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Mark Straus Obituary
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Mark Straus Born September 14, 1948 in Yonkers, NY passed away at the age of 75 on September 13, 2024 after a long battle with cancer.
A graduate of Roosevelt high school he went on to college at SUNY Albany where he met the love of his life, Elizabeth. The two were inseparable for 56 years. With his wife Elizabeth, he moved to Saratoga Springs in 1971 where they opened Mabou, a store which grew into a landmark downtown business. Upon moving to Saratoga, Mark took joy in helping the Plan of Action committee and its great achievement in preserving the historic architecture and revitalizing the businesses downtown. The Saratoga Historic Preservation Society presented him with a lifetime achievement award in 2012. His focus on the community of Saratoga Springs and its support of small businesses was always a great passion of his. He was also instrumental in founding the Saratoga Waldorf School with close friends from the community. Mark was always one to offer his help to anyone and everyone.
He treasured most highly his time with his family, which he is survived by his wife Elizabeth, brother Stuart, son Alexander, daughter Lucy, son in law Rory Moran, and grandchildren Lex, Cleo, and Lily. We invite all those whose lives he touched in his special way through his care, love, and wisdom.
Family and friends may call from 6:00pm to 8:00pm on Tuesday September 24, 2024 at the Tunison Funeral Home, located at 105 Lake Ave, Saratoga Springs NY 12866. Memorial donations can be at to the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation 112 Springs St. Suite 203 Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 or Donate Now - Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation (saratogapreservation.org) or the Saratoga Waldorf School 62 York Ave. Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Elevate Education: Join Our Annual Fund at Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs - Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs (waldorfsaratoga.org)
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mark, please visit our floral store.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Tim Lewis
October 14, 2024
I worked for Mark at Mabou for a couple years in the late 70s while I was still in high school. He was very kind to me and I learned a lot from him about many things. I discovered Godiva chocolates and imported coffee while working as a stockboy. He gave me my first-ever Christmas bonus of $50.00, which I considered to be a fortune. He opened my eyes to a world I did not previously know. My condolences go out to Betty and the entire family. Thank you Mark. May God keep you and protect you.
Carol and Peter Kurto
September 21, 2024
My husband Peter and I have known Mark and Betty since we both arrived in Saratoga Springs in the early seventies. From the moment we met them we were overwhelmed by their talents, creativity, energy and their genuine passion for "our" city of Saratoga. Mark was always thinking " outside the box" and we loved it when they would come into our restaurant " Bruno´s" with their adorable children and share with us their newest ideas of improving our town and saving our precious architecture, Whether is was renovating an old school and turning it into a viable and successful Waldorf School or restoring a building on Broadway to its original grandeur, Mark and Betty used their talents energy and creative abilities to improve our city.
Our prayers and sympathy go out to Betty and her lovely family. We send them our deepest sympathy and our thanks for what they all have done for our beautiful city of Saratoga Springs Thank you and may peace be with all of you . We will all miss Mark and his effervescent smile!!
Sincerely, Carol and Peter Kurto
Ana Alpern Avital
September 20, 2024
Mark was a true Mench ! He is an icon and a legend ! His heartwarming smile, kindness, and generosity and so much more lit up the world. He was a supporter of my endeavors back in the day and most recently he sent me his love through a messenger!! Blessings and love to the Strauss family.
Louise Goldstein
September 20, 2024
So sorry Betty, you & Mark helped the Saratoga Renaissance especially in its heyday in the 1970´s when it was like Paris in the 20´s.
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Susan Kind
September 19, 2024
Mark´s Roosevelt HS/Yonkers friends are devastated at his passing. We have had the great pleasure of talking to him every three months on our mini reunion zoom calls for the past 4 years. We treasure our very long time memories of a very kind, sweet, positive man. We will miss you so much Mark. Sending Betty and his children and his brother our love and condolences.
Carole Migden
September 19, 2024
Mark and I were high school friends.
He sat in back of me and always had fun tormenting me in a lighthearted way.
He grew up to be a a kind, and gentle man.
He and Betty were successful in many ventures in Saratoga, where she where they raised their children and grandchildren.
He was looking forward to the last chapter of life when he could luxuriate enjoy all his accomplishments in life with his family nearly RIP my friend
I am very sad that we lost him,
Raechel Morris
September 18, 2024
Oh Betty and family, I am so very sorry to have heard about Mark today. I cannot remember Saratoga without Mark in it . You gave us retail magic and me- the pleasure of working with you for yrs on advertising and ideas. You both were the best clients I could have ever had. Dt Saratoga will never be the same without his smile. I´m sending you love at this time..
"into paradise may angels lead you, Mark"
Fondly,
Raechel Morris
Amejo Amyot
September 18, 2024
Mark arrived in Saratoga when we "hippees" were alive and well. His first store had things like bedspreads from India and incense. Mark and I were often on the same committees, the same interests in "the love of historic Saratoga". One fond memory is a time in the big Mabou when Mark was introducing me to Godiva Chocolate...a big deal back then. He divide several chocolates in half and we both did a chocolate analysis of the great qualities of chocolate confections and their various fillings.
Ursula Abrams
September 18, 2024
I believe I was Alex's first babysitter back in the day! Sitting with my mother, Madeline (94), as I share this sad news. We send love and condolences to the whole family.
~Ursula Abrams
Harry Hotaling
September 18, 2024
I first met Mark as a freshman at SUNY Albany. I was struck by his gentle spirit. That spirit never wavered in our 58 years of friendship. Mark will be sorely missed.
Deborah Martin
September 18, 2024
Gallery 100 was fortunate to occupy space on the second floor of Mabou - Mark was a great landlord and helped us with our gallery business through his wisdom and experience. I will never forget our most pleasant experience. Deborah Martin
Al Kilts
September 17, 2024
Just a good guy with a great sense of humor. Really enjoyed Marc´s company and being in APA together.
Al Kilts
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105 Lake Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
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