Stephen Joseph Markus III

respected public servant, passed away on June 14, 2025, in Fort Myers, Florida. He was 78 years

old.

Born on October 31, 1946, in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, Stephen grew up in Carteret, where he

attended local schools. He was the beloved son of the late Pearl (Szabo) Markus and Stephen

Joseph Markus II. In 1976, he moved to Florida, first settling in Lehigh Acres before making Fort

Myers his permanent home. He was preceded in death by his dear sisters, Olga Kuchma and

Alice Davis.

Stephen dedicated over 30 years of his life to fire service, marked by his lifelong devotion and

distinguished leadership. He began his career after attending fire school in Fort Myers and

furthered his education at Edison College. He later earned a Bachelor's Degree in Public

Administration from Barry University and completed the esteemed Executive Fire Officer

program at the National Fire Academy. Rising through the ranks at the Lehigh Acres Fire

Department, he eventually served as Assistant Fire Chief. He later became Fire Chief of the Fort

Myers Beach Fire Department, where he served with honor until his retirement.

Stephen is survived by his devoted wife, Rosalie Giammanco Markus, his faithful partner in life.

He is also survived by his loving children: Ryan Markus and his wife Lindsay, and their children

Bryson and Bella; and Trisha Gil and her husband Carlos, and their children Carlos Jr., Giana,

Tara, and Madison. He is also survived by his brother, William Markus and his wife Viola;

brother-in-law Anthony Giammanco and his wife Sandy; and many nieces and nephews.

Stephen’s legacy of love, service, and strength will live on through his family and all those whose

lives he touched.

Funeral services will be held at Hodges Funeral Home at Lee Memorial Park, 12777 State Road

82, Fort Myers, Florida 33913.

 Visitation will take place on Friday, June 27, 2025: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

 Additional visitation will be held on Saturday, June 28, 2025: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM

o Funeral service at 2:00 PM

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Stephen’s memory to

the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting our nation's heroes and their families. www.T2t.org