Kind, loving, compassionate, beautiful, friend
Mark was at his best when he was in “concert mode”. Van Halen, Kid Rock, Kiss, Foreigner, Alice Cooper, REO Speedwagon, The Who – the list goes on but if it was Rock n’ Roll, Mark probably loved it. He was a fun guy with a free spirit, a kind heart, and a love for the simple things in life.
Born in Pennsylvania, in 1965, Mark had two siblings, Kevin and Dina. Mark was a thoughtful brother, and was protective of Dina, as he was with anyone in need. He was not the type to shy away from an altercation if someone needed help. Mark was also a skilled baseball player and had many friends. Later, he began working with his hands and developed a knack for woodworking that he would carry with him for a lifetime. His specialty was walking sticks that he would shape from the twisted and gnarled branches of tree limbs. Where others may have seen a dead branch, Mark saw elegance and artistry.
Mark and Lisa met later in life and were married in 2018. They were together for three wonderful years and were building a future together. Just a couple of months before Mark passed away they bought a home in Delaware, and Mark was hard at work fixing it up, making it perfect. Lisa said, “He wanted to have a beautiful place for his children to come and enjoy spending time. Unfortunately, Mark was only in our new home for two months and they never got to spend time with him here.” Mark had three children – Marissa, Mark, and Alec, two stepchildren – Valerie and Robert, and a grandson named Talon.
Mark drove trucks for a living and loved the work. It was the type of job that allowed his free spirit to really soar. In more recent years he was making plans to start his own window cleaning company so that he would have more time to spend in his new home. He loved having friends over for dinners, watching sports, talking with his wife about the news, and meandering through the woods near his home. Mark enjoyed taking in the natural beauty and enjoying the quiet.
Mark’s struggles with addiction lasted for 25 years. He began using drugs in an attempt to cope with his bipolar disorder and chronic pain that was the result of two major spine surgeries. His drug use would sometimes make him moody or withdrawn, he would isolate himself from his family or become argumentative. Despite the hardships, Lisa and Mark always felt supported and confident in their relationship.
Lisa remembers Mark’s innate ability to make her feel loved and good. “I felt like I knew him my whole life. We were true soulmates. We were not our first loves, but we would be our last.” Lisa said. Mark was a giver in many ways: in his love for family, in his work, and as an organ donor, he even gave in his death.
With Mark now gone Lisa is reminded every day how special their time together was. She said, “I miss it all. I miss the highs, the lows, the laughing, and the loving. I miss him reaching out and holding my hand. I miss his hugs. I miss his spark for what he loved and believed. I miss all the lessons he had yet to teach me. He has truly made me a better person.”
Mark’s wife, Lisa Browne, provided the information for this narrative.
October 1, 1965-January 31, 2021-Age 55
Portrait Artist: Jeremy Hebbel
Narrative Writer: Scott Clower
