SARATOGA SPRINGS — Stephen Markovits died March 12, 2014 at his home. A cherished husband, father, son, brother, cousin and son-in-law, he resided in Saratoga Springs for 35 years.
Mr. Markovits grew up in Middletown. Following graduation from high school in Middletown, he attended the University at Albany, earned his law degree at Albany Law School and practiced law for over 32 years. He also served as general counsel to Orange County Choppers Holdings, Inc., the company featured on the TV reality series Orange County Choppers. A principal in Captive One Advisors LLC, he also served as a part time faculty member at the University at Albany’s School of Business. Steve lectured on tax and estate planning issues for the New York State Bar Association, Albany Law School’s Institute of Legal Studies, and other groups. He published a number of articles in the Saratoga Business Review and various journals, and in the 1990s, he served a term on the Saratoga Springs Zoning Board.
Steve had a life-long love affair with music and loved jazz. The group he played with while in law school performed in weddings and small venues. He was also a skilled tennis player and enjoyed boating on the Hudson River and Saratoga Lake. He had a pilot’s license and loved to fly. He had a generous heart and when needed, quietly offered his services to others.
Steve is survived by his devoted wife, Ilsa P. Markovits, and loving son, Justin who is completing his Master’s Degree in International Tax Law at the University of Miami. He is also survived by his mother, Evelyn Markovits, of Saratoga Springs and Deerfield Beach, Florida; his sisters, Fredda Markovits Finell of New City, and Ava Basri and her husband Dr. Ray Basri of Goshen; his dear cousins, Dr. Brad Ruthberg, who was like a brother to him and his wife Dr. Judith Ruthberg of Niskayuna and their daughter, Dr. Kara Ruthberg of Montville, New Jersey; his mother-in-law, Josephine Pasciullo, brother-in-law Nicholas Pasciullo and his wife Nancy Hubley of Pittsburgh; nieces, Jessica Finell and Dayna Basri of New York City, Grace Pasciullo of Boston, Dr. Erica Pasciullo of Washington, D.C.; nephews, Jason and Ben Basri, and many other cousins, aunts and uncles. He is preceded in death by his father, Jerome Markovits, a former Judge and Mayor of Middletown.
Steve was a member of Temple Sinai in Saratoga Springs. Gifts in his memory may be made to the Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund of the Temple, 509 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Those who would like to visit with the family and offer condolences are invited and welcome to come to Temple Sinai Tuesday, March 18, at 7:30 p.m.
Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes of 628 North Broadway (518) 584-5373.
Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.
