John J. Markowski Sr.

John J. Markowski Sr., 81, of Rutland, died Sunday, June 18, 2017, with family at his side.
He was born Jan. 20, 1936, in a farm house in Florence, Vermont, the son of Albert and Jane (Krysztofik) Markowski.
Mr. Markowski attended Pittsford Barstow High School. He married the love of his life, Mamie LaVecchia, on Aug. 24, 1957.
Early on, John worked for General Electric and then as a self-employed carpenter. Later, he and his wife served as foster parents for all of Rutland County and were recognized as Vermont Foster Parents of the year in 1985-86. He was also a para-educator for the Rutland Public Schools for many years.
He was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Rutland. He was an avid Red Sox fan and he loved attending all of his grandchildren's sporting events. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, camping and cake decorating, but above all else, he enjoyed spending time with his family. John was a treasured husband, father, grandfather (Dzia-dzia), brother and uncle. He was a quiet and gentle soul loved by all and he will be dearly missed.
Survivors include his children, Tafi Baker and her husband, Nick, Kevin and his wife, Mary, and Nick Markowski, all of Rutland, John Markowski and Lynn Markowski, of Brandon, Faith Bernal and her husband, Joseph, of Bomoseen, and Karen Markowski, of Troy, New York; a brother, Stephen Lizewski, of The Villages, Florida, and a sister, Jeanette Shatila, of Gainsville, Florida; 17 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
John was predeceased by his wife, Mamie, in February 2002; his parents, Albert Markowski, Steve and Jane Lizewski; and his daughter-in-law, Debbie Markowski.
The funeral service will be held at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church on Thursday at 11 a.m. A reception and celebration of life will be held at the Rutland Country Club immediately following the service. Private burial services will be held at a later date.
Contributions, in lieu of flowers, may be made to The Pines Activities Fund, 99 Allen St., Rutland, Vermont, or The Vermont Foster Parent Association, care of Clifford Funeral Home.