Mark R Naegel

On August 6, 2023, Mark Robert Naegel traveled to be with his Lord and Savior after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease and its ensuing complications.

Mark was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on July 20, 1949 to Robert and Melva (Huber) Naegel. Mark had a full life as a child in his beloved Cincinnati. Some of his fondest memories were from his time at Western Hills High School where he was active in both wrestling and track as well as a member of the Tri Chi fraternity where he worked on many reunions with different fraternities and sororities uniting his classmates.

He went on to receive his BS in Biology from University of Cincinnati where he was recognized for outstanding scholastic and extra-curricular leadership. He was a proud member of Beta Theta Pi Fraternity and honored to be inducted into Omicron Delta Kappa upon graduation.

While at UC he formed Students Organized Against Pollution (S.O.A.P) and founded the UC version of Earth Day in 1970. Ralph Nader was among his guest speakers. Mark even found time to write articles for the school newspaper. He was always the man who worked to make a difference in causes for which few had the courage to stand up and recognize.

Upon graduation, Mark applied to both Medical and Law Schools and was accepted by many. Ultimately, Mark chose UC Law School which was very lucky for the citizens of Cincinnati.

The year before he graduated Law School, he married his college sweetheart, Sarita Seldin. An idealistic couple, they chose to include both her Jewish and his Lutheran faiths in the ceremony. It was definitely a blessed union, that produced his treasures, his two children, Diane and Mark Junior. In fact, Sarita and Mark remained married 5 days short of 50 years when Mark passed.

Mark, a newly married lawyer, then joined Legal Aid in Dayton to fulfill his need to do community service. He would continue practicing law for the next 45 years, first for a firm and then on his own. His specialties were workmen’s compensation, SSI and disability cases. He spent his entire life taking care of those who had life challenges. He was very generous with his time and never hesitated to take on pro-bono cases or take the time to teach young lawyers at countless seminars. His desire to help others was one of his greatest gifts.

Harkening back to his days in school, Mark found plenty of time to participate in “extra-curricular” activities. He was a lifelong member of Concordia Lutheran Church and served as both the president of Concordia Lutheran School Board of Education and President of the Congregation.

Mark loved to dance! He especially liked dancing with his love, Sarita, and encouraged others to dance as well. He made all feel welcome when he was President of Dance Cincinnati.

He also loved to travel and cruise. He looked forward to all the adventures he and Sarita took.

He was also very proud of his signature handlebar mustache which he sported for well over 50 years. Those who knew Mark appreciated his dry wit. He was the master of a turn of a phrase! He loved to sing and spontaneously would change the lyrics to suit his audience.

His biggest delight was his two children. He loved them with all his heart and was proud to tell any who would listen about how lucky he was to have such a beautiful family including his beloved Sarita.
Mark Naegel, a man of compassion and integrity who loved his family and friends deeply. An angel on Earth and an angel in Heaven.

Mark leaves behind his wife, Sarita, son Mark Jr. and his wife, Brittany (Klein). He was predeceased by his daughter Diane. He is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Holly and David Morris, their children, Daniel and Robert, his sister-in-law, Rochelle Seldin as well as her wife, Hanna Schneider and their two children, Eitan and Jonah and brother-in-law, Norman Seldin and wife Jamey.

A celebration of life will be held on September 19th 2023 at the Cincinnati Woman’s Club at 12:00 noon. Visitation will be from 10:30-noon.

Donations in Mark’s memory can be made to the Diane Naegel Memorial Scholarship Fund at the University of Cincinnati DONATE HERE or by mail at: PO Box 19970 Cincinnati, OH 45219 or the Cincinnati Woman’s Club.

Mark Naegel, a life well lived!