in a Board/Leadership training, and George was sent by the Union to be our teacher. He was dynamic and enthusiastic as he gave his presentation, and he made quite the impression on this newly minted leader.
Over the years, when I ran into George at various events and conferences, he always greeted me with a smile, a kiss, and a catch up conversation. I felt that I had his full attention and interest, no matter how many people were demanding his time and attention. George treated me, and everyone else, with compassion and respect.
When a good person, a Tzedek, leaves this world, those of us left behind feel the weight of their loss. I join you in mourning George's passing while appreciating the legacy he left, through his family and through all of us who were touched by him. His memory is a large Blessing to us all.
Sending much Love ~ Trina
Sherri Carignan
November 4, 2021
I knew George from URJ regional and National events as well as a connection to Eisner through my kids. George would always stop to talk to me and, I´m sure lots of others, whose only connection was Reform Judaism and whatever topic was in the room at the moment. He was a real true mensch! Very engaging and made you feel seen and welcome. He will be greatly missed by more people than you know
brian silvestro
November 4, 2021
George and I both had a love of public schools both in Bridgeport and Fairfield. He was always encouraging me to do more. A very special man. I had a closing with George not too long ago. I always look forward to working with George because it was a chance for us to catch up on family etc. I will miss him greatly.
Maggie Silverstein
November 4, 2021
I´m very sorry to hear of George´s death and send love and sympathy to Chris and his family. I´ve known George since I went to work at the Cabaret in 1989, when we worked together for the Theatre for almost ten challenging years. George´s dedication on the Board of Directors was a valuable contribution to keeping the Theatre going, and he was always fun to work with! My husband, Jon, and I continued our friendship after I left the Cabaret, and we appreciated his interest in our family, his very good nature, and his legal help as well. Jon and I send our very best wishes to George´s family and particularly to Chris
Marilynn Rothstein
November 4, 2021
George was my coach for one of the URJ's Board Workshops that I facilitated. He was kind, patient, and creative: the perfect coach for me at that time. I am sure those qualities were part of his every day being and that his memory will be a blessing for all who knew and loved him.
Michael Dowling
November 4, 2021
Between 1980 and 1990 I encountered George on the elevator of 955 Main on the way to our respect law offices--G&P on 7, W&H on 9. He'd say hello, smile, and talk a bit. One night I saw him in the State Street garage unable to start his car. I jumped it with cables from my car. He thanked me profusely. When I'd see him at Fairfield meetings, he'd say hello, smiling in his disarming way, and we'd talk a while. George always had a positive attitude and professional approach to the matter at hand.
Terry Wynne
November 4, 2021
God rest your soul George. You were my inspiration to become an attorney. I will never forget you since you were always was there with a kind word. The world has lost a good man and an excellent attorney. My prayers and condolences go to Chris and his family.
Tony Derbyshire
November 4, 2021
I got to know George through Rotary and he set a wonderful example of service. A few months after my Dad died, we volunteered for a Rotary golf outing. We sat together on a park bench by a Tee and talked about all sorts of things as golfers made their way throughout the day. In the distance, WWII planes flew around a nearby airport, the same types of planes that my father flew when he was a pilot in the war.
George used to quote Einstein, saying 'coincidence is God's way of remaining anonymous.' I'll always remember that day for the planes and that I happened to be there at that moment to see them, and I'll remember George, that he happened to be in my life that day, being the good man that he was, knowing that I was still a little sad and spending time with me.
I'm saddened by George's passing, but I'm fortunate to have known him.
Downtown Cabaret Theatre
November 4, 2021
The voice of reason on the board of directors of the Downtown Cabaret for 33 years. Decades of council and wisdom. A true Cabaret Angel that dressed up for the roll! We'll miss you George.
Avon and Mary Kilgore
November 4, 2021
Chris, Todd and family, so very sorry to hear of George's passing. As neighbors I just found out recently of George's illness. Sending you our prayers .
Sally Goldstein
November 3, 2021
My deepest condolences. George was my attorney. I knew I could count on him. He held my hand through a messy divorce and later he encouraged me to open a hair salon, which I did with my daughter in Fairfield. George mentored and advised us through our business dealings. I knew I could find him at his office, knee deep in piles of folders! He´d make time to stop to chat. Always optimistic and generous with his time. He will surely be missed.
