Mark Thomas Ravenscraft

Mark Ravenscraft, 69, passed away unexpectedly on June 7, 2017, while recovering from a fall. Born in Akron, Ohio, on August 13, 1947, Mark acquired polio at the age of 2, resulting in the loss of use of both legs. Despite his physically disability, he learned to read at age 3 and was gifted with intelligence and the ability to talk on any subject (to which his friends will attest!). Mark was home-schooled by the public education system. For his Senior year, he attended Firestone High School, which finally had to accommodate him. He received his BA from the University of Pittsburgh, studied for an EMBA at Baldwin-Wallace College, and graduated from the Program for State and Local Government at the JFK School at Harvard University. In 1968 he married his high school sweetheart, Pat Ondo; they were married for 13 years and had 2 sons, Paul and James. He served for 17 years as Akron City (Ohio) Councilman at Large, Summit County (Ohio) County Councilman, and as Summit County Commissioner and President of the Board of County Commissioners. He had a long history of activism in the Democratic Party serving for many years as Chair of the Florida Democratic Disability Caucus.

In 1993 Mark moved to Tallahassee to become director of the Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology, a program of the Florida Department of Labor, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. Several years later he managed the contracts of 13 Centers for Independent Living throughout the state. In 2000 he formed The Ravenscraft Group, LLC - a marketing, advertising and research firm specializing in healthcare and services to people with disabilities. In 1994 he met Diana Lincoln, who in 1996 became his partner for 15 years.

As soon as he moved to Tallahassee, Mark became an active member of the community. He was active in the Lutheran Church, went through the Leon County Sheriff's Citizen Academy, was on the Commission on Culture and the Arts, was on the boards of Lutheran Social Services and Tallahassee 25, was a member of the Democratic Club of North Florida, the 26th class of Leadership Tallahassee, the Northeast Business Association, amongst many others. He established the Capital Polio Association which thrived for several years. Mark's personality was engaging, charismatic, and full of humor. Aside from his formal involvements, he will be best remembered by the dozens of young people he mentored and helped set on a path to success.

Mark is predeceased by his father and mother, Ralph and Betty Ravenscraft of Akron, Ohio. He is survived by his sons Paul (Shelly) in Arizona and James (Tracy) in Ohio, and two grandchildren, Taylor Joy and Aiden.

A memorial gathering will be held at 1210 Commencement Cove, Tallahassee, on Saturday, June 24 from 2:00 to 3:30. Light refreshments will be served. Questions should be directed to Diana Lincoln at [email protected]. In lieu of flowers, Mark would have appreciated your donating to the Leon County Public Library.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Tallahassee Democrat on Jun. 21, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Mark Ravenscraft

Sponsored by the Tallahassee Democrat.

9 Entries

Ashanti Booker

August 19, 2022

I´m completely heartbroken by the news of his passing. When I was in nursing school at FAMU I worked as an home health aid to put myself through school. Mr. Ravenscraft was the greatest patient I ever had as an aid. He was so kind and encouraging. One time I didn´t do well on a test and he went over the questions I got wrong with me. How kind. He loved his cat dearly and helped me get over my fear of cats. I´m currently working on my doctorate and I was looking him up to share the update and found out about his passing . To his family and children, thank you for sharing such an amazing person with me. Mr. Ravenscraft is deeply missed. I´m so sorry for your loss.

Bob & Eleanor Gore

July 1, 2017

It is with much sorrow to learn of Mark's passing. He was a wonderful friend and employer. He was very attentive to his parents and grandmother. A great son. The luncheons and dinners, sharing food and imparting knowledge were so much enjoyed and often talked about. Mark made you a honorary member of his family. The times we participated in his campaigns was our privilege. Paul and James always know that your father loved you so very much. Diane, you lit up his life. Our many conversations were treasured. Please know that you are in our prayers.

Kim Padgett

June 23, 2017

Mark and my Dad, R.E. "Gene" Padgett of Quincy, FL, became friends in 2011 when they were in rehab together. Mark visited with our family on a couple of holidays and quickly gained my Mom's friendship when he gave high compliments to her cooking. :) Our family enjoyed getting to know Mark. We offer our deepest sympathy and prayers for his loss. He is fondly remembered by The Padgetts, Quincy, FL

James Call

June 22, 2017

A good man and a true Buckeye in every respect. I cherish his friendship and grateful for his advice.

Mary Cloud

June 22, 2017

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

June 21, 2017

Mark was an inspiring person, always passionate about making the world a better place.

Bruce Ferris

June 21, 2017

Mark was a good friend, gifted communicator and great advocate for persons with disabilities. For Mark the glass was always half full never half empty. When we worked together at Florida Vocational Rehabilitation, Mark gave me a book titled, TGIM Thank Goodness It's Monday. It was a positive look on the first day of the work week which most people dread to see coming. Mark, would often see me in the hallway at work and say, Bruce, only four more days until Monday. This expression became a common greeting between us even after our days at VR. Mark was a man who believed all things were possible, especially, for persons with disabilities. My prayers are with his family. Without doubt, the rehabilitation community has suffered a great loss and many of us have lost a good friend who could always brighten your day with his sharp wit and engaging smile.

Miranda Lin

June 20, 2017

I have known Mark in a very intimate way (I used to live with Mark and Diana) for a while. Mark had treated me like his own daughter and disciple (though I was never the best one)!
Our relationship began in the mid 90's when Mark was enrolled in my Sunday Chinese Speaking Class at FSU. I was a poor graduate student so Mark had helped me in many ways. I still remember why Mark took the class: he wanted to impress Diana, they were dating at that time.
Long story short, I left Tallahassee in late 90's and did not return until 2003 to pursue a higher degree. Since I did not keep in touch with them for a long time, I thought I would never met them again. Well, life is preprogrammed and it is my destiny to have some kinds of relationship with Mark and Diana. I indeed met Mark and Diana again (unexpectedly at the Tallahassee Mall). This time, I moved into their home on South Ride. I stayed there for 3.5 years until I got my Ph.D. in August 2008 and moved to Illinois to start my college teaching career.
Mark and Diana had always treated me kindly. We were like a real family! Mark was the best coach and cheerleader who had so much faith in me. I do not remember how many times Mark had helped resolved the trouble I got into or helped with other international students' issues. Mark had not even met some of these students at FSU.Mark was a believer and he tried his best to practice God's preaching. He loved everyone he met and helped everyone, including strangers or people he had never met.
Paul and James, your father loved you dearly. He might not be the best or ideal father because he was so much focused on his career when you were young. I can assure you that your father was a man with decency and you would be proud of him. There was never a day that Mark did not think of you and regretted that he did not spend enough time with you two. It is apparent that Mark showered all his love and attention to me (see the picture; he was so proud of me like a father) and Heather, Diana's daughter because he was not able to be with you.
I continue to get advice from Mark over the phone even after moving to Illinois. The last time I saw him was right after he had the stroke and I could never imagined that would be our last meeting. Mark, we love you and will always remember you. We thank you for everything you did for the community, for the students at FSU, and so many more. I am glad you are in good hands now with our eternal father. Rest in Peace!

June 20, 2017

I am sorry for your loss. May the God of comfort be with you during your time of mourning. Isaiah 61:1,2 ; Matthew 5:4

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