Mark David Emery

Mark David Emery, age 61, passed away on October 5, 2025, in Wilmington, North Carolina. Born in Sarasota, Florida, on March 29, 1964, Mark lived a life filled with laughter, love, music, and boundless devotion to family and friends.

He is survived by his wife and best friend of over 30 years, Margaret M. Harrington (Meg), and their two sons, Maxwell and Mason Emery, who were the center of his universe. Mark was a hands-on and passionate father—coaching their sports teams, attending every game, and being their most enthusiastic supporter.

He also leaves behind Moose, the family’s loyal and loving rescue dog, and Whiskey, a spirited new companion and “foster fail” who joined the family last year. The family lost their beloved dog Mollie earlier this year. All of the family’s dogs were rescues—a reflection of Mark’s compassionate heart and belief in giving every soul a home.

After the pandemic, Mark, Meg, the boys, and their dogs relocated to Leland, NC aka The Greater Wilmington, NC area to be closer to both sides of the family. Living near the ocean brought him deep peace. He loved beach life, even if he never quite mastered the art of patient fishing—but he treasured the time it gave him with his sons.

Mark was also an avid traveler and explorer. He visited at least 45 U.S. states and never lost his sense of wonder or joy in discovering new places. He loved the mountains and the snow, with a particular fondness for skiing trips. Internationally, his travels to Greece, Ireland, St. Bart’s and St. John’s Islands ranked among his favorite adventures—rich in culture, beauty, and connection.

Mark spent his early life in Florida and later lived in Pittsburgh, Chicago, and Tennessee before settling in Raleigh, North Carolina, where his cherished younger brother Matt was born. He held a special place in his heart for Siesta Key, where his father still resides and where generations of his family once lived.

He earned an Associate’s degree from Brevard Junior College and a Bachelor’s degree from Clemson University, where his love for the Tigers began. Mark spent nearly 20 years at The Farm Journal, building a lifelong “work family,” before starting his own small business—Millie’s Hot Dogs—named for his beloved grandmother, Mildred. That venture blended Mark’s entrepreneurial spirit, humor, and love of connection.

Mark was the kind of person who lit up a room with his wit and charm. Friends often said, “You must laugh 24/7 with Mark in your life.” Whether hosting a lively party or a quiet gathering on the deck in Jenkintown, he was known to say, “It doesn’t get any better than this.”

Music ran through his soul—especially the Grateful Dead and the musical greats of the ’60s and ’70s. He and Meg shared a deep connection to Van Morrison, with Tupelo Honey as the soundtrack to their wedding and life together.

Though fun incarnate, Mark also had a spiritual side. He converted to Catholicism at Immaculate Conception Church in Jenkintown and later joined St. Luke the Evangelist Church in Glenside, where his family found a vibrant and welcoming community. They enjoyed neighborhood traditions on Keswick Avenue, concerts at the Keswick Theatre, and post-game pub outings with other families.

A true sports fanatic, Mark was never far from a game—often watching several at once. He was a lifelong fan of the Eagles, Phillies, Flyers, 76ers, and, of course, Clemson. He celebrated the Phillies' 2008 World Series win and was overjoyed by the Eagles’ Super Bowl victories in 2017 and 2025. But nothing topped cheering on the Tigers with his sons and college friends.

Since moving to Wilmington in 2021, Mark was able to spend more time with his own family after many years immersed in Meg’s big, boisterous Irish Catholic clan—a chapter of reconnection and peace.

Mark is survived by his parents, Lynne and Edward Eggers, and Marvin (Mark) Emery; his brother, Matthew Eggers; sister-in-law, Agatha Eggers; and two cherished nieces, Alice and Lucy. He remained close to his maternal cousins Dean and Heather Severino, David Severino, Mark and Sharon McIntyre, and their children Kelly (fiancé Kyle) and Corey (wife Molly) McIntyre.

On Meg’s side, Mark is survived by his mother-in-law, Margaret (Peg) Singer of Southport, NC; his father-in-law Clark Harrington and wife Marlene; and siblings-in-law Michael and Michelle Harrington, Mariann and Gerry Owens, Catherine Harrington and Lance Seidel, and Noreen and James Kelly. He was a beloved uncle to many nieces and nephews, including Kerrie Owens, Regina Owens Kent, Brian Harrington, Alexandra Seidel, and Cameron Deshnad, along with their spouses, partners, and children.

Mark was predeceased by his uncle Nick Emery; stepmother Theresa “Sis” Emery; Aunt Adrienne; grandparents Mildred and Sherman Myers and Rhoda and Stan; his nephew Sean Harrington; and the family’s beloved rescue dog Mollie.

A Celebration of Life and Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at 11:00 AM in the chapel of Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 300 Saint Mary's St., Raleigh, NC.

Following the service, all are invited to a luncheon to share stories and memories at The PR – The Player’s Retreat, one of Mark’s favorite spots in Raleigh.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: CureSarcoma.org or The GoFundMe (https://gofund.me/5c72b4caa) for Mason Emery, who is currently bravely battling Ewing’s Sarcoma.

Mark will be remembered for his immense heart, his quick humor, and the way he made every person feel welcome and known. His legacy is carried forward in every laugh shared, every game watched, every song played, every road traveled, and most deeply, in the love of his family and friends.

Services in Wilmington provided by Quinn McGowen Funeral Home and in Raleigh by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home & Crematory.