Richard J. Markovich, 82, father of Ohio Academy of Family Physicians Past President Renee Markovich, MD, FAAFP, passed away on October 11, 2025, in Akron, OH.
Richard was born on May 4, 1943, in Warren, OH, to the late John and Pauline Markovich. He graduated from Champion High School before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force. After four years of honorable service, he returned home and began his career as a licensed electrician, retiring from Delphi Packard after 32 years of service.
Richard’s family was part of a tight knit Hungarian community and through family connections, he found himself on a blind date with a beautiful girl named Carol Hallock. Even though Richard wasn’t a skillful dancer, he managed to charm Carol. They fell in love and married on May 18, 1968, and remained devoted to each other until Carol’s death in May of 2025.
They resided in Vienna, OH, where they raised their two children, Renee and Todd, and Richard was a dedicated baseball and softball coach throughout their youth.
Richard and Carol were were longtime members of St. Michael’s Byzantine Catholic Church in Hermitage, PA. They loved to travel and made wonderful memories on trips to Hawaii, Alaska, and beyond. They also looked forward to trips to local casinos.
Richard was an avid sports fan until his last days and always enjoyed a good book.
In support of their daughter Renee’s career, Richard and Carol became involved in the OAFP Foundation (Foundation) and received its Philanthropist of the Year Award, a recognition that celebrates outstanding civic and charitable responsibility and encourages others to take philanthropic leadership roles on a community, national, or international level, along with Renee in 2014.
As Carol struggled with dementia, Richard became a selfless caregiver. He learned how to cook and handle household duties that were always Carol’s domain. He and Carol were regulars at the Yankee Kitchen in Vienna, OH, and the staff there became like family.
In addition to his parents and beloved wife Carol, Richard was preceded in death by his son, Todd Markovich; brother and sister-in-law, Leonard and A. Jeanne Markovich; brother-in-law, Joseph Angelillo; and sister-in-law, Ofelia Markovich.
Richard will be dearly missed by his daughter and daughter-in-law, Dr. Markovich and Donna Donaldson; daughter-in-law, Jodi Markovich; grandchildren, Jerry, Christopher, and Sazah Markovich; great-grandson, Leo Markovich; sisters, Rosemary (Matt) Kalas, Elizabeth Angelillo, and Loretta (Don) Yocum; brothers, Joseph and Steve (Dorothy) Markovich; and many nieces and nephews. Richard also leaves a special niece who was like a daughter to him, Marie Shreves. He also loved his grand dogs, Gracie and Benny.
Richard’s family would like to extend their thanks to all the staff and administrators at the Village of St. Edward in Green for all their help with both mom and dad. And a special shout out to Larry for being a good dinner buddy to Richard.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, October 22, at 7 p.m. with visitation for one hour prior at the Newcomer Funeral Home located at 131 N. Canton Rd. in Akron.
A Divine Liturgy will be celebrated at St. Michael’s Byzantine Church in Hermitage on Sunday, November 2, at 4:30 p.m.
Richard will be interred, along with his wife Carol, at a later date in the spring.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Village of St. Edward Foundation.
Due to Richard’s special connection to family medicine, the OAFP Board of Directors felt it was especially appropriate to make a memorial donation to the Foundation in his memory.
For years I always looked forward to seeing Mr. Markovich’s beaming smile whenever I attended OAFP family events. He was a kind and generous soul who was a blessing to many during his journey here on earth. My deepest condolences to his family and all who are feeling a tremendous emptiness in the absence of this dear human who is now in the presence of the Lord.