Mark A. Zingarelli

1952 - 2025

Early morning on Friday, April 18, 2025, Mark Alan Zingarelli, 72, passed away surrounded by his family. Mark was born July 11, 1952, at Wilkinsburg Hospital to Edythe Dipierro Zingarelli and Vito Alan Zingarelli. The oldest of four, Mark was the family comedian. His sisters, Lisa Zingarelli (Ron Rusnak) and Laurie Slotterback (Marty Slotterback), would giggle endlessly at his jokes and cause headaches for his mother. Involving his younger brother Vito Zingarelli (Dorit Learned) would end in scoldings, but he never gave up trying to make everyone laugh. Mark was part of a large extended Italian family of grandparents, cousins, aunts, and uncles, too numerous to even begin to name. He was exceedingly proud of his family and his Italian heritage. Anyone brave enough to ask him about his family was in for a treat and great stories. Mark attended The Ivy School of Professional Art for a short period before going to the University of Pittsburgh, majoring in art and filmmaking. He left before graduation to pursue an animation opportunity in San Diego that didn't pan out. Mark managed an art supply store while doing freelance work for local publications and built his business. Eventually, Mark moved up the coast to Seattle, WA, to be closer to siblings who had migrated there. He started doing a comic strip restaurant review column called Eatin' Out with Eddie for the Seattle-based magazine The Rocket. Soon his comic work started appearing in Robert Crumb's comix anthology Weirdo, which led his career as a cartoonist and illustrator to flourish. His career spanned 40 years as a freelance artist. He was especially proud of his New Yorker cover and his own comic, Real Life. Moving to Seattle was not the only new beginning for Mark. On a suggestion from a friend, Mark went on a blind date with a redhead from Texas. It was the start of a love that lasted 38 years. Markwillleave behind the love of his life, his Texas rose, his Honey Bunny, Kate Alexander Zingarelli, who will love him forever and ever. Ultimately, the pull of Pittsburgh was too great to ignore. He wanted his children to have the experience of growing up with family all around, like he did. Mark and Kate moved back to his hometown of Irwin. He took great delight in watching his girls grow up and become strong, independent women. He took even greater delight knowing that all his girls were active in the arts. Jessie (John) VanSickle of Moon, Zea (Adam) Zingarelli-Elkins of Greensburg, Stella Hutson of Seattle, WA, and Isabella (Marshall Miller) Zingarelli of Munhall are all extremely proud of their father, and his death will leave an immense hole in their lives that nothing will fill. Mark loved his grandchildren, Mikey and Morrigan Elkins. His grandchildrenwerethe light of hislife,and they willmiss their Nonno. Mark continued his career in Pittsburgh until the very end. He collaborated with many significant organizations, enjoying his membership with the Pittsburgh Society of Illustrators and the friends he met there. Mark never missed an opportunity to pass on his boundless knowledge of anything art-related. He also never missed an opportunity to add to his collection of supplies. Mark never met a paintbrush, pen, or pencil that he didn't require for some project. If it wasn't art or family that got Mark talking, some discussion of where to eat surely would. An expert chili dog consumer and an aficionado of fancy cheese, Mark could make a tomato sandwich into a 5-star meal. Being Italian, Mark made sure to perfect his family meatball recipe and transcribe it for all his children to have for generations to come. But it wasn't just pasta and cheese that Mark enjoyed. Growing up a Pittsburgh native meant that Lent was an excuse to scout out the best church fish fries. And if Mark was going to have a fish sangwich,' then he was probably going to have a root beer to wash it down. Mark loved food cultures from around the world; the spicier, the better. He especially enjoyed frequenting ethnic restaurants with Kate, where they often met friends for a meal. If dessert was up for debate, Mark always made sure pie was in the running. Or at least ablondiebrownie. Mark loved life, and life loved him right back. Known as Zing by his many friends, he made new friends wherever he went. His presence could light up a room, and everyone there was drawn to it. No one who ever met Mark could hate him. His kindness wouldn't allow it. Hetruly lovedto make people smile and had a hidden talent for charmingall those around him. Mark was not capable of making a simple errand without striking up a conversation that could last the entire trip. He had a way of drawing you into a dialogue that you didn't want to end. That was part of the magic that made Mark so enchanting. His energy was one that you never wanted to be away from. It is an energy that now lives on in his daughters and grandchildren. Mark Zingarelli was a force that was felt worldwide and will be missed by more people than he could have ever thought possible. His influence and love will affect artists for years to come. In lieu of flowers, Mark would want you to patronize the arts. Visit a museum or an art gallery, go see a live performance, and buy from local artists. Carry on Mark's love for art by encouraging the artist in your life. Family and friends will be received from 1 to 3 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, April 26, 2025, for a memorial visitation at the OTT FUNERAL HOME INC., 805 Pennsylvania Ave., Irwin, 724-863-8900. A celebration of Mark's life will be held at 8 p.m. at the conclusion of visitation in the funeral home. To leave a condolence, please visit www.ottfuneralhome.com.