I am deeply saddened that I am unable to be there to pay my last respects to my good buddy “The Bear”.
Along with you, Mark’s family and friends, I am in mourning for the loss of a true friend of over forty years. He was one of my best and closest friends. I grimly face a reality that we have lost his sharing this earth with us. I miss him greatly.
Bear was a significant part of my life and the rush of memories of our shared experiences over those many years both saddens me as we grieve the loss of this wonderful man, and brings me joy in the celebration of Mark’s life and how he enriched my life, and many others.
Mark had a way of brightening everyone’s day. He was quick witted, very funny and enjoyed time spent with friends and family above all else. His humor demonstrated a spontaneous genius that we all appreciated. Whenever he was in a room, it was livelier and spirits were elevated. He had a zest for life that was contagious, and for sharing that with him we are all better people.
It is impossible to recount all of the wonderful experiences I had with Bear but there are some that I would like to share with you:
Ø Does the sound of a police siren coming from Mark’s vocal cords ring a bell? I remember the great delight we all took from his simulated police siren. The affect of this sound, especially as the car we occupied followed another through a tunnel or overpass, was impressive.
Ø Mark and I were “Altar Men” together. I can hardly describe us as boys as Mark had been shaving for about six years by this time and we both towered over the priest we assisted. The unconventional demonstration of the “sign of peace” during the masses that we served was a signature moment, respectfully but unique.
Ø How can I forget the shaving cream wars? This was a neighborhood event that a number of us shared; usually at the expense of whoever had a date on a particular night. Mark’s resourcefulness in tracking down his victim was legendary.
Ø There were countless neighborhood basketball and football games. During one spirited competition where Mark and I were on opposite teams, I remember one of the observers commenting on the contrast between the Bear and the Gazelle.
Ø I recall Mark’s phone calls to me while I lived in Wilkes-Barre in the late 1970’s and he was stationed at Fort Sill. Those were great conversations between friends who had left the old neighborhood but still kept close. I doubt either of us ever expected that 25 years later, it would be me calling him from Oklahoma to Pennsylvania so that we could catch up!
Ø The Bear also introduced me to a number of folks who became my friends, including the first woman I fell in love with, and in this way too he had a significant and positive impact upon my life.
Ø Mark and I still communicated frequently maintaining our friendship across the distance from Pennsylvania to Texas. We would talk or text about the fates of our favorite teams, discuss fine wine and other topics of mutual interest. Recently, as we were both sharing comments about a football game we were watching together but apart, he shared that he was opening a bottle of Silver Oak so I did the same and we enjoyed that shared experience. Our last communication was as recent as five days before his passing. After so many years, we were still in regular contact. Few friendships endure such tests of time and distance and I will miss sharing that strong relationship.
Ø Mark visited me and my family several times while we lived in Philadelphia. He would drive in from Connecticut in the Volkswagen Jetta he was so proud of and we always enjoyed his company.
Ø I was honored to be the best man at Mark’s and Nancy’s wedding and I recall his great joy on that day and his delight in sharing the time with his family and friends.
Ø Mark leaves us his legacy of service. Whether he was serving on the alter in Valley Forge, his team and it’s fans on the football field, his country through his military service while stationed in Oklahoma and Germany or his friends and family in so many helpful ways, he always sought to make our world a better place.
Ø I recall how he loved his wife Nancy. I never spoke to Mark without him enthusiastically discussing his son Brandon. His deep love and pride was evident in his expression and voice whenever he spoke of his son. He was, amongst his other endearing qualities, a devoted father.
My friend Mark was taken from us far too soon. While I grieve, I am celebrating a man’s life that we were all fortunate to have been a part of and I know many loved him as I do, now in my memories. One thing is certain, everyone in heaven is eating better and laughing more.
Please send my sympathies and regards to Brandon, Nancy, your parents, Jan, Marcia, Brett, Karen and of course to you and the rest of Mark’s family and many friends.
Please know my thoughts, prayers and remembrances are with Mark and all of you.
Your friend,
Mark McLoone
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