1 Upcoming Event
Celebration of Life
JAN
17
Saturday, January 17, 2026
11:30 am - 2:30 pm
Sacramento Turn Verein
3349 J Street, Sacramento, CA 95816
John Charles Mark, of Yuba City, California, passed away peacefully on November 29, 2025, at the age of 64. After receiving a life-extending stem cell donation from his brother, Rob, John met his final year with quiet courage and unwavering grace, grateful for the time it gave him. He carried a quiet strength, a generous heart, and a laugh that could fill any room.
John grew up in San Jose, graduated from Lynbrook High School, attended West Valley College, and later earned his degree from Sacramento State University. In his younger years, he imagined becoming a park ranger or history teacher—dreams that reflected his love of the outdoors and his curiosity about the world. Life ultimately led him into restaurant management, where his calm leadership, reliability, and warmth made him a natural fit. From his early days at Marie Callender's to Coco's Bakery—where a chance meeting with a coworker named Genie changed everything—and through his dedicated years at The Old Spaghetti Factory, John was a steady, dependable presence. He treated colleagues like family and guests like old friends. He had a way of making everyone feel at ease.
Outside of work, John's love for sports was boundless. He dove into every quirky corner of athletics, laughing along with the oddities of ESPN8: The Ocho and cheering on the wonderfully obscure with genuine enthusiasm. He backed his alma mater, the Sacramento State Hornets, with pride, and he was a lifelong, die-hard fan of the San Francisco Giants. From his youth, he stood fiercely loyal through every heartbreak delivered by his beloved Cleveland Browns. And on college football Saturdays, he lit up in maize and blue, calling out "Go Blue" as a Michigan Wolverines flag waved proudly at his home in honor of his father's university.
When the game wasn't on, John found joy in life's simple pleasures. He loved camping and being outdoors but was just as content at home with a cold beer and one of his favorite shows. He was drawn to classic comedies like Blazing Saddles, Stripes, and Caddyshack, and he never tired of marathons of Seinfeld, 24, or Survivor. He was perhaps most at home at the poker table with dear friends, where cards, classic rock, and laughter flowed freely. John lived with a rare blend of humor, grit, and heart.
Above all, John's greatest pride was his family, and he cherished the deep bonds shared across generations. He is survived by his son, Dr. John R. Mark (wife Stephanie), and his daughter, Jordan Mark (husband Andy). He also leaves behind devoted siblings and their families: sister Marcy Nunes (husband Bob) and their children, Erin and Ryan; sister Terri Rader (husband Allan Rader) and their son, Hayden; and his brother, Clark "Robby" Mark. John was a cherished uncle, remembered for his humor and the calm, grounding presence he brought to every gathering. He is also survived by his faithful canine companion, Akila, who was his constant shadow and best friend in his final years.
John is now reunited with the love of his life, Genie Cathers Mark. Their partnership was one of deep devotion, humor, and shared joy until her death in 2012. He was also preceded in death by his mother, Pauline Clark Stephanski, and father, John Howard Mark.
John will be remembered for a sharp wit, unwavering kindness, and a devotion to family that remained a north star until the very end. His family invites all who knew him to gather and celebrate his well-lived life. Please come with "classic John" stories in mind.
Date: January 17, 2026
Time: 11:30 AM
Location: Sacramento Turn Verein, 3349 J Street, Sacramento, CA 95816
We will hold a short service followed by an open mic storytelling session and lunch reception. We want to hear the funny, the touching, and the bizarre—all the stories that made John who he was.
NOTE: Limited parking is available behind the building. Please access the lot from I Street, between 33rd and 35th.
To help us plan for the reception, please RSVP via the Facebook Event Page (https://www.facebook.com/share/1CALPGyJWG/), to any family member, or via email to [email protected].
John grew up in San Jose, graduated from Lynbrook High School, attended West Valley College, and later earned his degree from Sacramento State University. In his younger years, he imagined becoming a park ranger or history teacher—dreams that reflected his love of the outdoors and his curiosity about the world. Life ultimately led him into restaurant management, where his calm leadership, reliability, and warmth made him a natural fit. From his early days at Marie Callender's to Coco's Bakery—where a chance meeting with a coworker named Genie changed everything—and through his dedicated years at The Old Spaghetti Factory, John was a steady, dependable presence. He treated colleagues like family and guests like old friends. He had a way of making everyone feel at ease.
Outside of work, John's love for sports was boundless. He dove into every quirky corner of athletics, laughing along with the oddities of ESPN8: The Ocho and cheering on the wonderfully obscure with genuine enthusiasm. He backed his alma mater, the Sacramento State Hornets, with pride, and he was a lifelong, die-hard fan of the San Francisco Giants. From his youth, he stood fiercely loyal through every heartbreak delivered by his beloved Cleveland Browns. And on college football Saturdays, he lit up in maize and blue, calling out "Go Blue" as a Michigan Wolverines flag waved proudly at his home in honor of his father's university.
When the game wasn't on, John found joy in life's simple pleasures. He loved camping and being outdoors but was just as content at home with a cold beer and one of his favorite shows. He was drawn to classic comedies like Blazing Saddles, Stripes, and Caddyshack, and he never tired of marathons of Seinfeld, 24, or Survivor. He was perhaps most at home at the poker table with dear friends, where cards, classic rock, and laughter flowed freely. John lived with a rare blend of humor, grit, and heart.
Above all, John's greatest pride was his family, and he cherished the deep bonds shared across generations. He is survived by his son, Dr. John R. Mark (wife Stephanie), and his daughter, Jordan Mark (husband Andy). He also leaves behind devoted siblings and their families: sister Marcy Nunes (husband Bob) and their children, Erin and Ryan; sister Terri Rader (husband Allan Rader) and their son, Hayden; and his brother, Clark "Robby" Mark. John was a cherished uncle, remembered for his humor and the calm, grounding presence he brought to every gathering. He is also survived by his faithful canine companion, Akila, who was his constant shadow and best friend in his final years.
John is now reunited with the love of his life, Genie Cathers Mark. Their partnership was one of deep devotion, humor, and shared joy until her death in 2012. He was also preceded in death by his mother, Pauline Clark Stephanski, and father, John Howard Mark.
John will be remembered for a sharp wit, unwavering kindness, and a devotion to family that remained a north star until the very end. His family invites all who knew him to gather and celebrate his well-lived life. Please come with "classic John" stories in mind.
Date: January 17, 2026
Time: 11:30 AM
Location: Sacramento Turn Verein, 3349 J Street, Sacramento, CA 95816
We will hold a short service followed by an open mic storytelling session and lunch reception. We want to hear the funny, the touching, and the bizarre—all the stories that made John who he was.
NOTE: Limited parking is available behind the building. Please access the lot from I Street, between 33rd and 35th.
To help us plan for the reception, please RSVP via the Facebook Event Page (https://www.facebook.com/share/1CALPGyJWG/), to any family member, or via email to [email protected].
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of John Charles Mark, please visit our flower store.
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