Larry David Markowski passed away on February 9th, 2022, at the age of 61, in the comfort of his home in Butler, PA. He was surrounded by his loving family as he ended his 22 month fight against pancreatic cancer. Despite the pain, he remained brave and strong until the end, and faced his challenges with a smile.
A carpenter by trade and member of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters, Larry was a dedicated employee of the Pittsburgh Public Schools for 30+ years. He was enjoying retirement in his ‘country paradise’, and could be found riding his tractor around his fields, swimming in his pool, practicing at the firing range, antiquing, or enjoying time with his family and grandkids. He never turned down a chance to use his expertise to help family and friends with remodeling or construction, and loved working until the very end, building a 300 ft privacy fence while undergoing chemotherapy treatments.
Larry will be dearly missed by his family, most of all by his wife of 40 years Lori (Ritchie) Markowski, with whom he had three children who gave him six beautiful grandchildren. Daughter Jessica, son-in-law Andy Lattner, and grandson Jason will forever cherish their memories with him, as will daughter Amber, son-in-law Patrick Kelly and grandsons Avery, Alden, and soon-to-be baby Alec. Larry is also survived by his son Larry Jr., wife Milana, and grandkids Mary and Andre. In his last days, Larry was surrounded by extended family, including nephews Zach (Erika) Sokol, Eli (Elizabeth) Sokol, brothers- and sisters-in-law Chris & Cathy Sokol, Denny & Renee Soeder, and Erica Jones.
Born on July 24, 1960 to Janice (Ostrowski) and Adolph Markowski, Larry will be mourned by his mother, but will be reunited with his father in Heaven, along with his grandparents and other relatives. Many extended family members and friends will feel the loss of Larry, as he was a kind and generous man. He touched the lives of many with his acts of service, from the children he mentored and coached at baseball, to the hundreds of dogs he rescued that brought joy to the families he found for them. Larry’s charity extended beyond the monetary gifts he gave to various causes, as he would be the first to jump at the opportunity to help anyone in need. Even while battling cancer, he provided comfort to others and did not want them to be saddened by his diagnosis.
At Larry’s request, there will be no funeral or services. He never liked being the center of attention, and instead wished that trees be planted in his memory. Larry may be gone from this world, but his spirit of love and generosity will live on forever in the hearts of those who love him. Arrangements entrusted to SPENCER D. GEIBEL FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, 140 NEW CASTLE RD. BUTLER, PA 16001 WWW.SPENCERDGEIBEL.COM