Mark Stefan Hogenbirk

Jeanne, I lived next to Mark and his family in the 60's; he was a teenager when I moved in and I had a new baby, a year old, and a two year old. Mark, his mom and sisters became dear friends, and were always there for me.. and my children loved them. My son idolized mark and learned to love sports growning up next door. I was at your wedding and remember visiting you at Yoda Court in Lakewood...you were such a beautiful couple. My heart goes out to you and your son; may all the good memories held you through the hard times.

Barbara Bascom

Jeanne Im so sorry to hear of the loss of your husband. If you need anything please do not hesitate to contact me. Hugs for you and your son. Please take care. Praying for strength for you.
Joann Higgins

I only met Mark one time here in Olive Branch, MS. Who would have ever thought that two people from the same home town of Bradley Beach, NJ would end up in the same town in Mississippi. I wa proud to attend service here in MS for Mark. Also Jeannie is from the same home town as my spouse. From the people I met at his service Mark was a well liked and admired person. My not being able to meet more often has more to do with my health difficulities and Mark's. We did speak onphone tho. Dan Wilkins

Mark was this kind of person (cousin). As a kid he knew I liked the Yankees and especially Mickey Mantle. He gave me an autographed picture on Mickey Mantle that he had. That is true and unselfish love!

My big brother, Marky Maypo, how can I ever say how much I will miss you. I was always so proud when people said, "hey, aren't you Hogi's sister?" Because everybody loved Hogi. I can't begin to write all the memories of our childhood but I'm glad we got to spend a few days together recently and talk about so many things from growing up in Bradley Beach. Let me just say you were a great guy. We didn't have much growing up but we had a warm, loving home and so we never realized it. As soon as you were old enough to work, you got a job to help out mommy with the bills. You were the one who was there when I got home from school every day (often with some concoction you wanted me to taste (sometimes good, sometimes juice with pepper mixed in because big brothers do stuff like that) and you even let me tag along when you went to concerts or went down the beach for a run. You taught me where to place my fingers when I threw a football and when I got my driver's license, you didn't yell at me when I scratched your new car trying to parallel park. When we got a little older, we spent every weekend at Belmar beach playing volleyball, going to Casablanca, having Sunday dinner with mommy eating homemade sauce with pork spareribs that had been cooking all day. Years later, when my own life felt adrift, you invited me to play on your volleyball team, aptly named the Rescue, and those years were probably some of the most fun times I've ever had.
While many women tried to win your heart, you met Jeanne and you were finally won over. You weren't sure that you were meant to be a dad, but when that miracle finally happened, I can honestly say that Matthew gave you the most joy you would ever know in your life. Even more than Muhammad Ali floating like a butterfly or Don Drysdale and Sandy Koufax pulling it out for the Dodgers and striking the other team out. Yes, even more than any of that. You called me almost every day--you and Matt were out biking-- you were driving Matt to practice--you and Matt were out by the pool. If you were home, you would put Matt on the phone so you could run up and check your baseball stats on the computer. Gosh Mark, how do I go on without you? I'll never see a bowl of corn flakes floating in milk and not think of you, I can't pass Franks in Asbury Park without hearing you tell me that THEIR JELLY DONUTS were the best ever, I can't see kids playing baseball without hearing mommy yell “GO HOGI!” and you looking up into the stands with a big smile. And Seinfeld, who else will know the name on the sign at the airport or get my references when I quote a line from one of the old shows? We were always there for each other even when we lived so far apart. I love you bro.

Dear Jeanne and Matthew,
We could not ask for a better son-in-law.
Mark was a great husband and father who was loved dearly by our whole family. Mark had an incredible sense of humor. We spent many vacations with Jeanne, Mark and Matthew in Tennessee Mississippi and Florida. We always had lots of fun together. Mark loved the outdoors, the ocean the pool, ballgames all kinds of sports especially with Matthew. We shall miss Mark, but know he is in a better place with no more suffering. We will always keep him in our prayers.
Love Dad and Mom (Whiting, NJ)

Jeanne and Mathew,
Mark was such a gentle man. Kind, sweet, caring. Amazingly, I don't ever remember seeing him angry. Always a smile, a laugh. He had a real love of life, of nature, of people. Every day he tried to do the right thing. A loving husband, a loving dad. He found his peace at the beach, no matter the time of the year, he was drawn to the ocean. And it seems so right, and I look forward to the day we can help bring him back to that special place that meant so much to him.

