Mark J. Dee

Mark J. Dee born February 29th 1948 of Novelty, Ohio passed away peacefully in his home with his life partner by his side, on October 29th 2022 after a valiant, silent & courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Mark was born in Cleveland to his late parents, Joseph & Gloria Dee. He grew up in Little Italy and attended Holy Rosary school and later went on to attend St. Joseph High school. Shortly after high school Mark proudly enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard and was long shoreman stationed in Chicago, IL. The time spent in the Coast Guard was one of his proudest accomplishments, which accompanied his lifelong passion of being on or near the water, Mark was a true Captain on and offshore. While stationed in Chicago he met his late wife Donna and soon after moved back to Cleveland where they raised their three children, Jason, Jenifer and Julie. Upon settling back in Cleveland Mark started his own home remodeling business in the Mid 1970’s “Cleveland Remodelers” where he was a successful businessman and contractor to many and remained in business until shortly before his passing. Mark took pride in his work and leant a generous hand to many throughout his time. In the late 1980’s Mark moved his family & business to Novelty, Ohio where he remained and enjoyed coaching softball for several years as the commissioner of the West Geauga softball league for his youngest daughter Julie and is still fondly remembered by many of his past players. In 1994 Mark met the person that he would spend the rest of his life adoring, and loving; Denise M Zak. Denise and Mark were inseparable from the moment they met and remained together for 28 years until his recent passing. Living life to the fullest and enjoying every moment they spent together they could often be found spending weekends at their secret oasis in Marblehead, out and about in Chagrin Falls & Chesterland, or just spending time by the grill outside at their home in Novelty. Mark leaves behind his life partner Denise M Zak, his children: Jason Dee, Jenifer Dee-Baumgarten (Todd), and Julie Marous (Dario Petkovic). Also left behind are his four stepchildren: David Zak (Amy), Candice DiFiore (Ben), Jessica Miller (Matt) and Aliscia Saccardi (Mike), four grandchildren; Donna McCarthy (Joey), Reeni Dee (Mason), Giuseppe Restifo, and DeAna Marous along with nine step grandchildren and brother Terry DeCrescenzo. Mark lived life on his own terms, by his own rules and is fondly remembered by all who knew him in the Chesterland community and beyond. He will be terribly missed by his partner Denise, children and grandchildren.

“You are the anchor that keeps my feet on the ground”.

His wishes will be honored with a private celebration of life for immediate family only.