George W. Markham Jr.

In Loving Memory of George W. Markham, Jr. George W Markham, Jr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, veteran, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 17, 2026, at the age of 79.Born and raised in the Chicago area, he was deeply rooted in family, hard work, and service. As a young man, he enjoyed bowling and excelled at the sport, earning numerous trophies and accolades. He attended St. Mel High School, and was a graduate of Morton College on June 17, 1967. His family owned multiple businesses, including Frank’s Hot Dog Restaurant on Cermak Road in Chicago, and the Markham Food Store at 14th Street and Kenilworth Avenue in Berwyn, where he learned the values of dedication, responsibility, and community.On June 24, 1967, he married the love of his life, Cynthia Marie Markham (née Bialek) at St. Roman Catholic Church. Their marriage began with an unexpected challenge when he received his draft orders during their honeymoon. Shortly thereafter, he proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War from 1967 to 1969. His bravery and heroism earned him four Bronze Stars. Though he rarely spoke about his experiences in Vietnam, those who knew him understood the profound sacrifices he made in service to his country.One of the most treasured moments of his life was meeting his firstborn son, Michael Alan Markham, in Hawaii when Michael was six months old. Eighteen months later, he and Cynthia were blessed with their daughter, Cheryl Lynn Markham. Together they built a loving home and family, moving from Fort Hood, Texas, to Cicero, Illinois, and eventually settling in Glen Ellyn, where they began their life in the suburbs and created countless cherished memories.Professionally, he enjoyed a successful career in banking, serving as Vice President of Operations at Harris Bank in Chicago. Through hard work, integrity, and leadership, he earned the respect of colleagues and friends alike. He retired at the remarkably young age of 55, allowing him to devote more time to family, travel, and the pursuits he loved most.In 1993, he welcomed a wonderful son-in-law, Ronald Skalski, with whom he shared a close and special bond. His family continued to grow when his son Michael married his sweetheart, Maria Rosa Ferrara, in 1995.While he was proud of many accomplishments throughout his life, nothing brought him greater joy than becoming a grandfather. Nicholas Tyler Skalski and Cristina Rose Markham were truly the lights of his life. He delighted in spending time with them, sharing stories, attending activities, creating memories, and doing all the wonderful things that only a grandfather can do. He never missed an opportunity to spoil them and show them how deeply they were loved.He will be remembered for his quiet strength, unwavering devotion to his family, humble courage, generous spirit, and deep love for those closest to him. His legacy lives on through the family he cherished and the countless lives he touched.He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Cynthia Marie Markham; his son, Michael Alan Markham, and daughter-in-law, Maria Rosa Ferrara; his daughter, Cheryl Lynn Markham, and son-in-law, Ronald Skalski; his cherished grandchildren, Nicholas Tyler Skalski and Cristina Rose Markham; and many extended family members and friends.He was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed, but his memory will remain forever in the hearts of all who knew him.