Mark Anthony Cropp Jr.

Mark Anthony Cropp Jr., the devoted son of Mark and Geneva Cropp, loving husband to Diane Cropp, and caring father to Monique (Cropp) Puckett and Kristen Cropp, was peacefully called home to be with the Lord on March 9, 2025, at the age of 65.

Born on July 14, 1959, in Philadelphia, PA, Mark was affectionately known as “Junie.” He was the firstborn son of Geneva and Mark Cropp and a beloved brother to Cecilia, Barry, Sandy, Valerie, Gena, and Lisa, all of whom he deeply loved. As a child, Mark was mischievous and full of adventure, but his mother, whom he adored, always kept him in line. Bright and curious, he learned to play chess at a young age and had a deep appreciation for music. He played the clarinet and piano by ear and was especially fond of the saxophone and violin. He also enjoyed singing. The clarinet, played by his father, became a special connection between them. Mark’s adventurous spirit stayed with him throughout his life.

In 1977, that same adventurous nature led Mark to join the United States Navy. While serving, he excelled as a culinary specialist and proudly served as a member of the Navy Presidential Honor Guard, a role he held with great pride. He traveled the world, completing multiple tours aboard U.S. Navy destroyers such as the U.S.S. Barry, U.S.S. Roosevelt, and others. Of all his assignments, his favorite tour was to Jerusalem, which he described as life-changingly beautiful because of the holiness and spirit of the land.

In 1979, while stationed in Washington, D.C., Mark met Avis Sullivan. The two married in 1980 and welcomed their first daughter, Monique, in 1983. Their second daughter, Kristen “Krissy,” followed in 1984. Mark was a loving and proud father. To him, his daughters were his greatest accomplishments, and he never missed an opportunity to let them know how proud he was of them. As young girls, he lovingly spoiled them, once even driving a four-hour round trip from Maryland to Philadelphia to retrieve Krissy’s beloved stuffed toy, Puffalump. As they grew older, Mark loved visiting them, cooking their favorite meals, and spending time with his grandchildren, showering them with pancakes, fun, and laughter. He wasn’t just a devoted father, he was a joyful, doting Pop-Pop.

After retiring from the Navy, Mark moved to Arizona and began working as a security guard at Mesa High School. In 2004, on his way to a job interview at the school, Mark noticed a lovely woman waiting at a bus stop with a cup of coffee. He playfully asked, “Do you have a cup of coffee for me?” That woman was Diane. Their paths crossed again, and Diane would jokingly refer to him as her stalker. Over time, their friendship blossomed into a beautiful relationship. Mark and Diane were married in 2021 in an intimate ceremony surrounded by loved ones. He often told his daughters what a good woman Diane was, someone who loved him unconditionally, handled his stubborn ways with grace, and cared for him with a heart as big as his. Mark and Diane were true soulmates.

Mark had a warm soul, a peaceful spirit, and a joyful nature. His thoughtful advice, easy laugh, and love for music and family left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. Sundays will never sound the same without hearing him cheer and sing “Fly Eagles Fly” for his beloved Philadelphia Eagles.

Mark was preceded in eternal rest by his parents, Mark and Geneva Cropp, his sister, Valerie Cropp, and many other dear family members and friends. He leaves behind to cherish is memory, his loving wife, Diane Cropp, his daughters, Monique (Cropp) Puckett and Kristen Cropp, his son-in-law and best man, Stephen Puckett, and his grandchildren, Naima Cropp, Stephen Puckett Jr., Tyson Puckett, and Dagan Evans. He is also survived by his siblings, Yvette (Cecilia) Chisholm, Barry Cropp, Cassandra (Sandy) Sutton, Regina (Gena) Quarles, and Lisa Clayton, along with a host of extended family and lifelong friends.

Mark will truly be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Fly, Mark, Fly.

During this time of grief, we wish all of the loved ones of Mark peace and comfort on behalf of the entire staff at Mariposa Gardens Memorial Park and Funeral Care.

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