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Denise McCage
September 17, 2022
Thank you, belatedly, Mark, for being a wonderful teacher for my son Ryan, and for being the wonderful man you were while on Earth. Hopefully, we'll meet again. XO, Denise McCage
Jim Keller (Sigma Tau Gamma)
September 10, 2022
A true hero. Mark was a hero in life as a teacher, father and mentor...and died as a hero trying to save his father.
Jerry Allmansberger
November 30, 2020
I havent been in touch with many people since graduation. But Mark was always smiling & upbeat & that is what I will remember. Another good one, gone too early. He passed being unselfish, like he was.
Philip Pinkstaff
February 21, 2011
To Mark's family:
I was a teammate of Mark's on the Wirt H.S. baseball team. (Although, I graduated a year earlier in 1977). I remember Mark and his family lived across the street from Aetna Elementary School and they lived near "Fast" Eddie Carr.
I remember after we graduated, spending lots of time playing basketball at the "Carr Memorial" basketball court. It seemed like Mark was always among those playing basketball.
The thing I remember most about Mark, was even as a young man, he was confident and had a positive attitude, which was infectious. I remember Mark's father as being a very nice guy and you could see the love between Mark and his father.
I had not seen Mark, nor his father in 30 years, yet I am so saddened.
Oftentimes, people speak of sports "heros". In my opinion, there is nothing heroic about any sport. Sports can be very exciting and some players perform well in pressure situations, but there is nothing heroic about it.
Mark and his father were true heros; who died while trying to save a child's life. God bless them.
Stephen "Squeak" Lawson
October 6, 2010
Alexis, Mrs. Sophie, Victoria and Children,
I'm sorry I'm offering my condolences at such a late date. Words cannot express the sadness I felt when I heard of Mark's and Mr. Thanos' passing. I really can't add much to the many testimonials that have already been given, It is plain to see that Mark was loved and respected by all he met and knew. I am no exception. Mark and I were good friends growing up in Aetna, and I remember many fun days spent at the Thanos home on 13th. It is clear he was the sucess in life that all knew he would be. None of us can feel the loss as much as you all do. We can only share in the privelege of having known such fine men. They are true heroes and exmaples for all of us to try and emulate. I'm sure they are looking down on us from Heaven with those big smiles on their faces that we all know and cherish.
Stephen "Squeak" Lawson
October 6, 2010
To Alexis, Mrs. Thanos (Misner), Victoria and children,
I apologize for offering my condolences at such a late date. Words cannot express how sad I was to hear of Mark's and Mr. Thanos' passing. I cannot add anything meaningful, as all of the testimonials that have been give express all I wanted to say. Mark and I were very close as children in Aetna, and I have seen many familiar names here as well as others lives he touched deeply. None of us can feel the loss as you feel it, but we all share the privelege of knowing such fine men.
I know they are looking down on their loved ones and have those big smiles we remember and cherish on their faces.
Josh Dreyfus
February 19, 2009
So sorry to hear about Mark's passing. I was a high school classmate of Mark's, and always enjoyed his company. All my very best to the family during this extremely difficult time.
Fran Drozdz
September 30, 2008
To Mark's family and extended family. We will always have fond memories of Mark from the minute he was born. His humor warmed our souls. Meeting everyone of Mark's fellow workers, students, friends and extended family touched us all deeply. In the end,it doesn't matter what you do, or how much money you make, as long as you do good. Love, Aunt Fran and Uncle Stan Drozdz...
Kristin Wesse
September 26, 2008
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Thanos family. Some of my best memories from high school happened in Mr. Thanos' class. I looked forward to his class...it was always exciting and challanging. I will remember his laugh and love of teaching. Thank you Mr. Thanos...you will be missed!!!
