Obituary
Phil Markham, 83, of The Villages, formally of Herkimer, NY, passed away peacefully on March 13, 2018 after a long battle with cancer. His family and long-time companion Judy Grande were by his side.
Phil and Judy moved to The Villages in 2012. Phil was an avid golfer and he was looking forward to golfing on the many courses in The Villages. He did golf, but, after being here for a few months his neighbor and best buddy, Charlie, introduced him to pickleball. Pickleball became his “number one” past time. He played every day at either Chula Vista or Santiago courts. It was there at the courts that he made great friends. When he was battling cancer his wonderful pickleball friends were cheering him on and the ladies gave him many hugs. He also liked to play poker with friends and enjoyed reading.
Phil was born in Rochester , NY, the son of Lewis and Mildred (Hill) Markham. After graduating from Wayne Central High School he enlisted in the Navy. Phil served our country during the Korean War. He later graduated from RIT and became a comptroller for various corporations. After taking an early retirement, he and Judy became partners in an antique business, P & J Antiques in Herkimer, NY.
Phil is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Shelley. He leaves behind his companion and friend of 33 years, Judy Grande, and his many family members that he thought the world of. His two sisters Cherie Markham of The Villages and Joan Maestas (Matt) of New Mexico. His seven wonderful children: Stephen Markham-Schenectady, NY, Leslie Markham-The Villages, Ellen (Walter) Dick-Schenectady NY, Tracy (Don) Nelson-Warsaw, NY, Douglas Markham-Greene, NY, Jim (Carol) Markham-Forestville, NY and Christopher (Bonnie) Markham- Long Valley, NJ, seventeen grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind Judy’s children Catrina (Chip) Griewahn-Richmond Hill, GA, and Daryl (Angie) Grande-Fort Wayne, IN, and 5 grandchildren.
The family will be holding a private celebration of life. They also want to thank Compassionate Care Hospice, especially Shanell and all the great pickleball friends, many other friends, and neighbors that came to visit him. Donations may be sent in his memory to Moffitt Cancer Center Foundation, PO Box 23827, Tampa, FL 33623-3827.
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