Mark L. Burris, 74, of Rochester, NY, passed away peacefully on September 6, 2026, surrounded by his loving family, following a courageous battle with Glioblastoma.
Mark was born on November 30, 1951, in Plattsburgh, NY, to Kathleen and Lawrence Burris. The youngest of three children, he grew up with his sisters, Carol and Kathy. After losing his father at a young age, Mark was raised by his mother and the strong women in his family. That experience helped shape the thoughtful, caring, and devoted man he would become. Later in life, as the father of two daughters and the beloved “Poppi” to five granddaughters, Mark brought that same tenderness, patience, and pride to the women he loved most.
Mark enjoyed a long and successful career at Xerox, where he spent 33 years in a variety of IT, sales, and marketing roles. It was also at Xerox that he met the love of his life, Tamara. Mark was respected by his colleagues for his knowledge, dedication, work ethic, and genuine ability to connect with people. While working and raising a family, he earned his MBA from St. John Fisher College—an accomplishment that reflected his ambition, perseverance, and lifelong commitment to learning.
The friendships Mark made throughout his years at Xerox remained an important part of his life long after retirement. He loved getting together with former colleagues for breakfast, reminiscing about their years at Xerox, sharing stories, and staying connected through Facebook. Many of his friendships spanned more than 30 years, a testament to the loyalty and genuine relationships that meant so much to him.
Mark found joy in the simple pleasures of everyday life: a good glass of scotch, time with his dogs, and a spirited conversation with friends. He especially treasured his “Starbucks family,” who became an important and much-loved part of his daily routine. Mark had a gift for making people feel welcome and valued, and his friendships were never taken for granted.
He was also the person people could count on when something needed to be done. Whether a friend or family member had an indoor or outdoor project, Mark was quick to lend a hand. He genuinely enjoyed being useful and took great satisfaction in helping others. Giving his time and sharing his knowledge were simply part of who he was.
Mark loved family traditions, and one of the sweetest was his homemade birthday cakes. Year after year, he made cakes for his daughters and granddaughters, turning birthdays into special memories that will be cherished forever.
Golf was another defining part of Mark’s life. He found peace, happiness, challenge, and friendship on the golf course, while also feeling a special connection to his father, who had shared his love of the game. An avid and accomplished golfer, Mark played for more than 60 years, earned several club championships, and celebrated two holes-in-one. He loved the competition and challenge of the game, but just as much, he loved the friendships and quiet moments that came with being on the course.
Above all, Mark’s greatest joy was his life with Tamara. They were true soulmates and celebrated more than 39 years of marriage together this past July. Inseparable in all they did, they built a life rooted in love, family, friendship, laughter, and adventure. Mark once wrote, “she is my life”.
Mark and Tamara shared a love of being active and making memories together. In their early years, they enjoyed hiking and traveling to dog shows in their camper. Fitness remained an important part of their lives, from running together on the track at Fairport High School to BodyPump and spin classes at the YMCA. Even in October 2025, they completed a 5K together dressed as skeletons—a perfect reflection of their fun-loving, active, and inseparable partnership.
Retirement gave Mark and Tamara the opportunity to travel and explore the world together, something they embraced wholeheartedly. Their adventures took them to the Grand Canyon, the White Stallion Ranch in Arizona, Key West, Scotland, Hawaii, and on frequent trips to Florida. One of their most treasured adventures was their dream honeymoon to Hawaii, taken 38 years after their wedding. That trip, in August 2025, was a true bucket-list experience and one more beautiful memory they created together.
Mark was immensely proud of his daughters, Lindsey Loosen and Kelley Burris, and never missed an opportunity to tell others about them and their accomplishments. He was especially proud of Lindsey for becoming an attorney and of Kelley for her work and compassion as a surgical ICU nurse. His daughters always knew how deeply he loved them, believed in them, and celebrated every milestone in their lives.