Class of 1998
Dawn Swadley (Brookbank)
September 25, 2008
Mark and his dad's untimely deaths are truly a tragedy and is absolutely heartbreaking. For you 'kids' who were fortunate enough to have Mark as your teacher, please carry on his caring and wonderful spirit. My heart goes out to Vicki, Alexis, Sophie, John and Mike. Mark was a true friend to me in high school. He was fun and he was SO funny. Great memories that I will treasure forever.
Stefani Trajkovski
September 25, 2008
Mrs.Thanos,
I only met Mr.Thanos once when he brought Katie , but he was just like you.He was very kind.I just wanted to say that you are in my family's prayers.
your student,
Stefani Trajkovski
Loryn Eaton
September 20, 2008
Mr. Thanos was an amazing teacher. i will always remember him, he played music almost everyday. im not surpriesed that he would risk his life for a child. my condolences go to the family and to the little boy
Meaghan Stone (Bledsoe)
September 19, 2008
Mr Thanos was one of my most infuential teachers. He and I argued our fair share thats for sure, but he never let me get away with anything and I tried. You touched so many lives, your memory will live on RIP Thanos
Kevin Darling
September 19, 2008
Mark was my fraternity brother at Ball State. He was such a mentor. He always had a smile on his face and helped me through any situation. May the Lord be with the family during this difficult time.
joseph estrada
September 19, 2008
Dear Thanos Family
I'm very sorry for your loss,and my prayers are with you.I remember Mark way back from our AETNA days playing bball at all hours of the night. god-bless
Peter Mungia
September 19, 2008
May God bless the Thanos family during this grievious time. I got to know Mark from playing football and baseball at Wirt High School. He was quite a competitor and knew what team work was. His actions don't suprise me. They demonstrated who he always was, someone who cared and lived as we are commanded. John 15:13 "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends."
Jim Keller
September 19, 2008
Alexis and the rest of the Thanos family. Mark was a great "brother" to all of us in Sigma Tau Gamma at Ball State and he will be missed. He was a leader to us by example and to many young people over the years as a teacher and coach.
(Sig Tau '82)
Deborah (Pope) Anderson
September 19, 2008
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Aunteria H.
September 18, 2008
Hi, Mrs. Thanos. This is Aunteria from your third grade class at Iddings last year(07-08). My family and I are praying for you and your family. God Bless You.
sue jones
September 18, 2008
MR. Thanos was a great teacher and role model, our five children were all students. May God be with you and your family today and always. John & Sue Jones
Michelle Jones
September 18, 2008
He will be greatly missed by all. Class of 1993. Michelle Jones(Leslie, maiden name)
mike kucera
September 18, 2008
He will be missed by many.He was a good man,he helped so many over the years. sorry for your loss. may god be with you and your family.
Alison Roper
September 18, 2008
To the Thanos family,
I am so sorry for the loss of a great person, words can't describe what an impact he had on my life. He was such a great teacher and mentor. I'll never forget the advice he gave me it has helped me get through college and day to day life. He will always be remembered.
m collins
September 18, 2008
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Diana Alexander Silvasi
September 18, 2008
To the Thanos & Misner Families. I didn't know Mark or John personally, but I know Mark's Mom Sophie from working at the Gary Public Library. They were obviously two very caring individuals. My deepest condolences to their entire family.
Concerned Strangers
September 18, 2008
Everyone I know, who I've spoke with about your tragedy, is also heart-sick over this loss. Though none of us know your family, please let it be known, that many, many total strangers to you, are praying for you.
Lisa Henderson
September 18, 2008
I used to work where Mark would get his hair cut. (It is my families business and I was the receptionist there.) Mark was always polite and pleasant on his visits to us. I couldn't believe he was gone when I read the newspaper. It is strange that one minute we have our loved ones in our lives and the next they are gone. I just wanted to tell your family that I am so very sorry for your loss. It is never easy to say good-bye. Remember he will always be in your heart and that is where you can find him when you need him. That is where I look for those that I have lost. Much love and hugs to you all.
