Mark Thomas Dunaiski

Mark Thomas Dunaiski, 56, died November 19th, 2009, at his home in Colorado Springs, Colorado after a valiant fight with cancer. His love, hope and faith during this struggle inspired so many leaving a legacy for friends and family alike. He was born on January 17th, 1953 in Schenectady, New York to Marilyn Dunaiski and the late Raymond Dunaiski. He was married to Leslie Ann Spengler on December 13th, 2003 in Parker, Colorado.Solider, businessman, devoted husband and father; Mark lived a life founded on the principles of “Duty, Honor, County” devoting himself to God, family, friends and his profession.He was a graduate of the US Military Academy, West Point, New York and was commissioned as an Infantry Officer with subsequent graduate degrees from Murray State University, Murray Kentucky and Pepperdine University, Malibu, California. He served his country with honor and distinction in the United States, Germany, Bosnia, Romania, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Korea and El Salvador. During his career he earned numerous medals, awards and badges to include: the Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Joint Service Achievement Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Achievement Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Expert Infantryman’s Badge, Ranger Tab, Parachutist Badge and Air Assault Badge. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 2001 and subsequently continued serving his country as a defense contractor, working towards the development of a missile defense shield to protect the American homeland. He is survived by: his wife, Leslie; mother, Marilyn; sister, Barbara; brother, Paul; daughters, Shea, Alexandra, and Elizabeth; and granddaughter, Alivia.He was preceded in death by his son, Adam. A memorial service and reception will be held at 1PM Friday, December 4th, 2009 at Woodmen Valley Chapel - Woodmen Heights Campus, 8292 Woodmen Valley View, Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA 80908In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Mark Dunaiski’s honor to: The Colorado Neurological Institute Center for Brain and Spinal Tumors, 701 East Hampden Ave., Ste 330, Englewood, CO 80113. Arrangements under the direction of Swan-Law Funeral Directors, Colorado Springs, CO