John C. “Skip” Markonish Jr., 76, of Whitman died quietly at home in the arms of loved ones on Saturday, October 27 after an extended illness.
Born and raised in Boston, he is the son of the late John Sr. and Eugenia (“Jennie” Zinkowski) Markonish and brother of the late Robert Markonish.
A U.S. Army veteran, Skip had served in the Southwest working on missile guidance systems. He retired after over 33 years with New England Telephone as a journeyman cable technician.
An avid fisherman from about the age of 14 through the end of 2011, he was a familiar silhouette along the Cape Cod Canal. Skip had a treasure-trove of fish stories and pictures to prove most of them. He also designed and manufactured his own lures. He was a member of the Mass. Striped Bass Association and Hanson Rod & Gun Club. He enjoyed history, photography, astronomy and antique books; also travelling to visit his widely scattered family and friends.
He is survived by his wife, Lee (Perry) Markonish; daughter, Debbie Mattee and son-in-law Tom Mattee of Henry County, GA; granddaughter, Melissa Mattee of Athens, GA and many loving cousins, nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at Blanchard Funeral Chapel on Plymouth St. (rte. 58 at the rotary) in Whitman, MA on Saturday, November 3rd at 11am. Visitation with the family will be available from 10-11am.
The family would appreciate donations made to a charity of your choice in Skip’s name.