Solomon "Dilly" Markarian Obituary (1925 - 2017)

Portland - Solomon "Dilly/Mark" Markarian, 91, died Sunday, September 17, 2017 at Sedgewood Commons in Falmouth. Born on Peaks Island on November 27, 1925, Solomon was the son of the late Solomon and Margaret (O'Brien) Markarian. Growing up, Solomon was always the first off to school but the last one to get there. He attended Portland schools but left school prior to graduation to help with the war effort. At the age of 18, he enlisted in the United States Navy where he honorably served his country during World War II. When he was discharged after the war in 1946, Solomon married Elizabeth Cipriano at St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church. Together, they shared over 70 years of marriage and set an example of a loving and devoted marriage. Mark worked as a baker at B&M Baked Beans for 47 years, retiring in 1989. One of his most notable achievements throughout his career was when he organized the Bakers Union, serving as the shop steward. In addition to his career at B&M, Dilly was always known to have 2 or 3 additional jobs. Never complaining, he did what he had to do to take care of his family. Dilly was a very knowledgeable self-taught man who went out of his way to care for others. His selfless generosity was known by all, and he was always there to help others. He never turned anyone down who needed help, but his family and friends always knew not to expect Dilly to be quick about it. He was known for moving at his own pace - slow. However, his speed was deliberate as he was meticulous about everything he did. He enjoyed the time he spent with his family, especially at Notched Pond. His family affectionately remembers spending many nights listening to him singing Tennessee Waltz and enjoying each other's company. Above all else, Solomon loved his family, did his best to provide for them, and was deeply rooted in his Catholic faith. He cared for his wife, children, and raised his nephews as if they were his own. They affectionately called him "Daddy Dilly". He was a perfect example of the Greatest Generation. Solomon was predeceased by his brother Michael. He is survived by his beloved wife, Elizabeth (Cipriano) Markarian of Portland; daughter, Jane Pierce and husband Fred of Falmouth; son, Michael Markarian and wife Linda of Brick, NJ; grandchildren, Heidi, Christopher, Melissa and Brian; 5 great-grandchildren; sister, Frances Pinkham of Freeport; niece, Constance White and nephews, Dominic and Anthony Vecchione. He is survived by several additional nieces, nephews and extended family members. Visiting Hours celebrating Dilly's life will be held on Wednesday from 4-7PM at the Conroy-Tully Walker South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. Prayers will be recited at the funeral home on Thursday at 10:15 a.m. followed by an 11 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Pius X Church, 492 Ocean Avenue, Portland. Interment with Military Honors will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Broadway, South Portland. To view Dilly's memorial page or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make contributions in Dilly's memory to Compassus Hospice, 23 Spring Street, Scarborough, Maine 04074.