Obituary of Joseph E. Markert
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Joseph E. Markert, age 81, who departed this life on Friday, September 29, 2023, at the Center for Hope Hospice in Scotch Plains, New Jersey.
Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on August 28, 1942, to H. Joseph Markert and Eleanor, Joseph spent his formative years in Westfield and Summit, New Jersey. The heart of North Plainfield, New Jersey was his home for the past 55 years.
An alumnus of Oratory Prep in Summit, NJ, Joseph pursued higher education at La Salle University, Philadelphia, PA, where he attained his BS in Engineering. His engineering mindset wasn't just limited to his professional pursuits; it shone brightly in his personal life too. A lover of home improvements, he was often immersed in a project, always finding ways to better his home environment. His hands, adept from his academic learnings, were frequently busy fixing things around the house, showcasing his passion for practical problem-solving.
Joseph further honed his academic prowess by achieving an MBA from Fairleigh Dickinson University. It was during these years that he displayed his commitment to the country by proudly serving in the Army National Guard. Professionally, Joseph's engineering acumen found a place at Johnson & Johnson. Later, he delved into HR and marketing as Deputy Director of Manufacturing at Firmenich, a fragrance and flavor company in Plainsboro, New Jersey for 15 years.
His most enduring professional legacy, however, was as an Assistant Professor at Rutgers University. Joseph taught at Rutgers for 53 years, serving on many committees during that time. Teaching was very meaningful work for him that he thoroughly enjoyed.
Joseph was a longtime communicant of St. Luke’s Roman Catholic Church in North Plainfield.
Childhood summers were joyfully spent at Medford Lakes, NJ, in a cherished log cabin—a place so dear to his heart that he later built a similar abode in Manchester, Vermont in 1986. The allure of the outdoors was ever-present in his life. Whether canoeing, sailing, body surfing, or skiing, Joseph reveled in nature's bounty. His love for the outdoors extended to a beautiful floral and vegetable garden and the pride of splitting his own firewood well into his 70s.
Ocean City, New Jersey, held a special place in his heart, a tradition passed down from his grandparents to his parents and then to his own family.
Vermont - His love for Vermont spanned over 50 years. He was completely happy to be gardening, maintaining the cabin, skiing with friends, and eventually skiing with his wife and daughters.
His overall personality was happy, fun, hard-working, and friendly. He made friends easily and loved talking with people.
Beyond all his achievements and passions, Joseph's true joy was rooted in family. Together with his beloved wife, Sandra, they were a testament to enduring love, just over a month shy of celebrating their golden 50th wedding anniversary on November 11.
He leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories with his wife, Sandra Markert; daughters, Suzanne Cea (Daniel) and Pamela Thompson (William); grandchildren, Henry, Andrew, and Natalie; and siblings, Rosemary Jewkes, Patricia Markert, Helene Streams, and Richard Markert.
Joseph's life was a testament to his love for the outdoors, the mountains, and most importantly, his family. His spirit, passion for nature, and the cherished memories he created will forever remain etched in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
Memorial donations may be made to the Multiple System Atrophy Coalition.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, October 19, 2023, from 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at Higgins Home For Funerals, 752 Mountain Blvd., Watchung, NJ 07069. A funeral service will be held on Friday, October 20, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home, followed by an interment at Hillside Cemetery, Scotch Plains, NJ
