Mark Steven Diana

Ann Arbor - Mark Steven Diana, loving son, brother, father and grandfather, passed in peace Tuesday morning (Jan. 23, 2018) at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ypsilanti, MI. Mark was born on Dec. 19, 1949, in Stambaugh, MI to Joseph and Kathryn Diana; he was the oldest of four sons. He was preceded in death by his father, and youngest brother Paul Diana. He is survived by his beloved mother Kathryn Diana of Ann Arbor, his brothers Chris Diana of Urbana, IL and Todd (Kimberlie) Diana of Taylor, MI; his daughter Emily (Aaron) Kelley, and grandchildren Alexandra and Sebastian of Flushing, MI; his nephews and nieces Matthew Diana of Champaign, IL, Sarah Preston and Andrew Diana of Ann Arbor, MI, Kayla Mayday of Taylor, MI; and grand-nephew Logan Hodges of Urbana, IL. Born in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, where he always loved to visit, Mark moved to Ann Arbor as an infant, and grew up living along Packard Rd, and then in Ann Arbor Woods. A public school student, he graduated with honors from Pioneer HS in the class of 1968, going on from there to attend Duke University in North Carolina. Mark subsequently returned to Ann Arbor, transferring to the University of Michigan, where he received his BA in Education. Over the following years, Mark continued his education at a number of universities, including Ohio State, Michigan State, and Wayne State Universities, earning two Masters Degrees, and his Doctorate Degree, in the field of Early Childhood Education and Development. Over the years Mark worked with the State of Michigan Head-Start Program, along with teaching at both the university level, and at a number of public and private school systems throughout southeastern Michigan. His entire career was focused on improving the quality and delivery of education, especially for pre-school and special needs children. "Teachers can change lives with just the right mix of chalk and challenges." - Joyce Meyer A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, Jan 30, 2018, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Ann Arbor, preceded by a visitation from 10-11.