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Mark LaPaglia Obituary
Mark was a gifted musician. He played the piano and trumpet, and composed music. His love of cycling began with his youth minister and became a lifelong pursuit. As a young man, Mark was a professional BMX racer, and later, the proud owner of a bicycle shop. As the founder and first coach of Buena High School's mountain biking team, Mark led them to their first state championship, inspiring countless young athletes along the way. One of his proudest moments was crafting the wheels for a member of the 2024 U.S. BMX Olympic Team.
Mark's commitment to service extended beyond his community. While in college, he worked as a missionary in Bolivia and provided hurricane relief after Katrina.
In 2002, Mark met the love of his life, Tana Marie Smith, at Vennard College in University Park, Iowa. Together, they built a life full of love, partnership, and purpose. Tana's steady and loving presence complemented Mark's adventurous and creative spirit. They were blessed with two daughters, Alexa and Kyra, whom he cherished deeply.
Mark's legacy is one of love, generosity, and passion. He will be remembered for his warm smile, boundless energy, and the joy he brought to everyone he encountered.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Tana; daughters Alexa and Kyra; and countless family members.
A service honoring Mark's life will be held at Village Meadows Baptist Church in Sierra Vista on Saturday, November 23, 2024 at 3 p.m.
Mark was passionate about giving to his community. His family asks that you honor his memory with a donation to the following organizations that were close to his heart:
-- Good Neighbor Alliance at svshelter.org
-- The Buena High School Mountain Bike Club at https://www.myschoolbucks.com/ver2/stores/catalog/getproduct?requestAction=&clientKey=ZZH54DXC05082UR&productGroupKey=ZZ60YSNP81XVC9D&view=&productKey=ZZ5S8T8FBJRZ1VS&isStorePreview=
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Gabriel Martinez
November 29, 2024
I work next door to Mark's shop at Harbor Freight. He would come in often and it was always nice to help him out. He was always kind and had a smile for all of us. I didn't know him well but, based on how he treated others and staff when in our store, I knew he was a quality human being with a good soul. After a while of him coming, I would remember something that he would say to us cashiers every time we rang him up. I would make a lame joke every time I helped him and say " I got you, Mark. No paper receipt. The email is on its way." He would smile and say "thanks." I know he didn't think the joke was funny, but I knew the smile was an appreciation of me remember something as little as he just wanted an email receipt. I was in shock when I heard of his passing, and I hope his soul rests easy. My condolences to his family. May he rest peacefully.
Robert and Michele
November 23, 2024
Mark built our tandem bicycle and said just let me know about your adventures. We kept an email commentary going to him. He loved sharing our joy. We will miss his encouragement and friendship. Michele and Bob Hoover
Adriana Bench
November 21, 2024
Tana , Alexa and Kyra ;
Our deepest condolences to you. Our heart goes out to you . We´re terribly sorry for your loss. It was a loss for the whole community. We will keep you in our prayers daily and may God comfort you during this difficult time. We love you and are here for you always.
Love ,
The Bench Family
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Keoki Makahilahila
November 20, 2024
I knew Mark very young. My Grandparents started Toltec Evangelical Methodist Church which the Lapaglia's attended. At some point in time, I was the Youth Pastor for a very short time there. I really got to know Mark better then and his desire to serve God was highly evident. I always saw Mark smiling and happy. And that's how I'll always remember him. Positive, infectious and a wonderful human being. The enemy stole another good one from us but he is also blessed to be much closer to the end now. I know he is at rest with the Father and I look forward to seeing him in the Kingdom of Heaven soon!!! May the Peace that passes all understanding be with you Tana, your daughters and your friends! Mark will be missed!!
Steve Floyd
November 19, 2024
As a new Sierra Vista resident in June 2019 I walked into his shop as an old, overweight ex-cyclist wanting to ride again. He asked the easy questions, never oversold me like he could have. I had to wait for delivery but he sold me a Talon 2. Soon after I found out that it was just not a bike shop but a shop I could come into any time, sit at the counter tell stories, laugh, share a pizza or buy burritos.
Then we found out we had an interest in cars and the conversations went on for hours, including story telling. I remember one time when I was feeling really down and hiding out in my house, the phone rang ... it was Mark asking if I was okay and where I had been, since it had been weeks since I had visited the shop. He did not realize how important that phone call was and how his words pulled me out of the darkness I was in.