Donna (Rice)Hmurovic
September 17, 2008
To the Thanos Family. I was 3 years behind Mark, I knew him as a very loving person and someone you wanted to know. He was very friendly to everyone,Even if you were not in his class. I send my deepest sympathy to the family. Donna(Rice)Hmurovic Class of 1981
Frank Lindbloom
September 17, 2008
My deepest sympathy to the Thanos family. There will always be a special place in my heart for a man who truly had an impact on my life. Coach Thanos taught us many things to succeed in life and he will always be remembered.
Tami M
September 17, 2008
On Sunday, two heros on earth left to be angels in heaven. While I did not know these men I do know they are now in a better place looking down on those they love. May God look over you and comfort you in your time of grief.
Donna Stath
September 17, 2008
To the Thanos, Evans, Misner, and Coady Families:
Your loss is heartfelt and our prayers are with all of you. What a good man and what a tragic loss of a truly unselfish man. May his memory be everlasting and be a source of comfort in the years ahead.
Nancy Markovich
September 17, 2008
Dear Thanos family: My son, David was a former student of Mr. Thanos at Wheeler - he said the nicest things about your husband and father - Mark was so highly regarded by his students which shows in all of these lovely comments. May God Bless your family- Mark and his father were truely heroes.
sean mcandrew
September 17, 2008
Mr. Thanos will always be one of my favorite teachers, his teachings really got through to me and Ill never forget that.
Jack, Mary, Erik and Steven Marrow
September 17, 2008
It is never easy saying goodbye to a love one, and there is no words to take away your pain. In time it will fade. Keep Mr. Thanos and his father close at heart and he will be with you always.
My sons had Mr. Thanos as their teacher. When they learned of the tragedy, it really sadden their hearts. They said he was an awesome teacher, one that you will always remeber and look back upon.
Thank you Mr. Thanos for teaching them well.
Two angels have left us so soon.
Your and the Thanos family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Lee Tornincasa
September 17, 2008
I am very sorry for your lost, but rest assured he went directly to Heaven. God bless him,and God will!
Sorry I don't know the whole family but I send my condolences.
To John and Mike I am awfully sorry to here this news and we will all miss him as well. As you know I coached baseball on the opposite side of the field as your dad and my sons Sam and Vince haved played for your father and was coached very well by him. Your father made me a better coach just talking to him and watching him coach his team. He always shared information with me when we talked baseball even if we were to play each other the next day.I always admired your father and you boys should be very proud of him, I am. He was a friend. God bless and also God bless grand papa
Sincerely, Lee Tornincasa
Jeff Nix
September 17, 2008
I am very sorry to hear of Coach Thanos's passing. I played for him at Chesterton in the early 90's and remember him for his passion of teaching the game. Whenever we would run into one another over the years he always had time to chat. He will be missed in the Wheeler and Chesterton communities. God Bless you Coach
Ryan Fitzhugh
September 17, 2008
Mr. Thanos, all of Wheeler High School is going to miss you. We loved you. You taught us well and we always had fun in your class. I definately write five paragraph essays a lot better now. You will never be forgotten.-__Ryan Fitzhugh
Nancy, Kim, Christopher and Kathleen Saffa
September 17, 2008
My children had your husband as their teacher at Wheeler. You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Mavron and Slawnikowski Family
September 17, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
George Klepper
September 17, 2008
From another Wirt graduate, my sympathies,
Justin Balboa
September 17, 2008
Mr. Mark Thanos was a good man. Three years of English with the man and me being in high school led to our outrages but he taught me alot. Him being a die hard Raiders fan and me being a Broncos didnt help lol. Im very sorry. Its been tough being a Bearcat lately... I hope the school honors all lost recently properly and doesnt turn a blind eye.
Mike Spudic
September 17, 2008
You and your Father are true HERO'S
nicholas palumbo
September 17, 2008
My heartfelt sympathies to the Thanos family at this most wrenching of times. Having read newspaper accounts of this tragedy as well as the warm testimonials for both father and son, I am touched not only by these lives that were lived so well, but also by the redemptive conduct of those left behind. May peace be with all of you.
