Mark Tate, 80, passed away in Tampa on August 3, 2018. Mark was born in Clymer, PA to the children of Italian immigrants, Albert and Mary (Longo) Tate. He grew up in New Castle, PA with his four brothers and two sisters, with whom he stayed close his entire life. Mark married his high school sweetheart, Betty (Augustine) Tate, and over their 59 years of marriage they oversaw and nurtured their large and loving family.
A football scholarship enabled Mark to attend and graduate from Michigan State University. Mark then served as a First Lieutenant tank commander in the US Army in Munich, Germany. With two partners, he formed and built East Manufacturing Corporation into a national industry leader over a 45 year business career. For fun he loved to spend time with his family and friends, watch Gator sports, play cards, bust chops, and drive fast. As a 55 year-old drag racer Mark won the “Fastest Street Car in America” drag race championship in 1993. Over the years Mark’s music tastes evolved from Peter Frampton and Bob Seger to Mick Jagger to Garth Brooks. Mark was generous to those in need. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, father figure and friend to many, and he will never be forgotten by those who know him. Many will say he changed their lives for the better.
Mark is preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Mary Tate; brothers, Albert R. Tate Jr and Donald (Bucky) Tate; and granddaughter, Alexis Nicole Tate. Mark is survived by his wife Betty Tate; sons, Mark (Jeanne) Tate, Jr; Russell (Laura) Tate, Thomas (Cynthia) Tate, David (Julie) Tate and Steven (Gina) Tate; 16 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; brothers, Salvatore (Barb) and Dave (Sandy) Tate; sisters, Susanne Sciacchitano and Mary Lou Downing; sister-in-laws, Barbara Tate and Dian Tate; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Visitation will be held at Blount and Curry MacDill, 605 S. MacDill Ave, Tampa on Wednesday August 8, 2018, from 6pm to 8:30pm, with a scripture service beginning at 8:30pm. A funeral service will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 509 N Florida Ave, Tampa at 10am on Thursday August 9, 2018.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to one of Mark’s favorite charities, the Sancta Clara Monastery in Canton, Ohio http://www.poorclares.org/monastery/ .
