Mr. Donald L. "Don" Mark

WHITESBORO - Mr. Donald L. “Don” Mark, age 81, went home to his Lord as he passed away on Saturday, June 17, 2017 at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. Born in Utica on July 9, 1935, Donald was the son of the late Chester and Philomina (Calprietro) Mark. After graduating from Utica Free Academy, Don enlisted in the United States Army where he honorably served stateside from 1953-1956 as a Paratrooper. After his military service, he continued his studies at Utica College where he graduated in 1960 with a degree in Computer Science. On May 28, 1960 he married the former Josephine Graziano with whom he shared a union blessed with happiness and harmony for 57 years. Don was diligent in his 30-year career as a highly competent computer scientist at the Rome Air Development Center located at Griffiss Air Force Base, the position from which he retired in 1990. As patriarch of his family, Don’s core values guided his life. When he could assist another person, he was happiest. During his leisure time, Don enjoyed his golf leagues, but tee-times with his children were the best. A parishioner of Our Lady of the Rosary Church, Don was committed to his Lord, his Catholic creed, and the Holy Eucharist. He attended Mass faithfully and honored the sacrament of Confession and the remission of sins through contrition. Don is survived by his wife, “Jo”; his children and their loves, Stephen Mark, Gregory and Patricia Mark, Kenneth and Karen Mark, and Marybeth Mark; his grandchildren, Carolyn Mark, Justin Mark, James Mark; and Spencer Mark; and his brother, Richard Mark of Florida. He also leaves his nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and in-laws, Frank and Jenny “Jane” Graziano, and Otto Knapp. He was also blessed with many wonderful friends throughout his life. He was predeceased by his siblings and their spouses, Emily and Michael Piscitelli, Eva Mark, Helen Mark, Peggy Mark, Phyllis Mark, Marie Mark, Chester Mark, James and Lillian Mark, and Albert and Dorothy Mark; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Anthony and Sarah Graziano; and his in-laws, Rose and Morton Setrin, and Michelina Knapp. The family will honor and commemorate Don’s life in a private time. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend his funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Thursday morning at 10:00 at Our Lady of the Rosary Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered with Military Honors conferred. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of the Mass. Those wishing to express an act of kindness in lieu of flowers may make a donation to Our Lady of the Rosary Church; envelopes will be available at the service. Entombment will follow in Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum.

Mr. Donald L. "Don" Mark

July 9, 1935 - June 17, 2017