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Mark Griess Obituary
Mark Griess, a wonderful family man, passed peacefully on May 24 after a short illness. His beloved wife of 32 years, Mary, was by his side.
A longtime resident of Bixby Knolls, Mark was born in Long Beach and raised in Garden Grove. He graduated from Mater Dei High School in the Class of 1967 and received a BA in history from CSU Fullerton. He worked in outside sales for 32 years for World Pac.
In addition to Mary, his greatest loves were his grandchildren, Presley and Bradley, who called him "Poppa". They and he were fixtures at the local Starbuck's during their daily walks. Bedtime reading was a nightly ritual and source of delight for "Poppa Mark" and his grandchildren.
Second to his family, his other great passion was the outdoors, especially working in the yard and cycling. He was a "Weekend Warrior", enjoying group bicycle rides throughout Southern California with Mary and friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations to the Children's Collection of Long Beach's libraries. Please send them in Mark's name to the Long Beach Public Library Foundation, 101 Pacific Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90822 or call (562) 628-2441.
A celebration of Mark's life will be held on Sunday, June 22 at 1 p.m. Guests are asked to remember Mark's signature attire by wearing a favorite Hawaiian shirt. Call (562)424-8975 for location. Please sign the guestbook at www.presstelegram.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mark Griess
5 Entries
Daryl Boothe
August 7, 2014
I was speaking to a long time Long Beach shop owner today and we started talking about the "good ole import auto parts days". I told him I had worked with Mark at Imparts/IPD. He mentioned that he does work on Mark's car and that he would forward my contact info to him.
After we hung up I googled Mark and was extremely saddened to read he had passed. I remember a black curly haired Hawaiian shirted bicycle riding cool dude. I can still hear his laugh. I'll never forget his battle with the Big C and so glad he got more out of life than he or I expected way back then. I also remember he wanted a Chevy truck like mine so he bought a beater, had it restored and painted it a cool frosty green color. He loved it !
Even though we lost contact over the years he has and will be a person I will fondly remember always. My condolences to Mary, family and friends.
Thomas Kelly
August 3, 2014
Aloha Mark, RIP Tom Kelly
Marty Simpson
June 21, 2014
Mark was a long time friend to me & my family in Garden Grove. I will always remember his smile & his humorous personality. He truly was a good guy to all that knew him. He will be missed.
June 18, 2014
Mark was a lovely gentleman, in every sense of that word. He will be missed by all of us who knew him even for a short time. All my best wishes go to Mary and the grandchildren.
Grace Cameron aka Gigi
Mike Boyle
June 16, 2014
Mark was a high school classmate who will be missed. Aloha Mark!
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