Vincent Markese

August 7, 1946 - October 5, 2022

Vincent Joseph Markese (Vince) was taken from this world peaceful from complications due to Alzheimer's disease. He was surrounded by his family at his time of passing.

Vince was born in Chicago, Illinois where his love of animals began with his first dog, 'Boy'. When his family moved to California in 1953, he frequently caught rodents and tarantulas, eventually keeping a coup of homing pigeons that he trained to deliver messages to his friends in the neighborhood. It was only natural that as an industrious young man he went on to own and operate his own pet stores, Vince's Tropical Fish, Vince's Pet Center, and eventually Super Pets. He worked many 18-hour days alongside his wife Pam building their businesses. In work and in life they were the perfect team.

Vince also loved being on the water, whether he was at sea, on Lake Arrowhead, or floating down the LA River on a homemade boat he and his cousin Joe built in 1957. He and Pam became avid boaters and took many wonderful trips with friends and family. Boating became a big part of their lives and a source of connection between him and his grandchildren as he was never chattier than when he was teaching them proper knots, allowing them to drive, and more. Vince also enjoyed traveling whether it was abroad or around the States in his motorhome, with family from Montana to Louisiana.

Family always came first, not only his children and grandchildren, but his parents, siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, etc. He took his first-born responsibilities very seriously and was always there when anyone needed him. He considered several of his friends as family as well.

Vince was kind, thoughtful and always gave sound advice. He was generous almost to a fault. He was genuinely unique and, although he tried to conceal it, he had a very sentimental heart.

Vince is survived by his wife of 54 years, Pamela Edmonds Markese '64, the love of his life; his three children, Mark, Jeffrey, and Annette; eight grandchildren; his siblings, Annette Markese Petty '66, James, and Michael; and his many nieces and nephews who adored him. His parents Ernest and Louise Markese, brother Robert Markese '74; and nephew preceded him in death.