Marshall Gordon
November 3, 2021
Met George in the 1980´s at B´nai Israel he´s the Best of the Best
# 1 Mensch. George did it all, George don´t know when you had time sleep. Family and Friends In Memory of George
Howard Jaffe
November 3, 2021
There are few words that I can share which would even begin to capture the enormity of George's impact on so many people's lives. He was simply the mensch of mensches, always there to offer advice for your good, and not his own, rooted in wisdom, empathy, kindness and thoughtfulness. I cannot imagine there was a single person anywhere who had anything with the warmest and most positive things to say about him, because he was such a warm and positive soul. And of course, I am one of many who knows just how much his love for his family marriage him even more than the countless efforts and causes to which he devoted himself. I cannot even imagine how much he will be missed by all of you. I do not have to express the hope that his memory will be a blessing, as that is a foregone conclusion. I hope that you are all taking care of yourself as best you can, knowing how many of us share in your sorrow. Sending lots of love
Chris Burdett
November 3, 2021
George was not only a brilliant lawyer - he was one of the kindest and most generous people I´ve ever known. He was my colleague and my friend, and I am heartbroken to learn of his passing. I send my sincere condolences to his family.
Arthur Balbirer
November 3, 2021
George was brilliant. More importantly, he was a good and decent person. I had the pleasure of practicing law in the firm when he started out. His intellect was amazing.
I´m so sorry he is no longer with us.
Eve sher
November 3, 2021
George was my dear friend, my trusted attorney and my `go-to´ person for much needed advice whatever it was , always with kind and wise suggestions...and beyond patient with my many questions!...Todd was my daughter´s friend and Chris I will always consider a dear friend. I will miss George very very much , as he was a friend I will always think of with deep love and admiration. Such a religious and dedicated and energetic soul. A unique and wonderful man . I will miss you George.
Pam Foarde
November 3, 2021
I met George 11+ years ago as a founding member of the Fairfield Foundation for Education. We worked together on many fundraisers for the foundation and attended monthly meetings, year after year. (The photo below is from a fundraiser...with George's perpetual grin.) To say that George was consistently a positive force... a happy ray of sunshine, a glass-is-half-full-type of guy, is an understatement. The quote, 'If you can't find the sunshine, BE the sunshine'...is aptly fitting for George. He was tireless in his devotion to everything he cared about - anyone who knew George, knows this. It is no surprise to see the consistency of profound comments coming in. George was one-of-a-kind...an example to us all, of how we should live and love and treat others. Fairfield and the world just lost a bright light...but his legacy and spirit remain and will be a part of those he touched...forever. My deepest condolences to Chris, Todd, Michele, Mia & Adam. May God's love comfort you during this difficult time and give you the wisdom and strength to move forward.
Marlene Recchia
November 3, 2021
Thank you for all you have done for our community. You will be missed.It was always a pleasure to do business with you. The good Lord has an important job for you for sure.Rest in peace.
Rosemarie Corr
November 3, 2021
If ever there was a human being, friend, caring individual in this world, it was George. We have lost someone very special. My deepest condolences to his family. He will be sorely missed.
allan and Claire Shumofsky
November 3, 2021
We woke up to read the news. We have yet to find words to express our sadness.
david zimmer
November 3, 2021
known George, his parents and family for 70 years, the best person Fairfield ever had.
Chris Niedermeier
November 3, 2021
George was one of the most optimistic and caring people I knew. He always had a kind word for people he encountered. I am saddened to learn of his passing and hope you can smile when you think of his many kind deeds for others and for especially his Town of Fsirfield.
Karen McCormack
November 3, 2021
To George´s beloved family and friends:
Always a gentleman in my professional encounters with him. A kind, kind man. I will always remember George fondly. May you all find peace and comfort in the love he has left behind.
Karen McCormack
Beverlee and Richard Bookman
November 2, 2021
Dear Rabbi Todd, Chris, and Family,
We are so saddened to hear of the passing of your beloved father George. He was a terrific guy, and he will be sorely missed by all who were lucky enough to know him. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
XO
Jim Gallagher
November 2, 2021
George was a wonderful man and I have always been honored to call him my friend
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