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Butch Jones
November 29, 2021
I had the pleasure of also playing baseball and softball with Mark. I played with him on the Black Sox(baseball)and the Untouchables (softball). We won several championships with Untouchables. He was always encouraging and supportive. He and I along with Mike Cragg used to feed off of each other.
Beyond sports, he was a loving father and enjoyed life. I remember Kelly being at most games and he Cherished that time and all other times with him.
Some of my most favorite memories of Mark came when we were taking on a few beers. I will always cherish those times along with a bunch of great teammates.
I tore my rotator cuff in the first game of the season in the last season of the Black Sox. Never to be able to play again, but he kept playing and eventually ended up on the Yankees. He always played with heart and was a great teammate and player.
A few years away. He drove all the way to Ohio for my wedding. The few times I have cried included when I saw he and Jen walk through the church door. Amazing! He gifted us with stadium seats that we still use today. Every time I get them out the memories come flooding back.
Due to life I lost contact with him. Sadly, I have been looking for him for years and decided to do an internet search and saw his obituary. . Rest In Peace Mark! You left many with great memories of you!
Scott Eichelberger
January 8, 2006
I was deeply hurt to learn of Mark's death. I was notified by a mutual friend on Christmas Eve, but I have yet to fully grasp the impact of his death, some two weeks later.
I considered Mark my best friend during our senior year at Denbigh High School. At first glance, one might question how we could be such good friends. He was tall, I wasn't. He was rather quiet and unassuming, I was more outgoing. But we ended up in a number of classes together our last two years at Denbigh, participated in the same clubs and activities, and shared a love of sports. Although he began dating Kim, his future wife, half way through the school year, Mark and I continued to seem almost inseparable.
We remained close for several years beyond high school, and then drifted apart somewhat. But we never lost that special bond when we spoke or when we were together.
I loved Mark like my own brothers. I guess, in a way, we were brothers. I will always treasure our friendship, and he will always hold a special place in my heart.
Brocki, Me (Allers), Terry, Cal B. (Knees) Cragg, Snakebite, (ground)Paul
January 6, 2006
Kelly and Aja, I'll get you a copy soon - Allers
January 6, 2006
Mike Allers
January 6, 2006
Approximately 10 years ago, I came to Charlottesville, and shortly thereafter had the unique pleasure of joining the MSBL. The Brewers, the team I was on disbanded after my first season, but as luck would have it, the Black Sox disbanded as well. Mark Brocki was on the Black Sox. Us remaining Brewers knew him as a fiercely competitive yet always classy player, so we were thrilled that he was among the Black Sox with whom our team and part of a third merged to form the Yankees. Mark was not a very vocal man, but his bat and efforts on the field were well amplified. In nearly five seasons as his teammate on the baseball field, and during a brief stint on the softball field, and an even briefer on the hardwoods of Charlottesville's Men's Basketball, I had the privilege to consider "Brocki" my friend. Kelly and Aja, we have a picture in our library of the 2000 Florida Team with the both of you prominently positioned in front of our team and, of course, under the watchful eye of your DAD. Your father was a good man. He truly loved each of you, and was quite proud of the young adults you have become. I saw Mark a couple of weeks before Christmas at Food Lion, and immediately into our conversation he inserted the positve update on his two kids. I am very saddened by his death, and I trust you know that my family's prayers and wishes are with you always. - Mike Allers
Frank Mueller
January 5, 2006
Judy and I were away for Christmas and didn't learn of Mark's passing until tonight. For years we shared pitching duties , along with our ace, Mike Cragg, with the Black Sox over 30 baseball team. Mark was a truly nice guy and a great father. His kids would often watch the game from the dugout. I never saw him upset.Over the years we would run into each other at Fridays After Five and rehash old games. He was a friend and will be missed.
Frank Mueller
January 5, 2006
Judy and I were out of town for Christmas and just today learned of Mark's passing. I will forever treasure the years he and I shared pitching duties, along with Mike Cragg while playing for the Black Sox. Mark was a truly nice guy. I never saw him raise his voice or get angry. Over the years we ran into him at Fridays After Five and rehashed our baseball days. He was a friend.
