Christopher Markunas

On August 2, 2023, Christopher Markunas left the world as he lived in it: on his own terms. He passed in his sleep with his beloved partner of 27 years, Maggie, by his side. Chris created many good memories with those most important to him, including Maggie (“Magster”); his daughters, Moira (“Wee Dotter”) and Melissa; and his brother, George (“Deudderson”), and sister-in-law, Ruth. Chris is also survived by his sister-in-law, Patty; his nieces and nephews, Mare (Mike), Jimmy, Damian (Katy), Kathleen (Keith), Susan (Mark), Danielle (David) and Greg; and countless friends whom he considered family. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., to George Albin (“Alby”) and Mary Regina (“Sissy”), Chris spent his youth in Saugerties and Woodstock, N.Y. After serving honorably in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War, he made Philadelphia his home, where he lived for nearly fifty years. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alby and Sissy; his best friend, Eddie; his brother-in-law, Daniel; his sister-in-law, Rosemary; and nephew, Timmy.

Chris was a strong union advocate and a longtime member of International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 8 and Local 52. He worked in television and film for over four decades, designing and building sets for a multitude of productions. Over his long career, his work appeared in movies such as Philadelphia and The Wolf of Wall Street to television shows ranging from Oz to The Good Wife. Chris acted on stage, produced Shakespeare in the Park in Fairmount Park for several seasons, and worked with the Walnut Street Theatre in Philadelphia. 

Outside of the entertainment industry, Chris maintained a lifelong passion for motorcycles. He could often be found on his motorcycle alongside Maggie, whether it was for Gilda’s Run – supporting cancer patients, their families and survivors – or just an afternoon Sparky’s run for a margarita. He was a man of strong convictions and passions who loved to laugh and lived in Hawaiian shirts every summer. He was a vibrant storyteller, enjoyed enthusiastic debate with friends and strangers alike, cared for animals, and adored spending time with his loved ones. 

Please join the family from 3-6 p.m. on Saturday, August 26, 2023, for refreshments and remembrance celebrating Chris’s life. The service will be held at Delaware Valley Cremation Center, 7350 State Road, Philadelphia, PA 19136.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation in Chris’s name to Fox Chase Cancer Center. Donate Now | Fox Chase Cancer Center - Philadelphia PA