Love Carol

Aunt Jeege and Matthew,
Joel, Noah and I are so very sorry for your loss. Uncle Markie was a great husband, father, uncle and just a wonderful man and this goes without saying...HANDSOME!!!. We are so blessed to have had him in our lives. He cherished his family, especially you and Matthew. Fantasy baseball and the beach, pool,and Hogi were up there too!! We love you both and will be in our prayers! Love always, Kelli Joel, and Noah

Jeanne & Mathew,

I will never forget the picture of Mark that hung on the “Hall of Fame” wall in Mr. Fashions in Asbury Park from late 70's until the day they closed. Being tall and thin Mark was the perfect model for my favorite clothing store. Mark was a good guy and always tried to make people smile and bring some cheer to others, especially you guys, so remember him for those great qualities. I know Mark was also a great dad and husband and loved you both with all his heart. I join with so many that will miss Mark forever.

Love Charlie

Jeanne and Matthew, what can we say except we are so sorry for your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you both. Just know that he loved you both so very much. We are all richer for having known him.
Ray & Dawn( Lanoka Harbor NJ)

Jeanne and Matthew, what can we say except we are so sorry for your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you both. Just know that he loved you both so very much. We are all richer for having known him.
Ray & Dawn( Lanoka Harbor NJ)

Jeanne and Mathew,

I'll never forget meeting Mark for the first time at Tommy and Linda's wedding. Mark, Charlie and I waiting for the sisters in the wedding party to finish all the wedding pictures. Mark was an incredible guy who did so much for his family. The best husband and father a family could have. He will be looking down from heaven on everyone.

Love,
Mike

To my sister Jeanne and my nephew Matt
I am writing this with a very heavy heart. My brother in law Mark (Markie to me and Uncle Markie to my kids) was the epitomy of what a man should be. Loyal, loving, kind and caring, and oh yes, funny ! He was the best husband to Jeanne and the best dad to Matt. We all know how very much he loved you both ! He also loved his family, and spoke of them often. He also loved our family, and we loved him ! Markie was cool, very cool ! He always looked like he just stepped off the cover of GQ magazine. He was so handsome, always tan, cool hair, sunglasses, and that beach body ! That's how I will always remember Markie. He was great to our entire family. He always had time for the kids, babysitting, having a baseball catch, shooting hoops, or goofing around in the pool. But nothing made Mark happier or more proud, than to be Matt's dad. He was the light of his life ! We will miss you brother in law and friend, and thank you for everything !!

Jeanne and Matthew,

We will always remember Mark's great sense of humor, he always knew how to make you laugh. We will think of him every time we look at a pool or the ocean, or make potato salad. We will always miss him but never forget him, we were lucky to have him.

Love,
Tommy and Linda

Aunt Jeanne and Matthew,

I loved Uncle Mark very much and I am so blessed that I was able to have a great man like him in my life. I loved when all of you came up to New Jersey I loved spending time with all of you, I loved when Uncle Mark would call me Jamely it makes me smile when I think about it. He was an amazing Uncle, and I will miss him.

Love,
Jamie

Jeanne and Matthew,

Hogi was my best friend! Growing up in Bradley Beach was crazy and Hogi and I became best friends pretty much through High School. We spent many times talking and playing sports and went to Yankee Stadium frequently. We played stick ball every chance we had and both became excellent hitters as a result. We fought, but always patched up our friendship. I am really sorry that he is gone and wish I would have renewed our times together. He was a great guy and I will miss him.

Jeanne and Matthew,

I have so many great memories of Mark back in New Jersey! Mark and I met by pure chance watching a baseball game that happened to be on at the gym. When I started talking about my "Fantasy Baseball" team, Mark perked up and wanted to know more and more. He eventually joined my league and became a fixture. I'm glad he enjoyed that for the rest of his days! I enjoyed looking through the picture gallery. They really show Mark's personality and how much he loved you both, and his life in general. Rest in Peace my friend!