Becoming a grandfather brought Mark another of life’s greatest joys. He adored his five granddaughters—Madison, Mikayla, Maren, Morgan, and Mia—and generously gave them his time, attention, and love. “Poppi daycare” was a role he embraced with enthusiasm. He was there for soccer games and school plays, school pickups and drop-offs, and countless trips for ice cream at Pittsford Dairy. He never needed a special occasion to spend time with his granddaughters; being with them was reason enough.
Mark leaves behind the family he loved so deeply: his beloved wife, Tamara; his daughters, Lindsey Loosen and Kelley Burris; his five granddaughters, Madison, Mikayla, Maren, Morgan, and Mia; his sister, Kathy; brother-in-law Jay; son-in-law Sean; and many cousins, friends, and loved ones who were fortunate to know him.
Mark will be remembered as a loving husband, devoted father and grandfather, cherished brother, loyal friend, trusted colleague, generous helper, and a man who showed his love through his time, his actions, and his unwavering presence. He was the kind of person who showed up—for birthdays, games, projects, conversations, rounds of golf, cups of coffee, and all the ordinary moments that, in the end, become the most treasured memories.
His life was defined not by what he accomplished alone, but by the people he loved, the friendships he nurtured, the lives he touched, and the memories he created with those closest to him. Mark loved deeply, lived fully, and gave generously of himself. He left this world far too soon, but the love he gave his family and friends will remain with them always.
A celebration of Mark’s life will be held at a later date, when family and friends will gather to honor his memory and celebrate the laughter, generosity, friendship, and love he shared so freely with all who knew him.
25 responses to “Burris, Mark L.”
Mark was a great guy! I worked with him for many years at xerox.
Tamara, Lindsey and Kelley I am so sorry for your loss. Mark was a wonderful man who loved you all deeply. He always worked hard to do the best that he could in any situation. Mark will be missed by so many and will live on in stories and memories. Please know that I am absolutely willing to help in any way that I can. I send my love and prayers to all of you.
I am so sad to hear this news. Mark was such a positive, inspiring, intentional person. My thoughts and prayers are with Tamara and family.
Mark was a true friend. And I will always treasure the memories of jogging and biking with him, spin classes at the Y, our dinners with him and Tamara and just spending time together.
His passing breaks my heart.
My sincere condolences on his passing.
May he Rest In Eternal Peace. 🕯️
May God Comfort you through this difficult time.
So saddened to hear this news. Mark was such a great person. May he rest in peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with Tamara and family. Hope the wonderful memories you have of him will give you some comfort.
With Heavy Hearts,
Ragni Mehta and Andre Blaakman
Dave and I will cherish the 40 years of friendship that we have had with you and Mark, and will continue to have with you. There are many fond memories from Valley Brook, visits in Florida, and fun times that we had together. Sending hugs and deepest condolences to you and your family.
I worked with Mark for almost 10 years as a software vendor to Xerox and projects that Mark managed. He never treated me as a vendor but rather as a friend and a knowledge partner. He was a good man. Gone far too soon. My sympathies to his family.
I am so saddened to see thus news. I always enjoyed chatting and catching with Mark on Facebook. My sincere condolences to you Tamara and family. Mark was a great person and will be missed by many.
Tamara
So sorry for Marks passing ! Always enjoyed my talks with Mark ! Always such a great neighbor !!
I did not get to spend very much time with my cousin Mark and T but the little time I did spend was full of laughter, new information, and love. I will miss him dearly.
I knew Mark many years ago and had reconnected briefly about two years ago when we discovered each other on Facebook. He was truly one of the good guys and I’m sure he will be missed by everyone who knew him
My sincerest condolences to his family.
I met Mark in Timber Pines and golfed with him a few times in the “Friday Game.” What a great guy and a true class act. May his memory be a blessing.
Mark was an exceptional Xerox colleague and friend to us ‘Brits’ across the pond. We enjoyed his sense of humour and sincerity, a good albeit distant friend who I and so many others will miss.
