Stanley Markowitz

Stanley “Stan” Markowitz, 86, passed away on September 3, 2023, in Baltimore, Maryland.  He was born on June 22, 1937, in Newark, New Jersey.  Stan lived his life with deep respect and caring for his family, friends, students, and colleagues and shared his knowledge and passion for pursuing historical truth and justice.  He connected with people in such a way that he was still in touch with and remembered by friends from every decade of his life.

Stan is survived by his loving wife Dorothy (Dottye) Burt; his children, Susan Abby Markowitz, Andrew Steven Markowitz, and Ellen (Belle) Markowitz; his stepson, Adam Burt; his granddaughters Harlan Sullivan and Rachel Grace Markowitz; his daughters-in-law Barbara Frye and Deirdree Dottirs; and his dear cousin Arlene Dworkin Williams.  Stan was preceded in death by his beloved sister Barbara Ross. 

Stan graduated from Weequahic High School in Newark, New Jersey, in 1955 and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree at Rutgers-Newark and a masters in history at the University of Maryland.  He served in the U.S. Army from 1957 to 1959.

Stan had a distinguished career as a Professor of History.  He taught at Howard University from 1966 to 1969 and at Essex Community College (now CCBC-Essex) from 1969 to 1997.  During his tenure at Essex, Stan served as President of the Faculty Senate and taught classes at the Pentagon and at the Maryland Correctional Institution in Jessup.  After retirement he taught history as an adjunct professor at Maryland Institute College of Art.

Stan’s many career and volunteer highlights included:

         Being awarded a grant from the National Humanities Council to co-create and produce the exhibition and documentary film “One Voice” on the history of the Steelworkers Union at Bethlehem Steel.

         Receiving a fellowship from the Open Society Institute to develop a museum at the Baltimore American Indian Center.

         Serving as co-founder, educator, and history advisor with Baltimore Racial Justice Action (BRJA).

         Being active, often in leadership roles, with many social justice and community organizations, including serving as Board Chair of the South East Community Organization (SECO) and People’s Homesteading Group (PHG).

Stan’s contributions to education, history, and social justice activism were recognized when he was inducted into the Weequahic High School Alumni Association Hall of Distinction.

Outside his professional and volunteer life Stan enjoyed movies, baseball, and travel, both domestic and international, especially in the company of friends and family.  He found joy in exploring different cultures and learning from his experiences and the people he encountered.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, October 7, from 2:00 – 4:00pm at the CCBC-Catonsville, Center of the Arts Theater, with a reception from 4:00 – 5:00pm. 

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations in Stan’s honor be made to Baltimore Racial Justice Action - https://tinyurl.com/BRJAStanLegacy or The Baltimore American Indian Center -  https://www.baltimoreamericanindiancenter.org/  - two organizations that were close to Stan’s heart and reflect his commitment to social justice and equality-·or to The Parkinson's Foundation, which provides important resources for people with Parkinson’s Disease and their Caregivers - https://www.parkinson.org

Stan will be deeply missed by his family, friends and all whose lives he touched. May his memory be a blessing.  

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