Nicholas F. Markionni - 60

Frankfort, Illinois

“What a man does for himself dies with him. What a man does for his community lives long after he’s gone” - Theodore Roosevelt

And with this in mind this is how Nicholas F. Markionni, age 60 of Frankfort, formerly of Chicago Heights, lived his life.  A Graduate of Bloom High School Class of 1982. Nick furthered his education by receiving his associate’s degree in business from Prairie State College in 1984.  Graduating at Northern Illinois University Class of 1986, he later graduated Cum Laude with his master’s in business administration from Notre Dame University Class of 2004. Nick started his career in Finance as a Bank Teller, Teller Manager and Personal Banker at the Heritage Bank in Oak Lawn, he then worked for Anthonisen Financial Group in Homewood before becoming owner and renaming to AFC Financial Advisory and moving the office to Frankfort.

Nick was an active member at one time and President of the Homewood Chamber of Commerce and then continued to serve his community as a board member of the Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce.  Active parishioner at St Anthony Church in Frankfort and a recent new member of the St Anthony Church Knights of Columbus Council #9770.

Nick was a proud and dedicated Rotarian for 34 years and exemplified the Rotary motto “Service Above Self”. Nicks association with Rotary began in 1991 when he joined the Oak Lawn Rotary. In 1993 his career in banking brought him to Glenwood which led him to join the Homewood Rotary Club. Nick’s reason for joining Rotary was "to serve his local and world community".  Serving the Homewood Rotary Club and local communities in every position in the club including two-time President, Vice President, Secretary, all Director Services. He also served on the Homewood Rotary Foundation as President and Director. Nick was involved with multiple projects including VOSH, Polio Eradication internationally, Water and Irrigation projects in Africa, South America and Haiti. He helped to raise funds and organize medical missions in Peru, Mexico and Africa; organized and worked at the yearly Homewood Rotary Free Health Fair with local hospitals.  Nick enjoyed going to Community High Schools and providing career training and guidance to the students. When Hurricane Katrina hit, through the Rotary, Nick within 48 hours gathered and shipped supplies to the American Gulf area to help the people affected by the hurricane.  For his commitment to the Rotary, he was recently honored with a 5-time Paul Harris Fellow Award.  One club member said, “I don't remember any member ever asking Nick to do a job that he didn't wholeheartedly accept and do it well.”

Through his associations with Rotary, and his business associates, Nick was instrumental in the original organization and running of the South Suburban Jazz Festival that raised money for the Arts.

His love of the Arts was for all arts. Nick played Bass Trombone for the South Suburban Jazz Band for many years. Theatre was one of his passions, he was active with the Beverly Theater Guild, the Chicago Heights Drama Group and The SpotLight Theatre. Nick even had the opportunity to travel to the Hastings Theatre in England to perform alongside his wife in a production there.

The most important aspect in his life was his family. No one could talk to Nick without him talking about his three girls. That was his real passion, his love for his family. Nick was the loving husband for 18 years to Jeannie nee Rega. Introduced by friends, he said he knew he was going to marry her after one phone conversation. Jeannie and Nick loved greatly and were the ultimate of best friends. Their adventures, infectious laughs and conversations entertained friends and family alike. They were a real pair to see, and his love and devotion to her was unmatched.  Nick also leaves behind two beautiful young daughters, Isabelle Saintina (12) and Luciana Francesca (10) Markionni.  Nick believed that the sun rose and set on his girls, he was the fully “hands on” Papa to them. Reading, playing, singing old songs and jingles from tv shows. His love of his girls knew no limits. He missed nothing, bragged much, and cheered louder than any dad could. Nick’s girls competitively dance, and it is said he was known to be the “Best Dance Dad Ever!” Nick arrived at every competition decked out in gear from head to toe, hat, team shirt with their names, and gyms shoes that matched their team colors.  

Nick was the son of the late Frances nee D’Amico and Guido (Skeezix) Markionni. Brother of Robert (Lisa) Markionni. Godfather, Cousin and friend of many.

Resting at Panozzo Bros. Funeral Home, 530 West 14th Street (US Rt 30, 3 blks E of Western Ave), Chicago Heights on Wednesday February 26, 2025 from 2:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Lying in state at St Anthony Church, 7639 Sauk Trail, Frankfort from 9:00 am until time of Funeral Mass 10:00 am. Interment private. Info 708-481-9230 and panozzobros.com.  

With Nick’s commitment to community, church, family and friends it is requested that in Lieu of flowers donations be made to the Markionni Family Trust, c/o  Providence Bank, 23296 Sunburst Point, Frankfort, IL 60423 to ensure the continuing education of the girls in the areas of the Arts, Dance, Music & Theatre.