After an unexpected hip surgery, he not only helped Chris getting me back on a bike for the first time but told me I could ride it in the back parking lot. A few weeks later when I was back to riding my regular mileage, he told me "call me if you ever are riding and you think you can't make it back home, I will come and get you".
Not everybody would ever consider that. He was so generous.
After just finding out yesterday what had happened I am still speechless, and staggered with sadness. I am going to miss you Mark even while living 1700 miles away. May you rest in peace.
Mathew and Kelly McMillan
November 19, 2024
Tana, Alexa, and Kyra,
It has been quite a few years since we saw y'all last, but we love seeing the pictures of our kids together pop up in our memories. We were so blessed by your friendship while we're were in Sierra Vista. Our hearts absolutely break for you all over the loss of Mark. We are covering y'all in prayer.
Billy Rhoads
November 19, 2024
Ahh man , Mark , I miss you my friend .gonna miss our hunting trips and random messages of deer in the yard.. our racing years an many memories.. Till we see each other again my Friend.
BIG HUGS TANA ,ALEXA AN KYRA !! My Heart goes out to you Ladies..
Lisa Acuff
November 19, 2024
May God carry Tana, Alexa, and Kyra through this distressing season. May you all have permission to grieve however you need to. Whether it be destroying something safely or just finding peace in the silence, may you feel free to express your grief as you need to process everything. If you ever need to just get away, my door and guest room is always open. Sending you all hugs and prayers.
Love,
The Acuffs
Steve Kraft
November 19, 2024
I remember Mark as a young energetic Youth Pastor. I´ve followed Marks journey from Yakima to Arizona and was always impressed by his commitment to his family. They were of utmost importance to him. Alayne and I send our deepest condolences to the family, very sorry for your loss. Steve Kraft
christine schmid
November 19, 2024
Years ago, when our daughter was struggling to get a clear diagnosis for her illness, Mark, despite not knowing us well, graciously dedicated one of his racing events to her. This kind and thoughtful gesture came about after his sister Mia shared our situation with him. Mark´s big heart made a world of difference during such a difficult time for our family, and we will always be grateful for his generosity.
Jaime Leija
November 19, 2024
I had the privilege of know Mark since he was born. Coached him in swimming, started a Bmx team with him. Amazing, kind and respected man.
Steve
November 19, 2024
Oh, Mark.
I miss you so much. I don´t think you understood the void that would be left behind. I wake up every morning wishing it isn´t true or there is something for me to do. Hugs, buddy. I just can´t believe there won´t be anymore Mark-isms...... I love you, friend. Keep up the heavy shred!
Megan Plate
November 19, 2024
My fondest memory of Mark was actually after Vennard closed. I was very lost had moved away and Mark called me one night to check in with me. I will never forget that phone call because it was such a blessing in a dark time in my life. I just know God was speaking through him that night and I was so grateful that in a moment I felt so alone, he called me. I always appreciated his leadership in school and clearly he went on to do so many amazing things! He left a legacy.
Olivia Lum
November 18, 2024
Our deepest condolence to Tana and their daughters.
Love
Olivia Lum
Anny Wilson
November 18, 2024
Mountain biking will truly have a different meaning to me than it used to. Mark impacted my life through mountain biking and I´ll never be able to thank him enough. It all started in 2014 with a mountain bike club that started out in 2013 with only 12 members. And every year after that it grew. Mark was passionate for cycling and you could tell he loved it. I remember when he was Head Coach, he gave winning a new meaning. The race wasn´t about winning it all, there were many different ways to win. For example; I always had the goal of never being last and I always achieved that goal. That was a win in my book. As long as you were having fun, that was a win. He taught me not to be boastful, he taught me to be a team player, he inspired me. He inspired with his passion for people. I admired Mark so much as a person, a friend, a mentor, a coach, that when he said he wasn´t going to be head coach after 2015, I absolutely cried. It became routine for me to come home from college and the military and eventually visit the bike shop. I´d spend hours there, sometimes it would be multiple days of the week. I would tell Mark about all the stuff I´d gotten up to while I was away. It was a beautiful escape. He´d even put me to work from time to time. Mark´s impact on my life will never fade. I will cherish our memories forever. I was so lucky to know you Mark. Thank you and may God Rest Your Soul.
Eli Fox
November 18, 2024
He introduced me to the MTB team in 2017 and got me hooked up with my first bike! He ensured I was well taken care of for all my rides.
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