Marko Stepanovich
Age - 68
November 28, 2023
"Marko Stepanovich of Berea, OH, born January 7th, 1955, the son of the late Nick and Elsie (Hunchuck), and older brother of Nenad Stepanovich, passed away on November 26, 2023, at the age of 68, surrounded by family. Marko is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 45 years Tina (Lisby); their son Nikola and wife Jennifer along with grandchildren Mila, Liljana, Kristina and Dako; their son Aleksander and wife Dawn along with grandchildren Luka and Marko; their daughter Melania Sima along with grandchildren Isidora and Bogdan. He is also survived by his brother Nenad, aunts, uncles, many cousins, and Kumovi. Marko is preceded by his parents, and his granddaughter Eva. Marko was born in Uniontown, PA and raised in North Royalton, OH. To his children and grandchildren, it sounded like a different era, as they regularly heard stories of riding a pony to a summer job, farms where there are now subdivisions and malls, and where walking into stores with a gun on your hip was not unheard of. He graduated from North Royalton High School in 1973 where he, as did his brother, made a name for himself as a standout football player and wrestler. Marko attended the United States Naval Academy and The University of Pittsburgh where he continued to excel in athletics. By 1978 Marko and Tina were married, and in 1980 he fulfilled his boyhood dream of becoming a police officer when he was hired by the City of Strongsville. Marko retired as a Lieutenant in 2013, where some of his professional work included: Patrolman, Seargent, Supervisor of the Detective Bureau, Range Supervisor, Graduate of the FBI National Academy, Commander of the Southwest Enforcement Bureau (SWAT Team), lead a Narcotics Unit, and was part of the FBI's Joint Terror Task Force. His athletic success carried over into the professional when Mark proudly represented both Strongsville and Ohio, winning several National and World Wrestling Championships in what is today called the World Police \u0026amp; Fire Games. Stories of "Big Mark" still circulate the area. There are funny ones like chasing rowdy teens out of McDonalds after Mustang football games, or serious ones like police raids and hostage situations. The proudest stories, and the ones his family hears the most, start with: "I remember this one time, when your dad/grandfather, helped me. . . " - he will be remembered for a lifetime of being there to help, and coming through for his family, friends, and the community. One of his greatest joys was to watch his children, and then his grandchildren, compete in their respective sports. He loved the outdoors and hunting, particularly his trips to Colorado for elk every couple of years. Interestingly, he even participated in competitive pistol shooting. A member of St Sava Orthodox Cathedral in Parma, OH - Marko was proud of his Serbian heritage. He was devoted to maintaining the traditions of his Orthodox faith and Serbian culture and was a member of the Movement of Serbian Chetniks Ravne Gore, and the Serbian National Federation. He even had the honor of serving as bodyguard for Patriarch Pavle when he came to Cleveland in 1992. Marko, like his father, was a Freemason, and as a Master Mason was also active as a Shriner and the Royal Order of Jesters. Family and Friends are welcome to attend calling hours on FRIDAY, December 1st, at Jardine Funeral Home, 15822 Pearl Road, Strongsville, from 4pm - 8pm. Funeral Services will be on SATURDAY, December 2nd at 12pm at St Sava Serbian Orthodox Cathedral located at 6306 Broadview Road, Parma, followed by internment at St Theodosius Cemetery. "Show more
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