Mark, born on July 2, 1969 in Lemoore, California, and son of the late Michael and Helen Burek, passed away on February 26, 2021. Mark grew up in Cicero, NY and graduated from Cicero North Syracuse High School where he played basketball and lacrosse.
He attended Ithaca College and University at Albany, where he played varsity lacrosse and earned a bachelor’s degree from Albany in 1991. For most of his career, Mark was employed by Kaman Industrial Technologies, where he held multiple positions, including sales and management.
Mark had many passions, including golf, fishing and cycling.
He also enjoyed working on home improvement projects and, in his younger years, would spend hours fixing up cars for fun. Of all his passions, his most treasured activity was to watch his children play their sports and engage in all their chosen activities.
Mark leaves behind his cherished children, Reese and Riley Burek, and former wife, Elizabeth of Fairport, NY, his sister, Catherine, sister in law Ursula, and several cousins, nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles. He also had several close friends who provided him with moral support throughout the progression of his disease. Mark was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Michael. The family would like to thank the staff at Monroe Community Hospital for the excellent care and companionship they provided for Mark over the past two years.
A private funeral service will be held. Calling Hours will be held from 4-6 pm on Tuesday, March 2nd at the Richard H. Keenan Funeral Home (Egypt Location), 7501 Pittsford Palmyra Road, Fairport. Contributions can be made in Mark’s honor to the Huntington’s Disease Society of America (HDSA), at https://hdsa.org/get-involved/donation-opportunities/.
Comments
12 responses to “Burek, Mark D.”
Mark was a good friend and great person. He’s in a wonderful place now with those who’ve gone before him, and I look forward to seeing him again one day.
So sad to read this. I knew Mark as a kid and he introduced me to the music of The Police and made me a fan. I am sorry for his children. Rest In Peace Mark.
I was fortunate to be able to call Mark my friend. We became friends through working together and our friendship grew stronger in the years since. He taught me life lessons in how to deal with adversity, in the way he never stopped fighting and the way he met his challenges with such grace. He would always greet you with a big smile and a “Hey!”, letting you know that he was just elated to see you. His ability to draw people to him was never more evident than walking around the hospital with him, greeting everyone by name and giving you a brief bio of each friend we met. Everyone there knew and loved Mark and I’m sure his passing is felt by everyone he’s known. I will miss him tremendously, but the memories I have will carry me for the rest of my life, until I see him again. Love you, brother.
Sorry to hear of Mark’s passing. My thoughts are with his loved ones.
We are very sorry to hear about Mark. He was a neighbor and friend on Braeloch Crossing and was always pleasant and helpful.
So sorry to hear of Mark’s passing. I’ll remember his always as the funny, happy guy he was.
We knew Mark when Riley was a baby and then a toddler, and Reese was 4.. We spent many dinners, parties, and one memorable Easter with Mark and Elizabeth. Mark loved to have fun and would provide any support you made need. There was a warmth about him I will never forget. Rest In Peace Mark, and thank you for the unforgettable memories.
Mark was a great, kind, fun loving person I am lucky enough to call my cousin. I have many memories of him that make me smile! May you Rest in Peace Mark. I know your Mom, Dad & Mike were there to welcome you into Heaven. My thoughts & prayers are with you Cathi & your family.
When I think about Mark I recall a calm, pleasant disposition. In his presence you always felt welcomed. I remember he always had a smile on his face. I feel fortunate to have known him in high school. May the love of family and friends be with you… Always.
Mark was awsome, ALWAYS welcomed me and my family with a smile. Taught my son how to fish, which is why my son is so passionate about it today. We had a lot of great memories with lacrosse and hockey. Thank you Mark for everything. Rest in peace my friend.
I grew up in the same neighborhood as Mark and Mike .. We had a lot of fun as kids playing basketball and whiffle ball together .. They were both competitive and argued from time to time in the outcome of the games . Mark was a thoughtful friend and was always helping others with rides to practice and encouraging words .. Once Mark graduated from CNS we lost touch until we ran into one another coaching Fairport Youth Lacrosee . It was nice to talk about the old neighborhood and the fun we had as kids . Mark was very proud of his children and was a great coach to the kids in Fairport .. We did stay in contact as Mark disease became worse .. I will never forget his positive attitude , desire and toughness to fight it . Also the competitive spirit he displayed .We went high school with a lot of tough kids .. Mark will always be the toughest .
Peter Riley
I was lucky to know Mark as dad to Reese and Riley. His love and devotion to his kids was obvious and unwavering. He was always so proud to be their dad, and proud of all of their achievements. I am sorry to hear of his passing and send love to his family. I am grateful at the chance to have known him, and as a parent myself, to see his unconditional love for his children ?