Mark J. DeAndrea

Mark J. DeAndrea, 69, of Scott Township, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, following an unexpected and brief battle with cancer. Surrounded by his loving family, he ascended from their arms into the arms of angels.

A devout Catholic with a heart of gold, Mark was known for his unwavering compassion and selfless spirit. Always ready to offer a helping hand, he quietly embodied a life of service and empathy, particularly toward the grieving, the disabled, and the marginalized. His legacy of love and kindness continues to ripple outward.

Born and raised in Pittsburgh’s Bloomfield neighborhood, Mark was one of seven siblings. He studied journalism at Duquesne University and built a distinguished career spanning over three decades in advertising, sports, and entertainment marketing. He was a strategic thinker, idea-oriented and highly motivated.

His creative vision left a lasting mark on the Pittsburgh Penguins organization, where he served as Director of Corporate Sponsorship Sales. Among his many achievements, he launched the now-legendary “Student Rush” ticket initiative, which not only filled arenas but also became a model adopted across the National Hockey League. His strategic insight generated millions in corporate revenue and reshaped fan engagement.

Mark’s impressive career was second to his greatest purpose - service work. For over a decade, his passion of love was ministering as a Catholic layperson to inmates at the Allegheny County Jail, offering them hope and spiritual guidance. He was an active member of the Legion of Mary at Corpus Christi Parish in Bridgeville and contributed to numerous boards and charitable organizations including The Caring Foundation, Variety the Children’s Charity, Abode for Children Foundation, and the Josh Gibson Foundation. Whether making house visits to those in need or befriending the homeless, Mark lived his faith daily with humility and grace.

Mark was a devoted husband to Rebecca and a loving father to Jessica (Jared) and Katherine (Bryan). His most cherished role, however, was as “Pappy” to his six adoring grandchildren: Angelina, Luca, and Gianna Stillman, and Evelyn, Daniel, and Frank Frye. His joy in being with them was immeasurable, and they remain beautiful reflections of his boundless love.
He will be deeply missed by his siblings Gloria (Gary) Studnicki, Frank (Carol), Paul, Joseph (Anni), David (Diane), and the late Christopher DeAndrea, and by many nieces and nephews. He is also mourned by his in-laws Roger (Sharon), Cora (the late Bill), Cathy (Malcolm), Dale (Gina), Vera (Russ), Tim (Pam), and David (Becky). Mark is now reunited in peace with his parents, brother, and extended family members who have gone before him.

Though heartbroken by this profound loss, Mark’s loved ones will continue to honor his life by serving others with the same quiet strength and enduring faith he exemplified. His memory lives on at Pirates games, aboard the Gateway Clipper with his grandchildren, throughout the city he served so fully, and on the back porch where he found peace among the birds.

Friends will be received Friday, August 1, from 2–4 PM and 6–8 PM at WILLIAM SLATER II FUNERAL SERVICE (412-563-2800),1650 Greentree Rd, Scott Township, 15220.
Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, August 2, at 3:00 PM at Corpus Christi Parish, Holy Child Church, 212 Station St., Bridgeville 15017. Burial will be private to the family.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mark’s memory to Abode for Children, Evans City, PA and Children of Rural Africa, Evans City, PA. www.slaterfuneral.com