Dan Maynard
January 4, 2006
My sincere condolences go out to the entire Brocki family. I had the pleasure of playing baseball against and with Mark for 7 - 8 years in the Charlottesville Senior Baseball League. I knew Mark both as an opponent and as a teammate, and I can honestly say there was no difference. He was the same genuine guy to players on the other team as he was to his teammates. I never saw Mark have a bad day nor did I ever hear him speak ill of anyone. I was also fortunate to meet Kelly and Aja at games over several summers and was always impressed with the relationship that Mark shared with both. It was obvious that he adored them and that they felt the same about him. I only hope they can find some comfort in knowing that their dad was cared for by all who met him and will be deeply missed.
Bobby Stanley
January 1, 2006
To the Brocki Family,
The thoughts and prayers from my family are sent to you with deep sadness. Mark's passing caught us all by suprise, but the first thought that came to me was that my God has taken another good soul home with him. He also took a very good friend from us. I knew "Brocki" from the baseball field we shared for several years. A baseball team becomes more of a family than just a team. Mark's children and my children were part of the regular dug-out line-up during most of our games. It was always evident that Mark deeply loved his children.
He was a genuine man that always found the best in even the worst of times. I pray that everyone who was touched by the gentle man, Mark Brocki,can do the same. We will miss you, Mark.
God Bless the Brocki Family.
Kurt Vogelsang
January 1, 2006
I met Mark 11 years ago when I joined the Black Sox in the over 30-baseball league. Through the years I came to realize what a gentle and kind man he was. Mark always reacted with a smile, whether he hit a home run or if the umpire made a bad call. Many of the games he would have Kelly and Aja with him to cheer us on. His love and devotion was reflected in every action and moment he spent with them. This morning I visited Burley Field and sat in the dugout to say a prayer and reminisce about games gone by. We’ll miss you Mark. God bless you and your family.
Mark w/Michael, David & Todd at David's wedding reception.
January 1, 2006
David Simeone
January 1, 2006
My memories of Mark (aside from the powder blue corduroy shorts) is first and foremost that of a loving and committed father. Having had the opportunity to spend a lot of quality time with Mark, especially on the golf course, I got to know a great guy whose existence revolved around his two beautiful children. On a gray Christmas day last week, I drove to Burley Field, where we shared so many memories, and stepped onto the baseball field. I cried, looked to the heavens, and uttered under my breath, "Just throw strikes, Broccoli. Just throw strikes." My prayers go out to the entire Brocki family. And to you, Aja and Kelly: Live your lives to the fullest and make your dad proud. You were, and will remain, his pride and joy.
Jim Barns
January 1, 2006
I first got to know Mark when I played on the NLRG softball team. Recognizing his and teammates Mark Rieber fine qualities as athletes and people,I asked them to join my annual touch football game, The Tundra Bowl. They were a great addition and really esablished this game. We call it "feel good football". The two Marks have played 12 years. This year in my post-game writeup I highighted players' standout qualities. For Mark, it was his "wonderful eveness".
I did not see Mark much except on that game day but my description certainly has been affirmed with my talks with neighbors, Mark Rieber, his devoted friend, Ann Foley, NLRG friend fo Mark's, whom I went to the funeral with, with testimonies at the funeral and here in the Daily Progess. His devotion to his children was touching and so admirable. Learning of some his idiosyncracies
amused and took my admiration higher. Mark Rieber tells of his reverence to wildlife, e.g. he carried ants out of his house!
I have been deeply saddend by his death and will keep his memory and spirit alive with the Tundra Bowl players.
Mark holding the trophy after winning the 1999 championship.
December 31, 2005
Mark in the dugout with teammates Dave Simeone and Michael Cragg.
December 31, 2005
Mark is pictured here in 1999 the year we won the championship.
December 31, 2005
Mark and friend, Jeb, at my wedding.
Michael Cragg
December 31, 2005
I want to extend my heartfelt condolences to the Brocki family.
Mark was a very unassuming man. He was kind, considerate, a great listener, and had a smile that put one at ease. I met Mark and his wonderful children in 1991. I think Asia was just four years old and Kelly not much older. We played baseball on the same team for the next ten years. We traveled to Florida together many times to play baseball. I got to know Mark well during those 13 hour car rides and those weeks we shared a hotel room. When my wife left me, Mark, who lived less than a homerun trot from my house, sat in my living room and listened and talked to me during a very tough time in my life. I will never forget his quiet kindness. Mark was a good man. He will be missed by many people. God bless his gentle soul.
