Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Mark Gorski Obituary
December 15, 1958 – September 22, 2016
Br. Mark Gorski died on Thursday, September 22nd after a long illness. He was born in Coupeville, WA to Leonard and Mildred (Reuble) Gorski. He entered the Order of Preachers in 1982 and received the Dominican habit on September 23, 1982. He made simple profession of vows on September 24, 1983 and solemn profession on June 4, 1988.He received a B.A. in Social Welfare from the University of Washington in 1981, and both a B.A. in Philosophy in 1985 and a M.Div. in Theology in 1989 from the Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology in Berkeley, CA.
Br. Mark was always proud to be a Dominican friar. He faithfully served as a cooperator brother at Holy Family Cathedral in Anchorage, St. Dominic Church in San Francisco and at St. Albert Priory in Oakland; ministering to the homeless, the poor and the neglected of society. Whether in Anchorage or in San Francisco, he could be found braving the roughest of neighborhoods during the day—and the night—to reach out to those on the fringes of society.
Br. Mark was a people-person, who was bright, outgoing, and generous in spirit who loved life. He was always fearless and determined in all that he did—despite the adversity of his illness with all of its limitations. He understood well the meaning of personal suffering, but usually looked past it as he enjoyed the camaraderie of his Dominican brothers, his family, his countless friends and those whom he met in ministry. Br. Mark will be greatly missed—but will not be forgotten.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his oldest brother, Leonard. He is survived by his brothers and their wives, Jim and Susan, Jon and Patty, Don and Mary Ann and numerous nieces & nephews and grandnieces & grandnephews.
Services: Viewing (Thursday, Sept. 29, 7pm), Vigil (7:30pm) and Funeral Mass (Friday, Sept. 30, 9:30am) all at St. Albert's Priory in Oakland. Burial immediately following at St. Dominic's Cemetery in Benicia. To honor the memory of Br. Mark, gifts may be made securely online at opwest.org/brmarkmemorial in support of the education of Dominican brothers and priests.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mark Gorski
Robert Marzullo (formerly, Fr. Robert Marzullo OP
September 20, 2024
The picture and the smile WERE Mark. The memories of him described above were the Mark I knew and respected in the Dominicans, and I felt that we were, and STILL ARE friends!
Thanks for sending this to me!
Robert Marzullo
September 20, 2023
Mark had an ever present smile every time I met him or was around him. And right now, as I share this, I feel his presence and smile on all those reading this, on his loved ones, and on his Dominican brothers and the saints of the Dominicans and our Church.
Robert Marzullo
September 20, 2021
I remember Mark fondly, having a good spirit, a ready smile and always welcoming to me and those he met. I knew of his issues with speech, but I always enjoyed being around him and learned from him and respected him for his living and working through those challenges to work with others.
Brian Reilly
December 18, 2016
Brother Mark was a cherished friend whose life of outreach will always be an inspiration. Despite obstacles to his own health, he first thought of others. His story will be shared with my daugher and for years to come. I will always remember Mark's physically unsteady but spiritually unswerving assault on life.
Robert Marzullo
October 6, 2016
I am saddened by the news of Mark's death, as whenever I saw him while in the Dominicans, he would always greet you by name. He was very easy, welcoming and relaxed to get along with. I guess God needed his help in heaven to reach out to those Mark ministered to and cared for.
John Lydon
September 29, 2016
Although, over the years, one could see the progress of Br. Mark's illness, the warmth of his eyes, his smile and his personal greeting never changed. What a beautiful person! Br. Mark was always an inspiration to me.
Fr. Albert Felice-Pace
September 28, 2016
In spite of his illness, Br. Mark was determined to help the needy and the poor.
Michael Fones
September 28, 2016
Br. Mark endured so much during his life, and in his own struggles he was able to appreciate the difficulties that so many others face. May he rest in peace in the arms of Jesus, our Savior.
Antoinette Doyle
September 27, 2016
Br. Mark was an inspiration to me when he was at St. Dominic's/San Francisco. He always was cheerful and gracious despite his debilitating illness. I enjoyed his humor and our shared love of movies. The last time I saw him was at the 800th Anniversary of the Dominican Order in his wheelchair surrounded by his Dominican friar brothers and scores of friends. I shall remember him with gratitude and fondness in my daily prayers.
Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results
Make a Donation
in Mark Gorski's name
Memorial Events
for Mark Gorski
How to support Mark's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Mark Gorski's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
