Joseph F. Markanthony

Long-time Easton resident Joseph F. MarkAnthony died Thursday December 10th, 2020 surrounded by his loving family after a courageous and well-fought battle.
Mr. MarkAnthony was born on May 10th, 1942 in Greenwich, CT, the son of Italian immigrants Joseph and Christina MarkAnthony. He was known as Joe to his friends, JoJo to his teammates, and Joe Pappy to his grandchildren. Athletics were a key part of his life growing up, and he spent much time at the Greenwich Boys and Girls Club. He graduated from St. Mary's High School, where he received many athletic awards having played varsity football, basketball and baseball. He graduated from Hofstra University, having attended on an athletic scholarship, where he played varsity football, wrestling, and lacrosse.
His focus on teamwork, leadership and selflessness led him to join the United States Marine Corp after graduating, serving fourteen years, including a tour in Vietnam. As a Captain and seven-time company commander, he was very proud of the fact that he never lost a marine under his command.
He was incredibly fortunate and blessed to have met two loves of his life. He married the first, Sally Ann Gavril of Hicksville, NY, in 1966. They had three sons, Joseph, Ben, and Mike. In 1978, he married Victoria M. Simpson of Garden City, New York. The two had 42 wonderful years together, raising Joe and Ben, spending time in their garden, traveling and enjoying life together.
Joe spent much of his career as a buyer for Norden Systems. He was also a gym teacher for Greenwich Catholic Middle School, and a football coach for Levittown High School, St Mary's High School, and Norwalk High School. His greatest passion, however, was woodworking. He built beautiful furniture, as well as most of his own home, but was most happy when building children's toys, hundreds of which have been donated to local charities as recently as this Christmas.
Mr. MarkAnthony is survived by His wife Vicki, his son Joe and his wife Colleen, his son Ben and his wife Maureen, sister Marie, grandchildren Joelle, Megan, Chris, Danielle, Kate, Anthony and Jayvon. He is predeceased by his first wife Sally and son Mike.
He will be buried at Long Island National Cemetery, next to Sally and Mike, in a private ceremony. Donations in his name may be sent to Holy Trinity School Haiti c/o Christ Church, 59 Church Rd, Easton CT 06612 or The St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.