Paul J. Markonni

Paul Markonni 81, 0f Jupiter, Florida died unexpectedly on September 17, 2025. Born in Chicago, Illinois December 17, 1943. In 1966 Paul graduated from Purdue University with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Post graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army. In 1967 Paul earned The Commanding Generals Award for outstanding basic combat trainee. Paul then served in Vietnam and was awarded the bronze star medal for Meritorious Achievement in Ground Operations Against Hostile Forces. In January of 1967 Paul was awarded The American Spirit Honors Medal. Paul was honorably discharged January 1969. Paul’s federal career began in October 1966, with The Bureau of Drug Abuse Control. In 1971, Paul transferred to the United States Secret Service, as a special agent. Paul met his loving wife, Elaine, while working with the Secret Service, and Elaine working with DEA. They were married a glorious 44 years. After several years with the Secret Service, Paul moved on to The US Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration. His posts of duty included Indianapolis, Indiana; Chicago, Illinois; Detroit, Michigan; Atlanta, Georgia; Savannah, Georgia; and the Miami division of DEA. On January 2, 1998 after 31 years of federal service, Paul retired. During his service with DEA, Paul established “The Drug Courier” profile. DEA agents use this list of characteristics, to identify drug couriers in airports. The Drug Courier Profile was challenged in, The United States Supreme Court. The decision was made to uphold the profile allowing law enforcement agents, with reasonable suspicion of criminal activity, the right to conduct a brief investigative stop of an individual within constitutional parameters. Originating in Detroit, Michigan, and now nationwide, Paul can also be credited for establishing the first Airport Task Force. After retiring from federal service, Paul dedicated his life, to many Veterans organizations. He gifted his time and passion to The Vietnam Veterans, and The Tequesta post of the American Legion #271. Paul was extremely passionate about the MIAP which locates, identifies and inters the unclaimed cremated remains of American veterans through the joint efforts of private, state and federal organizations. Paul is survived by His wife Elaine, His sister Ava, and a large loving family. For those that wish to honor the memory of Paul, in lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the following, Vietnam Veterans of West Palm Beach https://fovwpb.org/donations.html, The Shihtzu Rescue Florida https://shihtzu.rescueme.org/florida American Legion Post #271 775 NORTH USHIGHWAY 1, Tequesta, FL, 33469 or a charity of ones choice Live Stream link: https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTc1ODkwNTk4MDM4MjEzOSZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==

Paul J. Markonni

December 17, 1942 - September 17, 2025