Craig Markus Obituary: New York, Proof Advertising CCO Died August 8th
With deep sadness, we mourn the death of Craig Markus, a resident of New York City and the esteemed Chief Creative Officer at Proof Advertising. The news of his departure was shared through a somber social media post on Tuesday, August 8th, 2023.
Who was Craig Markus?
Craig Markus was a notable figure in the advertising and creative industry, known for his significant contributions to various advertising agencies throughout his career. He began his journey in 1986 as a studio artist, engaging in tasks such as typography and hand-drawn marker compositions. Over the years, he worked with several renowned agencies, including Ogilvy, Deutsch, DMB&B, Cramer-Krasselt, and McCann-Erickson.
During his time at McCann-Erickson, Craig left a lasting impact. He worked with a range of important clients, earned multiple Creative Director of the Year titles, and played a pivotal role in launching campaigns aimed at young adult audiences. His influence was especially felt in his leadership of the US Army account, where he was instrumental in creating the impactful “Army Strong” campaign.
Craig’s career trajectory was impressive, spanning across various agencies and leaving a positive impact at each stop. He also took time to give back to the industry by teaching young creatives at the Fashion Institute of Technology. In his final decisions before his hospitalization, he demonstrated his commitment to nurturing talent by promoting Claire Jordan to the role of Executive Creative Director.
Craig’s educational journey included a BA in Communications from UCLA, a BA in Advertising Design from the ArtCenter College of Design, and participation in the Berlin School of Creative Leadership.
What happened to Craig Markus?
Craig Markus tragically passed away after a battle with Guillain-Barré syndrome and its associated complications. He had been in the hospital for several weeks, receiving treatment and care for the condition. He had recently been transferred to an acute physical therapy practice at Mount Sinai and had hopes of returning to his work in a short time. Unfortunately, after his first day of therapy, he faced new complications and ultimately passed away. Proof Advertising, where he was the Chief Creative Officer, announced his passing.
Craig Markus Obituary and Funeral Service
Craig Markus, a resident of New York City, was a beloved figure in the creative industry. He had a strong passion for space, evident from his infectious love of the cosmos. His friends and colleagues fondly remembered his kindness and his unique way of sharing experiences, such as his call from Cape Canaveral. He was also recognized for his dedication to his role as a father to two remarkable young men.
Despite his career successes, Craig always prioritized his family and relationships, which initially made his move to virtual work challenging. However, he eventually joined Proof Advertising, where he spent three fulfilling years contributing his joyful and passionate spirit to the workplace. He was remembered not only as a great boss, co-worker, and mentor but also as a dear friend.
Craig Markus left an indelible mark on the advertising world and will be dearly missed by those who knew him.
In these current moments, the official obituary and arrangements for the late Craig Markus have not yet been made publicly accessible. In this time of profound challenge and sorrow, it is of utmost importance that we approach the situation with utmost empathy and consideration for the grieving family.
Let us pay tribute to Craig’s memory by extending our deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathies to those he held dear. May he discover eternal serenity, and may his family and friends uncover solace within the embrace of our thoughts and prayers. As additional details come to light, we stand united in offering our unswerving support and in holding Craig and his family in our hearts throughout this trying period.
