Alan Markovich

Alan was born on April 3, 1955 to Rudy and Helyn Markovich in Elyria, Ohio. The first college graduate in his family, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from the Ohio State University in 1977. He continued his education at the University of Dayton, earning a Master of Science in Education in 1990. Even though he moved out of Elyria in 1973, he never lost his love for the Cleveland Browns and Indians, his favorite teams.

Political science continued to be a lifelong passion for Alan: he served on the Upper Arlington Board of Education from 1992 to 1996, and was an avid reader of political blogs and journals even in his last months.

Alan had a long career in higher education administration, which he concluded by serving as the registrar of Hocking College in Nelsonville, Ohio for almost two decades.

Alan’s life was marked by unassuming service and small acts of affection for those around him, by making coffee, taking care of laundry, and crafting perfect cocktails. He found joy in spending time with friends and caring for his lawn, gardens, cats, and many houseplants. He knew how to sit in contentment at every stage of his life.

The biggest source of joy for Alan was his family: wife Lisa, daughter Lindsey, son Nick, and especially his granddaughters Ellis and Arden. Alan spent as much time as possible with Ellis and Arden and had a really special bond with both.

Alan and Lisa traveled extensively. Favored destinations in recent years included India, Morocco, France, Spain, Germany, New York, Northern California, and New Orleans. Even in sickness, he continued to travel, visiting family and friends in California and taking a final family trip to Lake Erie. While traveling, he could often be found with a cup of coffee and a neatly folded copy of the New York Times, or enjoying a cocktail and nosh with friends and family.

Having served as an altar boy in the Serbian Orthodox Church in Elyria, an abiding and quiet faith remained with him through his life.

He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Lisa; his daughter Lindsey (Brian) Long, son Nick (Rachel) Markovich, and cherished grandchildren Ellis Markovich, Arden Markovich, and baby Markovich. He is preceded in death by his parents, Rudy and Helyn Markovich, and sister Kathi Martin.

In lieu of a service, a celebration of life will be held in the coming months. Memorial donations may be made in Alan’s memory to PanCAN, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, or to the ACLU of Ohio.