VINTON - Mark David Alicke, 65, died from an accident on Oct. 23, 2020, at his home in Vinton, OH.
Born March 20, 1955 in New York City, Mark was the son of Harriet (Gatter) Alicke and Harold Alicke. He attended the University of Miami but returned home to finish his degree at Montclair State University so that he could also help out the family by doing the short-order cooking in his father's restaurant. After completing a Ph.D. in social psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and postdoctoral work at Northwestern University, Mark spent most of his distinguished, award-winning career at Ohio University as part of the thriving social psychology program in the Department of Psychology.
His many friends will deeply miss this erudite yet modest man, whose take on life was so penetrating and so full of down-to-earth humor, kindness, and grace. To nail a point he could easily quote Immanuel Kant, Charles Dickens, or Muhammad Ali, to the enlightenment and joy of those around him. He appreciated all the finer things in life, whether it was a thick slice of French toast slowly bronzed from his own skillet, a riff from Miles Davis's trumpet, or UNC basketball. Mark had an extraordinary physical presence to him that worked well with his qualities of mind and big heartedness. He was one of a kind, a rare human being, a true breaker of the mold.
The day before Mark died, he planned on voting together with his wife, Susan Tice-Alicke, and his son Alexei, who at nineteen would be voting for the first time. This represented a triumph of the collective human spirit, as Alexei was born with medical challenges that would not have predicted this day. But through Mark's devotion as a father, and Susan's as a mother, together with other family members and with literally hundreds of people in the Athens community, this opportunity to vote was to happen. Mark was a happy, proud, and grateful father and husband.
Mark is also survived by his mother, Harriet Alicke and his brother, Michael; wife, Laurie; sisters-in-law, Sherri (Brian) Easterling and Stacey Figuly; and nieces, Jillian, Lindsey Alicke, Sidney Figuly. He was preceded in death by his father, Harold Alicke.
In lieu of flowers, the family would greatly appreciate that donations be made to Nationwide Children's Hospital or Autism Speaks.
Due to COVID-19, we will be delaying memorial services until they can be performed safely.
You are encouraged to share a memory, a note of condolence or sign the online register at www.hughesmoquinfuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Athens Messenger from Oct. 27 to Oct. 30, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Mark Alicke

Sponsored by Hughes Funeral Home (Hughes-Moquin) - Athens.

20 Entries

Cindy Craner

February 19, 2021

My prayers go out to Mark’s family, friends, and students. I was one of his students in the nineties and would help out with research groups that he was conducting. He was such an influence and inspiration in my life. He had such a wonderful sense of humor! He will sorely be missed.

Mark Buckley

February 11, 2021

My deepest sympathies and condolences to Mark’s family and friends. I was student of his and ran research groups for him in the early nineties. He was huge influence on me and opened many research opportunities for undergraduate students when he arrived at OU. He had a great intellect and sense of humor as well. Mark will be truly missed.

S. J. Rowland

December 16, 2020

I did not personally interact with Mark, but was probably his oldest student. I so appreciate his sincerity and patience in teaching me, and I am truly indebted. S. J. Rowland

Connie Wolfe

November 20, 2020

My deepest sympathies to Mark's loved ones. Mark was one of my professors when I was an undergraduate student at Ohio University in the early 1990s. His engaged teaching, interest in my work, and his support and confidence in me meant so much. He is one of the bright lights that paved my way to becoming a professor of social psychology myself. Deepest condolences to his family and friends.

Robert Swanson

Planted Trees

Sympathy Gift courtesy of Russell Jennings. Group of 10 Memorial Trees Planted In Loving Memory of Mark David Alicke.

Russell Jennings

November 7, 2020

Danny Moates

November 1, 2020

Such rich memories of Mark. He will live on and on in the hearts and minds of those who knew him.

Bill Klein

November 1, 2020

Susan, Alexei, and all those touched by Mark's humanity - I am so devastated to hear the tragic news. I have always thought of Mark as an exemplar professor - a terrific thinker and compassionate colleague who combines wit with a love of good science. He will be sorely missed.

Bella DePaulo

October 31, 2020

To Susan, Alexei, and all of Mark’s beloved friends, colleagues, and students: I am so sorry for your loss. Mark was so very kind and caring – and smart and funny! I spent lots of time with him when I was on sabbatical at the University of Florida in 1986, and I don’t think I have ever had more fun. His passing is such a tragedy. I wish I could have had one last good time with him. I guess we all do.

Sympathy Gift courtesy of Laura Niemi. Group of 50 Memorial Trees Planted In Loving Memory of Mark David Alicke.

Laura Niemi

October 31, 2020

Justin Buckingham

October 31, 2020

Susan and Alexei- I am so sorry for your loss. Mark was a fantastic mentor to me in my grad school years at OU. I have fond memories of meetings in his office in which we would inevitably end up on some interesting tangent about philosophy, law, music, or basketball. Mark was supportive and generous, a gentle, cerebral man whose legacy will live on in his family, colleagues, and countless students who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Julie Suhr

October 29, 2020

I will miss Mark so much: our conversations on things both psychological and philosophical, serving as his "go to" clinical colleague for neuroscience (and clinical) advice and feedback, and his ability to give me a good laugh from time to time. My heart is with Susan and Alexei.

Stacy Porter

October 28, 2020

Mark was my Psychology 101 professor during my first quarter of college in 2005. I remember his ability to teach the material to a lecture hall of hundreds (more than I had in my entire high school!) with such ease and grace. I learned a great deal from that class, and went on to become a high school psychology teacher myself. He was a phenomenal professor, and I’m very lucky to have had him as an educator in my life. I also remember him showing presentations of his son, Alexei, and being so loving and proud of him. I would like to give my sincerest condolences to Susan, Alexei, and the rest of the Alicke family.

Robert Shelly

October 28, 2020

I want to extend my sympathy to Susan and Mark's son. I always enjoyed working with him on the many dissertation committees he chaired. We are in Columbus now. I expect we won't get to Athens soon, but you will be in our thoughts. Bob Shelly, Emeritus Professor is Sociology.

Tobias Gerstenberg

October 28, 2020

Mark was a clever scientist, a brilliant writer, and a wonderful collaborator. I will miss you.

James G Coleman

October 27, 2020

Very sorry for your loss Susan and Alexei. May you both be able to find peace and continue to share the love that you have and had for each other. You will enjoy and have wonderful memories of him forever. Take care

Gregory Sall

October 27, 2020

i know he was a devoted father and feel a sad loss for my cousin and her son alexei.

Jan Scipio

October 27, 2020

Mark was one of the most intelligent, kindest human beings I have met. My thoughts and prayers and with you both. You will learn not to live without him but to live with love he left behind. May your both find peace.