Ann Watson
September 17, 2008
First, I just want to say that my heart goes out to your family. I know this is a difficult time for your family, but it is also a dedication to your 2 loved ones for doing the heroic deed that they did. It just shows that God works in Mysterious Ways. The reason I said this is because God knew why your 2 loved ones were on this earth and that was to help all those that are around them and has a great deal of love and care for everyone around them whether whom they knew or strangers. That is clearly shown. There is definitely a place in Heaven for John and Mark. I am very sorry for your loss and I pray that God Blesses you in this time of need and that He comforts you at this time. God Bless You. Ann M. Watson (Gary, IN)
James and Anita Case
September 17, 2008
Our deepest sympathies for Mr. Thanos and his Father. Both of my children were students of his and I have heard some really good stories of Mr. Thanos through the years. At the supper table it was not uncommon to hear " Mom, you won't believe what Mr. Thanos did today." He was well loved and respected by both of them and he will be missed both as a teacher and in the words of my daughter " a really nice guy".
Sharon Krumm
September 17, 2008
Dear Bonnie, I am so sorry to hear of Mark and his Dad John's passing. They are true selfless heroes. I pray for your boys and you to be strong and God's Blessings. Love from all the Community Hospital girls you work with. Sharon Krumm Schererville
Jonathan Leslie
September 17, 2008
To the Family of Mr. Thanos. You will be in my prayers and thoughts. I was a student of Mr. Thanos when he first came to Wheeler High School. He was great teacher that really cared for his students, and for this i'm thankful for his years of dedication. May God be with you these hard times.
Joy (Blakey) Boles
September 17, 2008
To The Thanos Family & Friends
I remember Mark, from Kennedy-King and Wirt High, he was a friendly cool guy Mr. Mc Donald was his teacher & coach and I believed a seed was planted there, his parents watered him in love, But God gave him the increase. May I also say that my memory recalls many African-American Students as myself liking Mark, His Life is a Testimony & His Bravery. May God Comfort your Hearts at this Time.
Mario Rosa
September 17, 2008
Many years have gone by but I always considered Mark one of my boys. He grew up to be a fine man and a great teacher. I am not surprised at the sacrafice that he and his dad made.
May God comfort the Thanos family, friends and students as they mourn the loss of these two courageous men.
Barbara Dufresne (Manning)
September 17, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I attended high school with Mark and my memories of him are of helping as many people as he could. His and his father's life did not go in vain. They died the way the lived by being heroes and helping others. He and his father will live on through his children. Stay strong and be at peace as your lost loved ones would want it that way.
Patti O'Brien-Wasek
September 17, 2008
Our deepest sympathy goes out to the Thanos family. I remember what a nice person Mark was from Wirt. He and his father will always be remembered as heros.
Kim Livovich
September 17, 2008
To Mark's Beloved Family, I'm so sorry for your overwhelming loss of two Great Hero's. Cherish the Memories, and know they will always be with you! I have seen Mark allot over the years because of our son, he played in AAU. He was a Great guy and a Terrific father, he could not have loved his family more. I grow up in Aetna also. My Deepest Sympathy, Kim (Nordhagen) Livovich
Madeline Haynes
September 17, 2008
We do not know your family, but wish to send our deepest sympathies to you and your family. God is surely with you at this difficult time and may you have peace in the heroic efforts your husband/father left behind. Bill & Madeline Haynes, Crown Point, IN
Karen Hudson
September 17, 2008
My deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family. Mr. Thanos was a excellent coach and teacher to our 3 sons. He will surely be missed by everyone.
Andy Werhowatz
September 17, 2008
Our thought and prayers are with you and your family, Mark was a good man, and friendly to everyone that knew him. Please accept our deepest sympathies.
