Erwin George Markowitz

Biography

WORCESTER - Erwin George Markowitz, age 94, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, January 18, 2018.  He leaves his wife, Judy (Kline) of almost 57 years; a son, David, and his wife Barrie of Manhattan; and a son, William, and his wife Lisanne of West Hartford, Connecticut, in addition to four grandchildren, Alex and Rachel of Manhattan, and Jacob and Max of West Hartford.  His sister Judy Kern predeceased him.  He also leaves two nieces, Debbie and Amy Kern, and a nephew, Bruce Kern.
He was born in the Bronx, New York, son of Abraham and Grace (Kurland) Markowitz.  He lived in several communities in New York and New England, (attending 10 schools in 12 years) before moving to Worcester and graduating from Commerce High School.  Shortly thereafter during World War ll, he enlisted in the Army and served as a medic, primarily in France.  Recently, his service was honored, being highlighted in the book, “My Father’s War,” by Charley Valera.
After the war ended, he and his father founded Red Knit Mills, a textile manufacturing company.  Originally on Lamartine Street, in 1969 they moved their expanding operation to Auburn.  Throughout his life and even more so once he retired, he pursued his many hobbies – photography and darkroom work, skiing, carving decoys, target and skeet shooting, and fly fishing.
His passion for the outdoors along with his nature and wildlife photography never ceased. In his darkroom, he also developed and printed his own black and white photos.  Over the years, his photos have won awards and appeared in many jury shows including at the Griffin Museum of Photography, the Fitchburg Art Museum, The Ward Museum (MD) and in Black and White Magazine.
In 1965, his competitive target shooting expertise took him to Israel where he represented the United States at the 7th Maccabiah Games, winning a gold medal.  He continued his target shooting and became a Lifetime Master of the NRA.  He was the oldest member of the Worcester Pistol and Rifle Club.
His love of fishing and the outdoors was passed on to his sons. He was fortunate enough to enjoy many trips with them to Maine, New Brunswick, Labrador, and out west to Montana, Wyoming, and as far away as Alaska. With Judy, the two of them traveled to Ireland, England and Scotland, where he always found a little time to sneak in some fishing. Closer to home, you could often find him at the nearby Swift River. When weather kept him indoors, you could find him tying flies at home.
At the age of 90, he journeyed to Africa with his camera and captured some outstanding wildlife and scenic photos. Of all his destinations, this is where he wished he could have returned.
Among the numerous organizations to which Erwin was a member was the Jewish War Veterans Post #32 of Worcester, a former member of Congregation Beth Israel, the Jewish Healthcare Center, the Worcester Art Museum, the Atlantic Salmon Association, Ducks Unlimited and Trout Unlimited.
A tribute to a life well lived will be held at Congregation Beth Israel, Jamesbury Drive, Worcester at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January  23, under the direction of Richard Perlman of Miles Funeral Home of Holden.  Burial will be in B’nai B’rith Cemetery.  Immediately following interment, memorial observance will be held at his residence with services at 5:00 p.m. and also on Wednesday at 5:00 p.m.
Memorial Contributions may be made in his memory to the Jewish Healthcare Center, 629 Salisbury Street, Worcester, MA 01609; the Atlantic Salmon Federation, 14 ME-24, Brunswick, ME 04011; or the Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome Foundation, 411 Longbeach Parkway, Bay Village, Ohio 44140.