Mark Andrew Monahan Wilkinson

1985 - 2024

It is with great sadness that we announce our friend, Charlottesville musician and radio personality, Mark Andrew Monahan Wilkinson left our world on the afternoon of April 2, 2024, just two months before his 39th birthday. His larger-than-life presence impacted our local community more than most, his boisterous personality and loving energy was infectious and his absence will be felt by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Mark had been sober for two years and was working hard to gain back his health, but unfortunately, the damage done was too much for even him to overcome.

Mark is survived by his loving mother, Patricia Wilkinson, and her partner Tomas Serrano, as well as his devoted life partner, Janice Berggren and their precious dog Ziva, his Aunt Mary(Jean-Loup) Combemale, Uncle Skip(Donna) Wilkinson, Uncle David(Lisa) Wilkinson, and cousins, Olivia(Nick) Gould and daughter Margo Jane, Lt. JG Garrett Wilkinson, Ruby Sarah, and Collin Wilkinson, and Coco Combemale, who really was more like a sister, in addition to the extended family he created in his bandmates, coworkers, and many other members of the local music and restaurant community. Mark is preceded in death by his Grandmother Mary Jane Monahan Wilkinson, and cousin Jane Combemale.

Born in Washington DC on June 2, 1985, Mark came home to join a menagerie of two cats, a dog, and horse, beginning his lifelong love for animals. Spending a few years in Florida, Mark and his mother eventually settled in Charlottesville, VA in 1991. He was always very happy, creative, and kind-hearted throughout his childhood. He loved to play hockey and enjoyed watching every Pittsburgh Penguins game he could.

Graduating from Charlottesville High School in 2003, Mark proudly became a member of the UVA Drumline during the founding years of the UVA Marching Band. From there he continued his musical career as an influential member of many local musical groups over the years and made a number of special appearances with others. Mark could play just about any instrument he put his hands on, though he found his passion in drums and songwriting. Not only did Mark enjoy creating music, he thrived in being part of the audience as well. If you ever attended a show with him, you know his presence in the crowd was just as entertaining as watching him on stage. He was also the voice behind our local radio station, 92.3 FMs Sunday night Punk Rock Program, Search & Destroy. One of his proudest achievements was helping to create and organize the day-long, fundraising music festival, "ChugFest" in 2019, in which he was able to help raise and donate funds to the UVA Cancer Center.

In addition to playing music, Mark was an adored member of the staff at The Aberdeen Barn for over 20 years. Not only was Mark a trusted friend to many of his coworkers, he was also able to build companionship with many guests as well, visiting Mark at the Barn was always like catching up with an old friend, no matter who you were.

All of us are lucky to have known Mark and will have many great memories to keep. We welcome you to join us to celebrate his life and share your memories at the Memorial Gathering at McIntire Park on Friday, April 26th from 4 to 8 p.m. There will also be a Musical Celebration of Life at Holly's Diner on Saturday, April 27th, 2024 beginning at 6 p.m., here we will have an open mic-style event where all are welcome to come share a memory or song in his honor. Mark's ashes will be laid to rest with his Grandmother and cousin at Little Georgetown Cemetary in The Plains, VA on May 23rd at 11:30 a.m., followed by a gathering for lunch at Northside Diner.

Always one to see the bright side of life, Mark was able to help almost anyone find a little laughter and light in even the darkest of times. Mark's presence will be deeply missed by our entire community, but his fun-loving spirit, filled with joy and adventure will continue to live on through the many lives he touched in his short time on this earth. In light of losing Mark, and in an effort to help others from meeting the same fate, in lieu of flowers, family, and friends request you place a donation in his name to Ben's Friends Hope, a foundation built of Food and Beverage Industry workers helping each other get sober and stay sober. If you are struggling you can find a daily meeting here: https://www.bensfriendshope.com/