Mark Staskauskas

Mark Staskauskas UPPER Mark Staskauskas, 68, passed away on March 14 in Clear Lake, TX. Most recently residing in Galveston, TX, he was the husband of Susan Califa. Mark was born in Waterbury, CT, the son of Albert and Patricia (Bergin) Staskauskas. He was a graduate of Wolcott High School and held degrees in Computer Science from Columbia University (BS), UCLA (MS), and the University of Texas (PhD).

Mark worked in the telecom industry as a research scientist, engineer, and manager at Bell Laboratories in Naperville, IL, and at Qualcomm in San Diego, CA, until his retirement in 2015. His work involved frequent international travel to present his research at conferences and to represent Qualcomm in standards bodies. His wife Susan shared his love of travel, often accompanying him on these trips; they enjoyed many other memorable vacations worldwide and road trips together.

Mark was happiest when learning about things he was curious about. He was a lifelong music fan, and his love of Brazilian music inspired him to learn to speak Portuguese. Mark took great pleasure in good food and drink, and he maintained a regular exercise regimen to help burn off the calories. He enjoyed long walks and hikes, usually doing some birding along the way. Mark also had a passion for family history research. He completed detailed genealogies of his Lithuanian, Italian, and Irish ancestries and enjoyed helping others to build their family trees. A highlight of his genealogy research was finding and reconnecting with his relatives in Lithuania, whom he visited in 2009. During retirement he enjoyed researching and teaching adult learning classes in AI and Quantum Computing. His friends describe Mark as kind, caring, and a generous soul who treasured his friends and maintained lifelong friendships (eg, his "Math Heads" Club from High School is still a very close, supportive group of friends).

In addition to his wife of 32 years, he is survived by his sisters Susan Jones (Peter) and Barbara Marano (Cliff). If donations are desired, Mark was an an avid supporter of Galveston Island Nature Tourism Council, and an active member of Houston Area Parkinson's Society. While no formal services are planned, raising a bourbon-old-fashioned (or any beverage) with friends and family, or hiking/enjoying nature, would honor him. To post memories of Mark, visit this link: carnesfuneralhome.com.