Bernard (Bernie) Markovitz
MARKOVITZ: Retired United States Bankruptcy Judge Bernard (Bernie) Markovitz passed away on Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022, at age 83. Born to Cecilia and David Markovitz in Pittsburgh, Bernie is survived by his wife, Anne, daughter Susan, son William, daughter-in-law Cathy, and grandchildren Ella, Jana, Zachary and Koa. Judge Markovitz graduated from Taylor Allderdice High School in Squirrel Hill. With limited means but a fierce determination, Bernie continued his education at Westminster College and earned his Juris Doctor from Duquesne University School of Law. Before being sworn in to the Western District of Pennsylvania’s sixth bankruptcy judge on Nov. 25, 1985, Bernie’s notable career achievements included lieutenant commander in the United States Navy Judge Advocate General’s Corps, assistant district attorney, assistant solicitor for the City of Pittsburgh Schools, and a successful private practice for nearly 20 years. While he presided over thousands of bankruptcy cases during his tenure, the most visible was the Pittsburgh Penguins. During this case, Judge Markovitz barred the team’s relocation writing: “The Penguins are as much a part of the warf and woof of this community as are its other professional sports teams, museums, parks, theaters, and ethnic neighborhoods.” Bernie loved his family and friends with this same fierceness. While at Westminster College, Bernie met Anne Catherine (Cathy) Dalae. They married in 1966 and made Pittsburgh their home for almost 50 years before moving to Florida, the “Sunshine State.” A funeral service will be held Thursday, Dec. 22, 2022, at Hodges-Kiser Funeral Home in Fort Myers, Florida. In lieu of flowers or similar, the family asks that a donation be made to a charity of your choice in Bernie’s name. PJC
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