John T. Markello

John T. Markello, 89, of Robinson, IL, died July 3, 2020, in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his beloved family. He was born July 2, 1931, in Cicero, IN, the son of Mike & Margaret (Dionisio) Markello. He grew up in Clinton, IN and was a 1949 graduate of Clinton High School. He would go on to proudly serve in the U.S. Army as a general clerk of the G2 Intelligence Section in the European Headquarters. Throughout the course of his service, he stayed in touch with Martha Manship, who he'd eventually marry on May 6, 1955. They moved around from Terre Haute and Bridgeport before finally settling in Robinson in 1962. It was here he found work as an accountant with Marathon, for whom he worked for over 30 years before retiring in 1986. He enjoyed a long and satisfying retirement, as he and Martha were able to enjoy years of travel. They visited nearly every U.S. state, and were especially drawn to both Florida and Myrtle Beach, where they stayed annually. Time at home often found him building out of scrap pieces of wood and metal that no one else wanted. A product of the Great Depression, John saw even the smallest of things as valuable. A "penny pincher" through and through, if he saw something on sale, he'd buy it in bulk! He saw value in taking care of himself as well. Every morning, he'd exercise and choke back a shot of an elixir he called, "Joggin' in a Jug". He was also known to bike, go on evening strolls, and was a regular at the City Pool (he would swim laps until close nearly every summer evening). Though he took care of himself, it was evident that his heart beat for others. He would regularly put their needs before his own and was generous with what he had. He was the first place you'd turn to if you needed help. His home was a safe haven when the world around you was crumbling. In short, he was a rock, the sturdy and reliable foundation for his family. The way he lived pointed to the God in whom he placed his trust. A longtime and active member of the Robinson First United Methodist Church, we have the assurance that the "with God" life that John lived continues on, in a place where disease and death are no more. He survived by his son, Gregory Markello (Robinson, IL); by his grandchildren & their spouses, Christy Weger & Bobby Hayes (Robinson, IL), Jeremy Markello (Robinson, IL), Candace Markello (Seattle, WA), Kathy & Cody Miller (Flat Rock, IL), Jennifer & Michael Trivett (Robinson, IL), and Jonathon Murray (Robinson, IL); by his great-grandchildren, Jordyn Weger & Blake Moore, Rebecca Trivett, Blake Trivett, Jesse Trivett, JJ Markello, Madalyn Miller, Ally Miller, JT Miller, Laura Miller, Chase Markello, Maci Markello, Garrett Markello, Cobin Hayes, and Brick Hayes; by his great-great-granddaughter, Raylynn Moore; by his sister, Dorothy Cox (Terre Haute, IN); as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mike & Margaret Markello; by his wife, Martha Markello; by his daughter & son-in-law, Laura & Michael Murray; by his daughter-in-law, Peggy Markello; by her granddaughter-in-law, Jennifer Markello; by his twin great-grandsons, Logan Markello and Landon Markello in infancy; and by his siblings, Annie, Julia, and Jim Markello. A time of public visitation will be held from 12:00-2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 8th at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson. PLEASE NOTE THAT COVID-19 GUIDELINES WILL BE OBSERVED. SOCIAL DISTANCING MEASURES WILL BE IN FORCE, AND THE FAMILY REQUESTS THAT ALL ATTENDEES WEAR FACE COVERINGS. A private family service will then be held at the funeral home with Celebrant Curt Goodwine officiating. The public may take part by viewing the livestream of his service at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday. This can be done on Goodwine Funeral Homes' Facebook page or by going to https://www.goodwinefuneralhomes.com/live-stream/live-stream. Burial will be in the Robinson New Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the “First United Methodist Church” or to the "NOW Program", a program that sends supplemental food home on weekends with a number of students in the Robinson School District. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.