Mark Vito Muto

1946 - 2016

Waterford - Mark Vito Muto, 70, died peacefully at home on Dec. 15, 2016, after bravely battling cancer.

Born on Oct. 8, 1946, to Vito and Evelyn (Fralick) Muto in Ilion, N.Y., Mark grew up in upstate New York. He graduated from Auburn Community College and Plattsburgh State University before entering the U.S. Navy, where he served for four years. He worked for SNET/SBC/AT&T for 29 years, where he met his wife Mary. They were married on Oct. 1, 2008.

Photography was one of Mark's greatest passions. He photographed weddings and later turned to fine art photography, with a special interest in rustic barns and marine settings. Under the tutelage of his friend and mentor, Lou Bonamarte, Mark became a proficient watercolorist. Mark was an avid runner and participated in the Boston Marathon five times. He could be seen walking the trails and beaches of Harkness Park and Waterford Beach no matter what the weather. Mark was known for his precision and attention to detail in everything he did. Mark will be remembered by all who knew him as a sweet, quiet, gentle, and caring man.

Mark is survived by his wife, Mary (Patzke) Muto; step-daughter, Sarah Furgalack; his father, Vito Muto; his sister and brother-in-law, Dale and Henry Breaker; his nieces, Yvonne (David) Rice, Jessica (Jay) Cataudella; a great-niece, Portia; and three great-nephews, Seth, Leo, and Enzo. He was predeceased by his mother and sister, Alana.

Special thanks to the staff at the Waterford Cancer Center and to John and Susan McGuire for their loving support and generosity.

At Mark's request, there will be no funeral services. There will be a celebration of life at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 19, at Langley's Restaurant at Great Neck Country Club, 28 Lamphere Road, Waterford.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Patient Access Network Foundation, an organization that provides funding for cancer treatments, 1331 F Street NW, Suite 975, Washington, DC 20004 or go to www.panfoundation.org.

The Thomas L. Neilan and Sons Funeral Home, 12 Ocean Ave., New London is assisting the family with the cremation services.