Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Mark Nelson Obituary
Mark J. Nelson, born October 15, 1959 to Ted and Elaine Nelson, passed away on June 12 at Vassar Brothers Hospital at the age of 60.
Born in Brooklyn, NY, he attended SUNY Albany where he met the love of his life and future wife, Donna Weinkauf. He then attended the NY College of Podiatric Medicine and eventually started his own shoemaking business, Custom Medical and Fashion Footwear on South Hamilton Street. He raised his three children in Poughkeepsie, was a member of Temple Beth El, and spent his free time coaching his children's soccer teams, and attending their basketball games and piano recitals. A truly kind person, he was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather. His generosity and willingness to help others was recognized by everyone who met him.
Mark will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 37 years, Donna; children, Florence, Mayer, Nathan and their families; parents, three brothers and their families, cousins and friends. Mark was buried on June 18 in Falls Church, Virginia, close to where his children and wife now live.
Those who so desire may make memorial donations in memory of Mark to the No Kid Hungry Charity.
May his memory be a blessing.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mark Nelson
Diane Gieseler
June 24, 2024
Such a wonderful friend, miss him.
Diane & Jeff
DIANE
June 25, 2023
STILL MISS MARK, HE WAS A GREAT FRIEND
DIANE G
Diane and George Smith
July 6, 2022
We often think of Mark. His passing still makes us sad. He left such an impression on us. A very smart man. A very caring man. We always wondered what happened. We asked around but no one knew. He is missed by many. He inspired me with his encouraging words when I was handicapped for 18 months. He took personal interest and made me feel like his friend. From, Diane Smith.
Diane Gieseler
June 24, 2022
Thoughts and prayers always
ELAINE M COLANDREA
March 2, 2022
To Mark's family,
I never actually met Mark. I spoke with him on the phone many times. I always found him to be the kindest man. I sent my boots and shoes to him. I sent many people to him who needed special help with their footwear. I am so so so very sad to hear of his passing. Yes, Mark was gifted at what he did professionally, more importantly he was so very lovely to interact with. A great human being. My sympathy to his family and friends. The world lost a good man with his passing. With respect, Elaine Colandrea
Winsome & Maria
November 11, 2021
This is such sad news! I kept wondering what happened to Mark and upon checking Google I am led to shock and sadness! Such a great soul, certainly gone too soon. Our condolences to Mark´s family and friends.
Diane Gieseler
April 11, 2021
surely miss Mark, he was a wonderful friend. Prayers for Donna and family.
Diane & Jeff Gieseler
Stephen Thomas Carley
April 10, 2021
I and genuinely so sorry for your loss. I will miss Mark tremendously.
Stephen Thomas Carley
April 10, 2021
I am genuinely sad about the passing of your loved one may he rest in peace I may he always be with you his family and Friends spiritually!
Diane Gieseler
January 30, 2021
Mark was a fantastic friend. My prayers for Donna and family, he is missed by all for sure.
Marybeth Byble
January 29, 2021
I am just finding out about this now and I feel so very bad. Mark was just the nicest man. I met him 8 years ago when I lived close to there and would walk dogs by his shop. He would wave and come to talk and pet the dogs. I found out Mark is gone because someone I know needed boots fixed and I went there and found it empty.
Its sad because he so touched a community.
Suzanne Gilbert, LMT
November 15, 2020
Sad sad news. We lost a teacher, a friend, a mensch. My heart and soul grieve. May his memory be a blessing.
Diane Gieseler
November 4, 2020
We all still miss Mark. Prayers for him and his family
Diane
Susan Deane-Miller
November 3, 2020
though we new each other only in his shop and he did do some repair work for me, I have to say we were friends. When I used to be able to ride my bike around Poughkeepsie, I would sometimes stop in just to chat,and he would ask, "How's my favorite social worker?" He would introduce me to whatever friend was also sitting in the shop, and we would all talk. Or sometimes it was just Mark and me. He and I talked about deep and serious things, and he had a very philosophical way about him. Now I have to drive a car to get around, and I don't often go into the city of Poughkeepsie where I have to pay to park. But any time I drive past his shop, I think of him and wonder how he is doing. I saw the other day that the shop was shuttered, and wondered what was up. It is so hard grieving during this pandemic when we cannot be physically close and comfort each other. It has been several months since his death, I see, so I wish his family and dear friends well, and hold them all in the light.
