About Us
Providing grants to local nonprofit organizations offering programs which address a variety of unmet needs in our community, particularly for children and seniors. Apply for a GrantContact UsOur Mission
Markoly Foundation was established in honor of Joseph G. Markoly, an entrepreneur and philanthropist who wanted to make a positive impact in people’s lives. Joseph’s family was affected directly by both Alzheimer’s and heart disease having lost a family member to each condition. For that reason, the foundation dedicates a majority of their resources to providing grants to organizations that focus on the treatment of each of these diseases. In addition, Markoly Foundation supports a variety of programs dedicated to helping children and seniors by providing services, supplies, programs and research in areas impacting these demographics.
In Memory of Dorothy Benson
Dorothy Benson was the catalyst behind the development of the Joseph G. Markoly Foundation in 1999. As of 2024 this family charity, named after Dorothy’s brother-in-law, has provided funding to 65 local nonprofit organizations for a total amount of $2,700,000.00. The foundation primarily awards grants to programs aimed at providing critical services to seniors and children.
Dorothy D’Amico was born on September 14, 1927 on Merrick, Long Island, New York. She was the youngest of ten children born to Francesco and Rosaria D’Amico. Dorothy had six sisters and three brothers (Josephine, Jean, Frank, Viola, Mildred, Mary, Jack, Victor and Gloria), all of whom pre-deceased her.
Dorothy was married to her first husband, Domenick Squillacioti, for 32 years. She has four children, seven grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild and loving nieces and nephews.
Dorothy was a homemaker for many years, also volunteering at the local elementary school, as PTA President and as a member of the Baldwin, NY Board of Education. She was a caregiver for her parents while raising her children. Dorothy was a talented artist, loved her family, flowers and gardening and was a gourmet cook.
Dorothy married Charles Benson in 1979 and they were married for 28 years until Charlie’s passing in 2007.
Dorothy and Charlie retired and moved to Central Florida in the late 1990s where many of Dorothy’s siblings lived. Dorothy enjoyed golf, volunteered for a local hospice organization and was a caregiver for her sisters and brother-in-law as they aged.
Dorothy was truly a force of nature and lived a happy, healthy life, retaining her wicked sense of humor to the age of 97 years and 8 months. She will be missed by everyone who had the joy of being part of her remarkable life.
Donate in Dorothy’s Memory
In lieu of flowers, those who wish to honor Dorothy’s memory are welcome to make a donation to the Joseph G. Markoly Foundation, a 501 (c) 3 charity. Donations can be sent by check to the following address:
Joseph G. Markoly Foundation
1917 Aquarius Court
Oviedo, FL 32766
Your contributions will continue Dorothy’s legacy of supporting programs that provide critical services to seniors and children in our community.
Meet Joseph G. Markoly
Markoly Foundation continues its philanthropic work in memory of the late Joseph G. Markoly (1902-1997). As an immigrant from Hungary, Joseph came to the United States in search of the American dream and to take part in the freedoms we enjoy in this country. Joseph built a successful business in New York City as a painting contractor in the 1920’s and married his first wife Anna Fischer in 1928. Anna and Joseph were married until Anna passed away in 1970.
Joseph earned his income from commercial contracts painting bridges that connected the boroughs of New York City and also painting apartment buildings. He began investing and purchasing apartments which became another form of income for he and his family.
In 1977, Joseph married Jean Abrams and they resided in Astoria, New York while enjoying winters in sunny Miami, Florida. In the late 1980’s, Joseph and Jean made the decision to move permanently to Winter Springs, Florida where much of Jean’s family resided and where they remained for the rest of their lives.
Joseph was a generous benefactor to a number of organizations with significant funding going to the Astoria Boys Club and Florida Hospital (now Advent Health). He established the Joseph G. Markoly Foundation before his death as a way to continue providing support for non-profit agencies that serve our local communities.
History of Markoly Foundation
When Joseph Markoly originally established the foundation more than thirty years ago, its focus was on Alzheimer’s and heart disease support, funded through a number of the larger national disease-related organizations. Over time the focus has shifted to helping small to mid-size organizations in our local communities which support children and seniors in a variety of effective ways. We prefer to fund direct programs and services, rather than salaries and overhead costs. Generally, programs we fund have been in place for some time and can provide evidence of their effectiveness. The Markoly Foundation does not fund start-up programs.
Get in Touch
We’re happy to answer your questions about the foundation, grants, and more. Call us at the number below or use the form to the right to send us a message and someone will reach out to assist you.