Obituary of Victor Markowitz

Meet Your Neighbor            By Marlene Markowitz

Marleen was born in Passaic, New Jersey, and attended Passaic High School where she was in the national Honor Society.  Since her aunt and uncle were acrobats in vaudeville, they opened up Dotty Locker School of Dancing.  Marlene worked there as a receptionist after school.  Her sister, Susan,  took over the studio as Locker School of Dance years later, making it very successful.  Marlene received one of two scholarships given to graduating seniors to go to a teachers’ college and come back to teach in Passaic.  During her freshman year, she was introduced to a wonderful guy, Victor Markowitz, on a blind date.

Victor was born in The Bronx, New York, and attended Morris High School where he played the violin in the school orchestra.  He attended City College of New York, and entered the U.S. National Guard.  When his family moved to Passaic, he was introduced to Marlene.  They were married three years later and lived in Rutherford, New Jersey.  Marlene began teaching in Passaic, Rutherford, and West Milford, while Victor began to work for Bernan Food Corporation as a supervisor.

Five years later, son Michael was born, followed by daughter Jennifer three years after that.  Now, Michael has a degree in Marketing and lives with his wife and three sons in Florida.  Daughter Jennifer has two master’s degrees, is a social worker for hospice, and lives in central Florida.

After remaining home for several years, Marlene returned to teaching in East Orange.  Her school was named after Whitney Houston who went there as a child.  All the schools there were renamed after a Black American who made a contribution to society.  The Dionne Warwick School of Entrepreneurship, Cicely Tyson Academy, and Johnny Cochran School of Law are some of those schools.  Marlene’s thrill was meeting Whitney Houston, Bobby Brown, Sissy Houston, and Clive Davis from Arista Records.

Deciding to retire after thirty-five years, Marlene and Vic moved to Sun City Carolina Lakes.  Marlene’s sister, Carol Goldberg, also moved here.  Victor plays Pinochle, and Marlene writes the Meet Your Neighbor column.  They belong to LifeLong Learning, The Tri-State Club, The Shalom Club, Jewish Heritage and Learning and The International Group.

Marlene and Vic have traveled throughout most of the world on cruises, and say that the Catherine Palace in Russia, and Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial in Israel are their favorites. 

Some interesting side notes

Marlene and Victor’s show business family includes Marc and Goldie Walberg, and Gary Morgan.  Marc is the Host on Temptation Island, the Antiques Roadshow, and the traveling The Price is Right.  His wife Robyn is a veteran of Broadway, and was in the original Barnum with Glenn Close and Jim Dale.  Actress Demi Moore was a bridesmaid in their wedding.  Their daughter Goldie is in the Kansas City Ballet Company, while son Morgan is a naval officer.  Cousin Gary Morgan is an actor and stuntman, while his daughter Bonnie was a contortionist in the opening act of Paul McCartney’s tour.

If you saw the 2019 State of the Union Address, three World War II veterans were introduced by President Trump to the audience.  Marlene’s and Vic’ ninety-four-year-old uncle, with his thumb up in the air, stood up to applause.  His accomplishments during five major battles, starting with D-Day and including the Battle of the Bulge, earned Private Irving Locker, at age nineteen, promotion to staff sergeant in a combat zone.  After just eighteen months of service, being in charge of sixty-five men and anti-aircraft equipment was the achievement of a lifetime.  A Tribute by his captain said, “What God did not give him in stature he more than made up for it to move small mountains.  He is a giant of a man.” L

Victor passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Monday, July 29, 2019 with his beloved wife Marlene by his side.  He was buried back home at King Solomon Memorial Park in Clifton, NJ on August 1, 2019.

Memorials in Victor’s memory may be made to the charity of your choice.