Radojko Markovic

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Radojko “Rudy” Markovic, our devoted father, husband, son, brother, and friend on February 1, 2019. He died peacefully surrounded by his mother, Milja, his nieces, Dianna and Isabella, his wife, Laura, his sister, Rita, and his three loving daughters, Milanna,19, Mikella,17, and Dejanna,15, his angels and his champions, who were his pride and joy. He was 58.

Rudy’s determination to fight his illness surpassed the expectations of many. He never deterred from his goal to give it his best shot to battle to the end. Rudy was valiant in his efforts, unfortunately, his body grew tired and he had to let go.

A first-generation immigrant, Rudy was born in Racine, Wisconsin on April 14th, 1960. He was the first in his big Serbian family to be born in the U.S. The family moved to Phoenix, Arizona in 1973.

Rudy will be remembered for his fun-loving nature, kind heart, and generosity to all. His accomplishments span from being a pioneer for the first local Phoenix Serbian radio station, an astute accordion player and a self-taught magician with many tricks up his sleeve. His love of cinema began at the age of 14 with the 8-millimeter homemade films that took him to Hollywood where he earned his degree at Columbia College of Film.

Yet, Rudy will be most remembered for being a great father. He was present from the minute his daughters were born through every activity and accomplishments of their lives. And that he did, tirelessly. In a sea of soccer-moms and dance-moms, there was Rudy cheering on his girls. Not only did he rarely miss a dance performance—he participated in the Dad’s dance several years in a row. He passed on to his girls his love of film, music, and entertainment leaving them a legacy of family films in which they’ve each written, directed and starred.

He is survived by his parents, Uros “Russ” Markovic and Milja “Millie” Markovic, his wife, Laura Markovic with their three daughters, Milanna, Mikella and Dejanna, his step-daughter, Danielle Weaver, his sister Radmila “Rita” Walz, his brother-in-law James Walz and their two children Maximilian and Isabella Walz, along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, and far too many life-long friends to name.

We invite all family and friends to come and pay their respects.

Services will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, February 8th at Mariposa Gardens, 6747 E Broadway, Mesa, AZ, 85206, with holy services beginning at 7 p.m. The funeral will take place at 10 a.m. on Saturday, February 9th at St. Sava Serbian Church, 4436 E. McKinley St., Phoenix, AZ 85008.