Mark John O'Konski

Mark John O'Konski

November 10, 1953 – July 5, 2025

Mark was born in Newark, New Jersey, the second son of Alphons and Irene (née Rogacki) O'Konski. The family moved to their home in Mountainside in 1960 where he spent his formative years with his older brother Alvin and younger brother David, eventually welcoming their youngest brother, Peter. Mark was a charismatic youth, surrounded by friends and his cherished brothers. The four boys remained close throughout their lives, supporting each other with the unwavering love of family.

While attending St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa, Mark met the love of his life, Debbie. They married shortly after his graduation, and their beautiful marriage spanned nearly fifty years, a partnership serving as the cornerstone of the life they built together. She has always been the true heart of the family, and because of her, he was able to experience the greatest joys of his life in his children and grandchildren. His beloved Debbie was by his side through everything, steadfast until the end of his life.

Shortly after they moved into their first home in Triangle, Virginia, they welcomed their first child, Kate. Their second child, Mike, was born three years later. With their growing family, along with Mark's parents, they embarked upon a great adventure and had their "forever home" built in the beautiful town of Nokesville, Virginia. Soon after settling down in Nokesville, they welcomed their third child, Max. Their fourth child, Laura, was born soon after. The children enjoyed living "over the creek and through the woods" from Grandma and Pop-Pop, who were a constant source of love and support.

Mark's life was woven together by the love he shared with his family. He cherished every holiday and milestone, filling those moments with joy, faith, and the comforting presence of loved ones. His selfless acts – big and small – were always for his family's happiness. To Mark, nothing said "I love you" more than creating a warm, secure home for his wife and children. Alongside Debbie, he raised four wonderful and successful children, who retain the same principles and integrity that they instilled upon them. He supported them through their own academic journeys as they followed their dreams.

Mark O'Konski's distinguished career in Federal Service was one of significant and notable achievement. He earned the enduring respect of his peers and colleagues. After achieving top marks on the Civil Service Exam, he joined a special internship program with the Defense Department and began working with the Military Transport Management Command. He developed his primary expertise as a policy, program, and technology analyst. As a recognized innovator, leader, and change agent, he was selected to be the founding Director of the very successful U.S. Army Logistics Innovation Agency, and he spent the final eighteen years of his long career as a member of the Senior Executive Service. His career recognition awards include the Meritorious and Exceptional Civilian Service Awards and two Senior Executive Service Presidential Rank Awards. Mark held a Master of Science degree in Public Administration from The George Washington University, and he was a graduate of the Industrial College of the Armed Forces.

Upon retirement, Mark delighted in being able to fully step into his role as a grandfather. He also was able to spend more time on other passions, such as woodworking, gardening, and tinkering on cars. Additionally, he turned his tireless intellect to the study of quantum physics and philosophy – an unlikely combination but one which resulted in the publication of his magnum opus, Quantum Divinity. As he wrote, "it is the single greatest life challenge, to see how close one can come to the actual truth about reality before death." His words remain a comfort to us, who hold onto the hope that he has come to know the unknowable truth as he joined those who preceded him to the next life, including his parents Alphons and Irene and his brother David.

We remember Mark for his unwavering devotion to his family. His is a timeless legacy that embodies the fundamental and undeniable truth of this existence, which is love. His words, which he deemed important enough to repeat in the conclusion of his book, echo among our dear memories of the man who was a husband, a father and grandfather, a brother: "Be not cruel and heartless. Recognize the innocents in your life and give to them the peace of love and the solace of faith they so crave and deserve. In the end, it will cost you nothing, and it may bring you unimaginable treasure."

Mark is survived by his beloved wife, Debbie, his four children Kate, Mike (Joanna), Max, and Laura (Aaron), his four grandchildren Charlotte, Daniel, Bennett, and David, his brothers Alvin (Roseanne) and Peter (Mary), as well as his cousins, nephews, nieces, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, and friends and colleagues.

Mark's wife Debbie, along with children Kate, Mike, Max, and Laura, will welcome family and friends to a visitation at Mountcastle Turch Funeral Home in Dale City on Thursday, July 24, from 6pm-8pm. The Mass of Christian Burial will take place at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Manassas on Friday, July 25, at 1:00pm. The Rite of Committal will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery. All are invited to attend to celebrate Mark's life and legacy.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes in Emmitsburg, Maryland.