Rosanne Simeone
December 30, 2005
I am so sorry to hear of Mark's passing, and my prayers are with his family. I first met Mark at NLRG when I was a lowly proofreader. I remember the dread with which most of us picked up Mark's files; code is a tricky thing to proofread. But Mark was always so very kind to me and answered my questions (actually, I'm sure I asked the very same question over and over again) with the utmost patience and humor. I will miss him. If I could attend his funeral, I would hope that someone would read aloud W.H. Auden's "Stop all the Clocks," which ends: "The stars are not wanted now: put out every one;/ Pack up the moon and dismantle the sun;/Pour away the ocean and sweep up the wood. / For nothing now can ever come to any good." Rest easy, Brocki.
Lisa Johnson
December 30, 2005
The things I remember most about Mark is his sincere smile, his gentle disposition, his wild red hair and most of all his extraordinary and passionate devotion and love that he shared with Kelly and Aja. Above everything else, I always admired how his kids loved him unconditionally and always made a point to show and receive the love they shared. Mark will always be remembered fondly in these ways. He will be missed greatly by those who have known and loved him.
Terry Buchholz
December 30, 2005
I worked with Mark for a few months in 2004 and in that short time realized he was a very special person. My softball team also played against his on numerous occasions, and he was always a gentleman player. My thoughts and prayers are with his family members at this time.
Virginia Senyk
December 29, 2005
My elderly Mom & I are Grandma & Aunt respectively of Mark's ex-wife Kim Dungan. We remember the caring, sensitive father he was in his younger days. And how he adored his children Kelly & Aja. He will be missed by many priviledged to have known him!
Pam Bell
December 29, 2005
Mark was a kind and gentle man and I feel honored to have known him and his children. I posted some photos from a multifamily trip to the Outer Banks when Kelly and Aja (and my kids, Caitlin and Will) were little, Aja was around 7 and Kelly was probably 9. Mark taught all how to crack crabs - the kids were grossed out! We are so saddened; our hearts and prayers go out to Mark's family.
Mark and Aja 1995
December 29, 2005
Cracking Crabs at Kitty Hawk 1995
December 29, 2005
Anna, Seymour, Jenny and Caroline Allen
December 29, 2005
Kelly:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Please know that we are here for you.
Ed and Mary McPhillips
December 29, 2005
I worked with Mark at NLRG in Charlottesville for 10 years, played softball with him for several seasons on the company team, and participated in an NFL Football Pool with him and others for years. Mark was a great guy, and I especially remember what a wonderful father he was to Kelly and Aja when they were little kids and coming to watch their father play softball. Mark had a great disposition and was always smiling. My wife Mary met him infrequently and knew him only as an acquaintance, but she felt a sincere sadness when I told her of Mark's death because she remembered him simply as a good guy. It is a true mark of what a fine person Mark was that he made such an impression on every person he met. My wife and I convey our prayers to all in the Brocki family and especially his children.
25th Reunion Golf Tournament
Dave Henderson
December 29, 2005
To The Brocki Family,
I have always tried to measure my life with the people and friends I have made over the years. Mark was a great guy and I will remember him always. I last saw Mark at the reunion golf tourney. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and any other of our High School Buddies.
God bless you all and take care.
Raleigh McReynolds
December 29, 2005
I would like to express my heart felt condolences to the Brocki family. I met Mark about 3 years ago when we were teammates on the Charlottesville Yankees adult baseball team. Brocki (playing ball, we always called him Brocki more than we called him Mark) was a very good player and a very smart player. In getting to know Brocki, I could see that he was a very good person who wasn't afraid to go against the grain. He didn't try to rock the boat but he stood up for what he believed. Perhaps the best thing about Brocki was he never tried to be somebody he wasn't; Brocki was always Brocki. I believe those are the best type of people because they have such strong character. The team and I are going to miss you Brocki.
Lloyd Johnson Sr
December 29, 2005
My heart felt sorry goes out to the Brocki family at your loss. I knew Mark since elementary school 5th grade in Newport News. We went on through high school. Even though we didn't hang out together I knew that he was my friend and I was his. When some people in high school wanted to do me harm. He and some other friends told me that they had my back if it look like it was getting out of hand. That day I knew he was a good friend. It wasn't that popular in the "70"s to have black friends. I'm sorry that I didn't stay in touch with him. I know that he will be missed. I met his wife and kids at the last high school reunion. I spoke to him at his dinner table telling his family what a great football player he was. I'll miss Mark. Love from the Johnson family to the Brocki family.
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