Preston, Linda & Matthew Meux
September 17, 2008
To Victoria and the Entire Thanos Family,
We wish to give you our deepest condolences for your loss. Your husband left a great legacy for your sons. God do not put more on you than you can bare. We will keep you in our prayers for strength and understanding.
We are here for you and you have another son in Matthew, your 3rd grade student.
Diane Georgakis
September 17, 2008
I was a year behind Mark at Kennedy-King Middle School, so we both grew up in the glory days of Miller together. I remember him as always being one of the older, cooler guys in school! I've since heard great things about his Wheeler High teaching reputation from another Aetna friend, Kathy Olesh Tucker. As a current member of the Greek Orthodox Church and an English teacher myself, I am so awed by the self-sacrificing heroism displayed by his Dad and he for saving a child's life. Mark and his father are truly with the highest FATHER AND SON right now. Rest in peace--You shall live forever.
Geneva Oates
September 17, 2008
May GOD be with you and your family during this time of sympathy. I will continue to keep you and your family in my prayers.
Karen
September 17, 2008
Dear Thanos Family,
I do not know your family, but I am so sorry for your loss. They both sounded like wonderful men, and what true heroes they both were. What a legacy to pass on to their children, and grandchildren.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time. May God bless you all.
Priscilla Purugganan
September 17, 2008
Dearest Thanos Family
My sincerest condolences for your loss. I was a classmate of Mark at Wirt. I always remembered him as someone comfortable to be around where you could just be yourself. I pray his memories will comfort you through this difficult time.
Bob (Bobby C) & Patricia Campbell
September 16, 2008
Mark was a friend to everyone, and a great one at that. He knew so many people and got a long with everyone, always wanting to help people. I guess that great quality never left. I grew up with Mark in Aetna and was a year ahead of him at Wirt High School. My daughter is in his son's class and knew him through that as well. Our prayers go out to your family and may he rest in peace and god bless him and his father's heroic actions.
John Means
September 16, 2008
To the Thanos Family,
My prayers and condolences go out to you. I played basketball in 77 & 78 at Wirt with Mark and considered him a good friend. I will miss his smile and wit. He was a great teamate and a greater person.
Steve and Michele Shalla
September 16, 2008
Our deepest sympathy to Vicki and the entire Thanos family. Mark was a wonderful, caring father and enthusiastic sports fan. We enjoyed sitting with him at the Chesterton baseball games. He will be missed. Please take comfort from all of us who knew him.
Klâdé Moore
September 16, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with Mrs. Victoria Thanos and family. May the peace of God be upon you during this time.
Your student, Shannan & family
Edna Machnik-Lenburg
September 16, 2008
Vicki & Alexis, I am so sorry to hear of your sudden loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Edna Machnik Lenburg (from high school)
September 16, 2008
Dear Sophie, Our hearts go out to you at this very sad time1 Our thoughts andprayers are with you!
Mark & Jeannine Furukawa
Ricky Westmoreland
September 16, 2008
I am sincerely sorry that such a tragedy has happened, all three of my children have had Mr. Thanos for a teacher along with many of my nephews who currently are students of his and all have nothing but good things to say and he always made you feel comfortable in his class. He will always be remembered as a hero and be missed very much.Our thoughts and prayers are with you,
The Westmoreland familyand The White families
Jennifer Festa
September 16, 2008
Deepest condolences at the untimely passing of Mark and his Father. They gave their lives to save someone else, truly they are heroes. I'm a former Aetna neighbor & friend of Sue Bizannes, so sad to read about this tragedy.
Paul Russ
September 16, 2008
To the Thanos family:
Please accept my deepest sympathies for the entire family. Mark was a childhood friend and classmate in Aetna and I was saddened to here of his passing.
Peggy (Johnson) Sliger
September 16, 2008
To the Thanos family,
My deep and heartfelt sympathy goes out to you at this time. I went to school with Mark at Wirt. He was a friend to everyone that knew him. May God comfort you during this time and in the days and weeks to come.