Linda Freeman
October 29, 2020
Mark was a truly gifted cobbler and transformed so many of my dance shoes over the years, including quite recently, so I was shocked and sad to hear of his passing. He always was so spoken and interested in those around him. What a beautiful human being. He will be missed!
Helen Hosking-Hartmann
September 19, 2020
I would like o express my deepest sympathy to Mark's lovely wife Donna and his children that he was so proud of. I had been trying to call Mark to Thank him for all the help he gave me this fall with a shoe issue, and heard the news of his passing from a friend. Mark was more than an incredible shoemaker he was a friend that I so enjoyed conversing with on all subjects. He was super smart, very kind, and extremely engaging. He is a person that will be very missed.
So sorry for your loss. Helen Hosking-Hartmann
Michael
August 25, 2020
Rest in peace, Mark. You were a true craftsman, a rare breed today, educated, competent, compassionate and fair toward your customers. Thank you for repairing my shoes that were previously deemed unsalvageable - and thank you for the interest you took in my life during my visits to your shop. You will be greatly missed.
Diane Gieseler
August 12, 2020
He was such a wonderful and dear friend of my mom, my son and mine. We all miss him so dearly, prayers daily for Donna and his family in this sorrowful time of their lives
Diane Gieseler
Diane Smith
August 11, 2020
I just heard today of Mark’s passing. To be honest I am sick over this. I had an operation that left me with a severe leg length discrepancy. I took some shoes to Mark to get over a one inch lift added to my shoe. Mark was so wonderful, so nice and kind and took interest in every person who came in his shop. He was so warm and comforting to everyone’s needs. He was naturally a very kind man. I don’t have the words. I even met his wife Donna who is just as nice. Mark will always be in our hearts. Diane & George Smith
Fran Daniels
July 8, 2020
Mrs. Nelson, So very sorry to learn of Mr. Nelsons passing. I had missed seeing you both on the walkway each morning and now I sadly know the reason why. Please know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Mrs. Daniels
Adam and Karen
July 4, 2020
To the entire Nelson family please accept our condolences. The loss can't be put into words other than to say Mark's memory will be with you and comfort you during this very difficult time.
Mark J Barillaro
July 4, 2020
What a terrible loss. Mark kept me shoes he modified to accommodate my one leg being somewhat shorter than the other. He was a true craftsman, but even more so, he was a wonderful person with a gentle soul. I'd often stop in the shop just to say "Hi" and shoot the breeze. After we moved to Virginia in 2015, I still sent my footwear to Mark. I'm so sorry for your loss of this wonderful, wonderful man. Prayers to his family
Cheryl Beckles
July 3, 2020
Very sad and shocked to read of Mark's transition. I met Mark when I moved to Poughkeepsie from Queens over 10 years ago, and needed shoes repaired. It was never just a transaction whenever I went into his shop; Mark always had a kind word, asked about my family, and was a pleasure to talk with. The last time I spoke to Mark was probably in May-when he called to ask my husband about a computer. What a kind soul. I'll miss him. Donna, parents, children and family-you have our sincere condolences. May Mark Rest In Peace.
Cheryl and Mike Beckles
Karen Hayes
July 2, 2020
I am so sorry to hear of Mark's passing. I got to know Mark through his business, he was a genuine and caring person who always took the time to get to know his customers and was wonderful at his craft. My condolences to his family and friends, my thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Diane Gieseler
July 1, 2020
Mark was a great, fantastic friend of my mom, my son and I. He will be surely missed. May God Be With You All At This Sorrowful Time Of Your Lives.
Diane and Jeffrey Gieseler
Lisa Germano
July 1, 2020
I am so sorry to here of the passing of Mark. I worked with him many years ago at the M.A.R.C. Crisis center. He was truly a caring soul.
Ernie Verdis
July 1, 2020
Mrs. Nelson, Florence, Mayer, and Nathan-
So very sorry to hear of your loss. Thinking of you all during this time.
Showing 1 - 27 of 27 results
Make a Donation
in Mark Nelson's name
Memorial Events
for Mark Nelson
How to support Mark's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Mark Nelson's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
