Edward Lee Markowski

Edward Lee Markowski passed away peacefully in the presence of family on August 9, 2025. Born on December 2, 1942, Ed was a lifelong resident of the Akron area.

Ed graduated from Archbishop Hoban High School in 1959 and so began his life long commitment to the Hoban Knights. Following in his footsteps Ed's five children and nine grandchildren also graduated from Hoban. He was a staunch supporter of his alma mater his entire life.

After graduating, Ed continued his education at the University of Akron, graduating with a degree in accounting. Ed proceeded to spend his career working as an accountant. His career included working at Goodyear, Rex Humbard Industries, Park Farms, several ambulance companies and finally retiring from Wayne Homes.

While Ed was an accomplished accountant and a loving family man, everyone knew his other passion was the Friday night lights and his work as a football referee. For 50 years, Ed was an active high school and college football referee. For thirty of those years he was the rules interpreter, taking his job very seriously. Ed also spent many years teaching the next generations of officials.

Ed was a member of the Summit-Portage Football Association, the Ohio High School Athletic Association, and also was a referee for NCAA football. In addition, due to his continued work with high school football and as a judge for grade school volleyball, Ed was inducted into the CYO Hall of Honor. Friday nights and Saturday mornings during football season were truly Ed's favorite time of the year.

Ed married the love of his life, Joan, on February 23, 1963. The two lived in Akron, Green, and finally in Cuyahoga Falls. Ed and Joan enjoyed sixty-two years of love, laughter, travel, and puzzles. They raised five children and welcomed nine grandchildren.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Anne Markowski; brother, Walter (Barbara) Markowski, and son Michael Markowski.

Ed is survived by his wife Joan (Benninger), and children, Jeffrey Markowski, Susan Kurtz (Robert), Dr. Kevin Markowski (Helene), and Anne Marie Markowski. He is also survived by his nine grandchildren, Dr. Ashley (Dr. Dan Martin) Markowski, Andrew Markowski, Dr. Alexia (Dr. Andrew) Rust, Jonathan Markowski, Abbigail Kurtz, Athena Markowski, Samuel Kurtz, Joseph Markowski and Benjamin Kurtz.

Calling hours will be Wednesday, Aug. 13, 4-7pm at Hummel Funeral Home, 500 E. Exchange St. Akron. Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday, Aug. 14, 10am at Holy Family Church, 3179 Kent Rd. Stow. Internment to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Archbishop Hoban High School Markowski Family Scholarship Fund.