My deepest sincere condolences to all the family🙏
I’m so sorry. Mark was one of the kindest guys I knew. My heart goes out to your family for your tremendous loss.
Dear Tamara & Family –
Please accept my condolences. I enjoyed working with Mark. We even got to play golf, followed up with strawberry shortcake at Chase farms after the round.
Mark was quick with a joke and always so proud of his family.
Mark and I worked together at Xerox for many years on many mutual projects. He was always quick with a smile, including after retirement, when we were both shopping at Wegman’s. We often talked golf. His obituary supports his enjoyment of life to the fullest. Thank you for its completeness.
Hey cuz really going to miss you
We met Mark and Tamara several years ago at Starbucks in Perinton and became part of the “Starbucks Family”. We shared many informative conversations on a wide range of topics and looked forward to seeing everyone. We will miss Mark’s charm and whit. We send our sincere condolences to Tamara and family.
One of the fond memories of working with Mark was our time spent on the yearly sales kickoff meetings in Leesburg, Va. Always a collaborative colleague, it was a privilege to work beside him.
Always a class act. Prayers sent.
I will always remember Mark as a great person and awesome golfer! So sad to hear the news, and you have my deepest condolences. I hope that Mark will meet up with Carol in heaven!
I have fond memories of Mark from our time working at Xerox. I’m so sorry for your loss. May the beautiful memories you created together comfort you, and may you also be comforted by the friends and family who loved Mark.
I went to St John’s Academy in Plattsburgh with Mark. We were good friends, but lost touch when I transferred to PHS my sophomore year.
My thoughts, prayers, and condolences to his family
My deepest sympathies for your loss. Mark was a kind and caring colleague and friend. I’ll always cherish our Starbucks talks, especially when he brought a big pink bag with his beloved Chili! Heaven has certainly gained an angel.
Dear Tamara, Lindsey and Kelley,
We were deeply saddened to hear of Mark’s passing. Although nearly thirty years have passed since we were neighbors in Rochester, the news brought back so many warm and beautiful memories of those years.
We will always remember Mark as a truly kind and gentle soul. There was a quiet goodness about him—a warmth, humility, and genuine kindness that made being around him a pleasure. When we think back to those days in Rochester, we remember not only our friendship with you as a family but also the wonderful memories of our daughter’s when they were still so young. They played together, laughed together, and shared a little part of their childhood that we will always treasure.
Life took us to Hong Kong and then along different paths, and although we did not have the opportunity to see one another often, whenever our families met again over the years, the affection and warmth remained. Some friendships do not need frequent visits to remain meaningful. They simply become part of the fabric of our lives, and that is how we remember our friendship with Mark and your family.
I hope you will find some comfort in knowing how deeply we remember him—with great affection and admiration. He was a good man, a gentle man, and a genuinely good human being. His kindness was not something he needed to announce; it was simply part of who he was. The impression he left on us, even after all these years, is a beautiful testimony to the kind of person he was.
The Bahá’í Writings remind us that the soul does not cease to exist with the passing of the body, but continues its eternal journey toward God. We can therefore think of Mark not as having disappeared, but as having passed from this world into the next stage of his spiritual journey. The love he gave, the goodness he embodied, and the memories he created remain with those whose lives he touched.
And perhaps one of the most beautiful aspects of a life well lived is that its influence continues through the generations. His daughters and grandchildren carry something of him forward—the qualities of kindness, gentleness, love, and goodness that you all knew so well. In that sense, a part of his life will continue to shine through all of you.
Please know that our hearts are with you during this difficult time. We will remember Mark with gratitude for having known him, for the friendship we shared so many years ago, and for the beautiful memories of our families growing up together.
May the loving and merciful confirmations of God surround you and your family, and may He grant you strength, peace, and consolation. May Mark’s soul be blessed with His infinite grace and may his memory remain a source of comfort and joy to all who loved him.
With our deepest sympathy, love, and prayers,
Nat and Debbie Yogachandra