Lora Kizer-Cassidy
September 16, 2008
Vicki, Our thought and prayers are with you and your family at this time. I was glad to have met Mark this past July 4 our deepest sympothy, James and Lora Kizer (Cassidy)
Amber Morris
September 16, 2008
My deepest sympathies to the family of Mr. Thanos. He was an excellent teacher, one whom I may never forget as long as the story of Oedipus is told and read. Long live the memory of T-Bird.
Christina Lentner
September 16, 2008
To the Thanos Family,
My heart, prays, and sympathy go out to you. I am sad to hear of your loss and I hope that the wonderful memories you have will help you through your time of grief.
I was once a student of Mr. Thanos and he was an amazing and wonderful teacher. His classroom was always filled with such happiness, and love for education. For that I am greatfull to have had the chance to know him.
Best Wishes,
Christina Lentner
Georgia Konkoly
September 16, 2008
I knew Mark only as a youngster and never got to hear what a wonderful man he became until this sad time. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Pfc. Ryan Ashcraft
September 16, 2008
Please accept my deepest sympathies. My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Thanos family.
Kevin, Bridget and Kevin Gates
September 16, 2008
Our Deepest Sympathies to the entire Thanos family- Mark was a wonderful husband, father, son, brother and friend to many of us. He loved all his students whether in the classroom or on the sports fields. We will never forget all he has done for our son and family. May he and Papou rest in peace.
Tony Sandoval
September 16, 2008
Please accept my deepest sypathies. I remember Mark and his father growing up in Aetna. He was always a very good person as well was his father.
John Pickford
September 16, 2008
To the Thanos family,
I went to high school with Mark and was greatly saddened to hear of his passing and your loss. His courage, actions and heroism defy words and set an example for all. Our families prayers are with you.
Sincerely,
John Pickford
Gary, Lorrie and Nick Diehl
September 16, 2008
Vicky, John and Mike,
Words cannot express how sorry we are. Mark was an amazing man.
May God bless all of you and we will keep you in our prayers.
Nicole Kelly
September 16, 2008
Mr. Thanos was a fantastic teacher and his classroom was a place you wanted to be. What a testament of his character that he gave his life for a child, in addition to dedicating his life to educating others.
He holds a special place in many hearts. I will remember him with his friendly smile and his powerful laugh.
Mary Ann Wolfe-Reeves
September 16, 2008
Vicki~
I was so very sorry to hear of your loss. Know that you and Josh are in my thoughts and prayers.
Cathy Culp
September 16, 2008
Our deepest sympathies to your Family.
Steven and Cathy Culp (Westville, In)
Jim Chambers
September 16, 2008
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Andrea Bereolos Tsakopoulos
September 16, 2008
Our deepest sympathy so the family. The Tsakopoulos Family
Patti & Kyle Vrotny
September 16, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Jamie (Desatnick) Rehtorik
September 16, 2008
Vicki,
I can't tell you how sorry I was to hear about Mark and his father. My heart goes out to you and his sons. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. I hope that happy memories of time spent with him will help comfort you during this difficult time.
Bill Panagiotides
September 16, 2008
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Gerry Fessler
September 16, 2008
I'm so sorry for your great loss. My husband, the late Myron Fessler, taught and coached with Chris Condo at Willowcreek. I recently saw Chris and he explained what happened to his nephew.How heroic of your husband and father-in-law.My prayers are with you all.
Gerry Fessler
Bill Hartley
September 16, 2008
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Mick and Kim Gerber
September 16, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers from the Gerber family are sent out to you and your family. Many thanks for being such a great teacher and coach to Lynard and Marty.
Rachel Doneski
September 15, 2008
Vickie,
We were devastated to read about Mark's passing. The grief that you must be feeling has got to be nearly unbearable; yet you must be so proud that your husband would be willing to risk his life for the life of a child. Our once chance meeting in Wal-Mart will never be forgotten. Although we have not yet found the words to tell Nicholas... I know he too would be devastated. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you as they have always been.
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