Retired United States Bankruptcy Judge Bernard "Bernie" Markovitz passed away Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022, at age 83. Born to Cecilia and David Markovitz, in Pittsburgh, Bernie is survived by his wife, Anne, daughter, Susan, son, William, daughter-in-law, Cathy, and grandchildren, Ella, Jana, Zachary and Koa. Judge Markovitz graduated from Taylor Allderdice Public High School in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh. With limited means but a fierce determination, Bernie continued his education at Westminster College and earned his Juris Doctor from Duquesne University School of Law. Before being sworn in to the Western District of Pennsylvania's 6th bankruptcy judge Nov. 25, 1985, Bernie's notable career achievements included lieutenant commander in the United States Navy Judge Advocate General's Corps, assistant district attorney, assistant solicitor for the City of Pittsburgh Schools and a successful private practice for nearly 20 years. While he presided over thousands of bankruptcy cases during his tenure, the most visible was the Pittsburgh Penguins. During this case, Judge Markovitz barred the team's relocation writing "The Penguins are as much a part of the warf and woof of this community as are its other professional sports teams, museums, parks, theaters and ethnic neighborhoods." Bernie loved his family and friends with this same fierceness. While at Westminster College, Bernie met Anne Catherine (Cathy) Dalae. They married in 1966 and made Pittsburgh their home for almost 50 years before moving to Florida, the "Sunshine State".line A funeral service will be held Thursday, Dec. 22, 2022, at HODGES-KISER FUNERAL HOME in Fort Myers, Fla. In lieu of flowers or similar, the family asks that a donation be made to a charity of your choice in Bernie's name.

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Published by Triblive Online Only on Dec. 20, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Bernard Markovitz

Sponsored by Hodges-Kiser Funeral Home.

11 Entries

Bill Bercik

January 20, 2023

Judge Markovitz was a tremendous judge and a person of high intellect and integrity. I was fortunate to appear before him as a young lawyer. I am sorry for your loss.

Patricia Stark

December 27, 2022

I have known Cathy since we were in Kindergarten. My husband, Jim and I met Bernie shortly after he and Cathy were married. I think Jim took the photo for "Vote for Bernard Markowitz" poster when he first ran for public office. For years I had a"Vote for Bernie" in my attic - it may still be up there. Jim told me every time he saw Bernie in downtown Pittsburgh during their busy work days. And of course, we enjoyed having dinner with Bernie and Cathy occasionally when we were older.

Jackie Stein

December 22, 2022

I was one of Judge Markovitz' law clerks when I was a newly minted lawyer and he was a newly minted judge. He was everything you would want in a mentor. He was kind and also maintained high expectations for work product. He pushed me to reach goals I thought impossible. Working for him were some of the best years of my life. He always focused on family and was so very much in love with Cathy and adored his kids. My condolences to the whole family. He was a true mensch in every sense of the word.

Michael and Michelle Zeigler and Family

December 21, 2022

Uncle Bernie you will be missed so much. Michael has fond memories of playing basketball in the park while you were schooling everybody (including the teenagers)! Thank you for keeping the Pittsburgh Penguins in Pittsburgh! We truly enjoyed your visits to Washington State with Aunt Cathy. We always looked forward to the visits. You know Michael will always make sure Aunt Cathy is laughing. You will always be remembered as a fighter, wonderful Uncle, athlete, and very smart and witty man. We promise to keep your family close.

Joni/ Dick White

December 20, 2022

From Dick and Joni
With much love and deep respect we remember Bernie.
As freshmen and roommates together at Westminster, I have really wonderful memories of Bernie´s intellect and kindness. To the family , please accept our deepest condolences.
With much love and thanks for all the wonderful memories.

Mark Giloni

December 20, 2022

I met Bernie dozens of times on my morning dog walks. He was always very upbeat and friendly and a pleasure to talk to. He will be missed.

Richard Ekstrom

December 20, 2022

I met Bernie around 1970 when he was running for the state legislature, and I was a local committeeman in N. Point Breeze. I was new to Pittsburgh. I remember him as a very fine man.

Carole and Jack Miller

December 20, 2022

..sending our deepest and most heartfelt sympathies on learning of Bernie's passing. We will always remember him, our days at Westminster and many various gatherings we enjoyed after that with him, you, Cathy, and our families.We are honored to have known him. May the support of family and friends get you through these difficult days. Love from Carole and Jack.

Dan Haller

December 20, 2022

We had our legal battles over the years, but got to know and like each other. I am very sorry for your loss.

Harry Flannery

December 19, 2022

Having represented Penn Power in bankruptcy cases Judge Markovitz was truly representative of the scholarly judicial presence that men of integrity strive to emulate. My deepest sympathy to the family...

Eric Randolph

December 19, 2022

Judge Markovitz was my Bankruptcy professor in my time at Duquesne Law. He was an excellent instructor and in fact I appeared before him several times after graduation when Bankruptcy was a part of my practice. Always pleasant and always a gentleman. He will be missed.

Eric Randolph

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