Eli Markowitz

Eli Markowitz, a decorated U.S. Army veteran of World War II, passed away of complications of smoke inhalation from a California wildfire on May 16, 2019 after a 19-month battle to recover. Unfortunately, he did not. During the chaotic mandatory evacuation, he drove his daughter to safety. He was 91 at the time of the fire. He died at age 93.

Eli was born in Elizabeth New Jersey and grew up in Bronx, NY.

Mr. Markowitz served in combat in WWII, earning medals for several successful campaigns including the battle of The Rhineland, which was especially important in accomplishing the Allied victory. He suffered a head injury after being blown out of a church steeple while firing "tracer bullets" to "lay down fire" with the lighted bullets glowing in the snow and ice helping our troops know it was safe to proceed. A Nazi sniper saw the tracers and Eli was the only one who survived the blast. He was still a teenager.

Eli was sent home from the U.S. Army in 1946 when his father unexpectedly died.

He is survived by his only daughter Robin Markowitz and his many nieces and nephews including Cary Markowitz.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Rose and Isadore Markowitz, his very beloved wife of 53 years, Lucille, his 4 brothers, Milton, David, Michael Marks (50 years old), Mel Marks, his neice Rhonda (20 years old), and nephew Stanley (59 years old).

He became a telecommunications expert, first free-lancing and then working for Motorcar Parts of America since 1968, founded by his dear brother Mel. Eli began as warehouse manager in several locations including Atlanta, GA and Huntington Station, NY, a sales representative, and finally managing MPA's factory in Torrance, California until he retired at 87.

Among his hobbies were Koi fish keeping, enjoying major league baseball, reading about WWII and enjoying music until he lost his hearing and had to retire. Among his favorites were Harry Belafonte, Peter, Paul and Mary, Pete Seeger, Frank Sinatra and Bob Dylan.

He lived in his home in Orange, California until he passed away in Beverly Hospital in Montebello, CA.

Eli is profoundly missed, especially by Robin and also by the local friends he made in the neighboring area.