Photo courtesy of Feerick Funeral Home - Shorewood
Shorewood, Wisconsin
Sep 24, 1952 – May 14, 2019 (Age 66)
Passed away peacefully in his sleep of natural causes on May 14, 2019, at the age of 66. Mark grew up in Milwaukee, attending Marquette University High School. He studied architecture at Miami University, and was a resident of Milwaukee and Cincinnati. Loving son of the late Thomas J. McCollow and Yvonne McCollow. Loving brother of Mardi (Rick) Bridich, Tim (Tracy) McCollow and the late John McCollow. Loving uncle of Jeff (Sarah) Bridich, Nick (Mary) Bridich and Liza (Victor) Paredes, Carly (Dustin) McCollow, Kevin McCollow and Matthew McCollow. A past partner of Jerry Ewers and Ron Clemons. A dear friend of Al Bischoff, Jean Corbus and Nancy Boyle as well as many, many other special partners, family and friends who added so much to Mark’s life.
Mark had a very accomplished career in architecture and design for national zoos. He created many unique and memorable spaces for animal exhibits and zoo visitors. Mark will be best remembered for his awards and his substantial contributions to the Cincinnati and Nashville Zoos, among others. In and out of his career, he was a remarkable landscape architect.
Mark was an avid traveler, gardener, designer, collector, philanthropist, advocate, conservationist, and Joni Mitchell’s biggest fan. He was a strong advocate and role model for the LGBTQ community during his decades spent in Cincinnati.
Mark was a generous supporter and volunteer to numerous Milwaukee and Cincinnati charities, especially as they related to AIDS treatment and prevention and wildlife conservation.
In his own words, Mark will miss his many partners, friends and family and asks everyone to cherish their loved ones and thanks everyone for a very special life.
Memorials in Mark's name may be made to the Cincinnati Zoo Foundation. A private service will be held, at Mark’s request.
Read MoreI am so saddened to learn of Mark's passing. I was privileged to work with him while I was at the Cincinnati Zoo and again on projects at the Nashville Zoo. Mark was a good and decent guy, a great collaborator and a gifted designer. He is missed.
Rob Halpern
September 23, 2019 | Ossining, NY | Family
fellow classmate, God Speed.
Thomas Fenlon
May 22, 2019 | Keystone Heights, FL | Classmate
Deepest sympathy to Mardi, Tim and other family members. Wish I had had the chance to catch up with Mark. Proud of his support of LGBT community.
Jere Kelly
May 20, 2019 | Albuquerque, NM | Friend
Tony and I were so sorry to read about Mark in today's paper. Somewhere we have lost touch and regret that has happened. Please accept our deepest sympathy to your whole family. Please contact us so we can talk and share memories. Our prayers will be with you and your families. Sincerely Colette and Tony
Tony Schmidt
May 19, 2019 | Fond Du Lac, GUAM | Family
I send my condolences to Mark's family and his many, many friends. He was such a creative and dynamic person. Though we had not been in touch for several years, I will always remember our college days at MU and a wonderful summer at Pewaukee Lake with his terrific family.
Jean Nolen Corbus
May 19, 2019 | Tucson, AZ
Mark was a gifted architect and artist who always made my day better when he walked into my office at the Cincinnati Zoo. My condolences to his family and all who will miss him.
Diane Douglass
May 19, 2019 | Cincinnati, OH | Friend
My condolences to the family and friends of Mark. As a fellow "East-Sider" (with a car) Mark often travelled with me back from school at MUHS.
James Bretzke
May 18, 2019 | Milwaukee, WI | Friend
