John W. Markert

MARKERT John W., former New Jersey state legislator and long time resident of the Pascack Valley, died June 2 at his home in Hobe Sound, FL He was 81. Markert spent more than 40 years as a community and state leader, successfully winning a seat to the NJ Assembly in 1975 where he served two terms before seeking election to the state Senate. Following defeat to an incumbent Democrat, he sought and won a third term to the Assembly, resigning mid-term to accept appointment as a deputy director in the state Department's Alcoholic Beverage Control commission. Markert began his political career in 1961 when he was elected to Washington Township's governing body amidst rapid growth, controversial school expansion and a need for increased municipal facilities. He became a leading force in a contentious effort to improve and expand the township roadways and drainage systems, and as mayor three years later he successfully ended the heated political debate to complete the program. He also served on the township's Planning and Zoning Boards and was an active member of the Bergen County Young Republican Club, the county Republican Club and both the Bergen County and Pascack Valley Mayor's Association. He joined Ronald Reagan's campaign when the President made his successful bid for election. Markert, who owned and operated what was once the Harmony House Bar and Grill on Pascack Road in the township, also served as President of the New Jersey Restaurant Association. Following a second marriage to Jean Chadwick of Nanuet, N.Y. in 1976, he and his wife moved to Westwood where they resided for 20 years until their move to Point Pleasant, N. J. They retired to Florida where they have resided for the past 12 years. Born in Union City, NJ, he was graduated from Union Hill High School, Union City and the RCA Institute of Technology in New York City. Markert was a U.S. Navy veteran of the Korean War. He is survived by his wife; two children, Mary Ann Vaccaro of Ponte Vedra, FL and Ruth Ellen Hala of Monroe, NY, both from a first marriage to the former Evelyn Garifalos (Vozza) of Westwood; and five grandchildren, Jorel, Lee and Anastasia Vaccaro and Edward and Evangeline Hala. A Memorial Service is planned for July 23 at the Forest Hills Funeral Home and Chapel, Palm City, FL, followed by graveside services at Forest Hills Cemetery.