MARK S. BIVIANO

MARK “BIV" BIVIANO,  passed away on Thursday, May 18, 2023. 

Biv was a standout broadcast media leader, recognized educator, philanthropist and talented musician. He will be best remembered for his zest for life, wit and wisdom, and his heart of gold that he shared with his family and many friends.

Biv is survived by his partner Terri Brown, brothers David A. (Lynn) and William R. Biviano (Cheryl) and many nieces and nephews. Investing in friendships was important to Biv, and he will be sorely missed by the OU guys, his media circle, and his lifelong friends. 

Biv was a legend in Cleveland and Akron media, serving most recently as the Senior Vice President of the Rubber City Radio Group, where he worked for more than 30 years. A member of the Ohio Broadcasting Hall of Fame, he was the 2012 winner of the Excellence in Broadcast Management award from the Cleveland Association of Broadcasters. People loved working with Biv, and he was known for his mentorship, integrity and no-nonsense leadership style.

Biv was a passionate and dedicated educator, serving as an adjunct professor for Kent State University, the University of Akron, Mount Union and Youngstown State University, and as a member of the Dean's advisory council for the Scripps College of Journalism at his alma mater, Ohio University. In 2011, he was designated as an expert in media/marketing/management by the J. William Fulbright Foundation and the Council for the International Exchange of Scholars, and in this capacity shared his  expertise with The University of Cambodia (where he was awarded the title of Distinguished Fellow), Nha Trang University in Vietnam and Chiang Mai University in Thailand.

Philanthropy was of vital importance to Biv. He volunteered for numerous charities and organizations in his life, serving on the boards of the Salvation Army of Summit County, the United Way and as a mentor for SCORE. He was an active member of St. Christopher’s Parish in Rocky River.

Biv was a talented musician, pianist who also played guitar, bass and trombone. He played in numerous bands throughout his life, most recently as the bass player for the Tabloid Twangers. 

Biv crossed paths with many people during his life, and his big smile, deep friendships, leadership and generosity will be remembered forever.

A funeral mass celebrating Biv’s life will be held Thursday, May 25th at 11 am at St. Christopher Church, Rocky River, Ohio.  Where friends may call in the Gathering Room of the church from 10:00 am until time of mass.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mark’s name to the Leukemia Lymphoma Society or the West Side Catholic Center.