Mark Grzywinski

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mark Daniel Grzywinski, age 39, who passed away peacefully on February 6, 2026, surrounded by family in Portland, Oregon following a stroke.

Mark was born on February 17, 1986, in Erie, Pennsylvania, to Laura Bello and Paul Grzywinski. He attended McDowell High School and worked in a variety of fields, most recently at Mid-City Smashed Burger in Portland.

Mark was a lifelong musician. He began playing drums as a child and later taught himself guitar and banjo. Music was his passion and he was a member of multiple bands throughout his life, including drummer for Matty B and the Dirty Pickles in Erie; drummer and banjo player for Broke Boland in Erie; drummer for Only Humans in Chicago; banjo player for The Tradesmen in Erie; drummer for Feral Friend in Portland; and drummer for Head the Hive in Portland. At the time of his passing, Mark was working on a new project in Portland. Mark loved talking about music and had an incredible memory for facts about his favorite bands and albums.

Mark enjoyed exploring new places. In addition to his time living in Erie and Portland, he also lived in Chicago, Illinois, and Columbus, Ohio. Some of his favorite travel destinations included the Oregon Coast, the Columbia River Gorge, the Pacific Northwest High Desert, and Joshua Tree National Park. He was also a devoted fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

He is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Chester and Rose Grzywinski, and his beloved cats Kevin and Emma.

He is survived by his mother Laura Bello (Gary James) of Erie; his father Paul Grzywinski (Becky Tree) of Cranesville, Pennsylvania; his sister Jennifer (Steve) Runkle, and nephew, Tyler Runkle of Potomac, Maryland; his grandparents Richard and Mary Bello of Erie; along with numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, lifelong friends, and fans.

Visitation and a memorial service will be held in Erie, Pennsylvania on March 7, 2026, at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, located at 1603 West 32nd Street from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Immediately following the service, the family will host a luncheon at the Colony Banquet Facility, located at 3014 West 12th Street. Attendees are encouraged to wear their favorite band, concert, or black T-shirt to the luncheon as a way to celebrate and honor Mark.

Anyone who would like to make a donation in Mark’s memory may donate to The Pixie Project, a Portland nonprofit animal rescue and adoption center at https://pixie.funraise.org/.