Mr. Mark J. DeGrace

UTICA- Mr. Mark J. DeGrace, age 43, passed away on Saturday, May 20, 2023, following a valiant battle with cancer resulting from a rare disease, surrounded by his loving family in their home.
Born in Utica on August 17, 1979 to the late Leonard and Louise "Weeze" (DeSantis) DeGrace, he grew up on Hamilton St. in West Utica and was a local high school graduate.
He had a terrific sense of humor and was blessed with a very quick wit. Wherever Mark went, he made people laugh.
Despite his debilitating health, he faced all his obstacles with courage and grace, never letting it get in the way of being there for his family, and they were by his side supporting him every step of the way.
His younger cousins, in particular, looked to him for guidance and found comfort in his nurturing nature. He was the "Driver Ed" teacher for each of them and loved to cook for them. Mark also found a social outlet as a "gamer," always playing video games with the younger members of the family.
At the time of his death, Mark had a special relationship with the Lord and knew where he was going.
Mark is survived by his siblings and their spouses, Leonard and Tanya DeGrace, Steven DeGrace, David DeGrace and Erica Kunst and his nephew, Lincoln DeGrace. He was also predeceased by a brother, Brian DeGrace who passed away as a child. His loss is also felt by his uncle and aunt, Louis and Linda DeSantis, with whom he shared a special closeness; his cousins, Lisa Crossett and her husband Larry, and Laken and her husband Victor Falcon. He also had a very special relationship with the younger cousins in his family and was more of an uncle: Courtney and Kenny Tinsley; Cassidy and Connor Graff; Cullen Crossett and Angela Lince; Shanley Crossett; Louis Gonzalez; and Jaelin Gonzalez. He will also be missed by many friends especially Rob and Rosie Stevens, Nardo Aponte, Kenny Prescod, Josh Nebush and Danny Ortiz.
The family wishes to especially thank Laken for all the care she provided for Mark throughout the years and a special thanks to the nursing and IMCU staffs at MVHS at St. Luke's for their care and compassion.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 25, 2023 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc. 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Mark's funeral service and Celebration of life will commence at 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home immediately upon conclusion of visitation.