Mark Edwin Pitney

Mark Edwin Pitney, 77, passed away on October 5, 2022, after a nearly 2-year battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. He was born in Hastings, Nebraska on April 3, 1945 to the late Phil and Katherine Pitney. He is survived by his wife Sandra Pitney; son Robert Pitney; and grandchildren Colin Bush, Amanda Bush, and Ryan Pitney. He is also survived by his brother, Roger Pitney, and sister, Susie Baker. He was preceded in death by his sister, Janice Pitney.

Mark moved often during his childhood, living in places that included California, Oregon, Nebraska, and Kansas. Mark graduated from Red Cloud High School in Red Cloud, Nebraska. After graduation, he attended the University of Kansas, served in the US Air Force Reserve Corps, and married his first wife, Jeanne Chartier Pitney. He settled in Raleigh, NC in 1972 and had a son, Robert Pitney. After losing his first wife to a battle with cancer in 1992, he married Sandra Jean Kaylor Pitney.

Mark spent the last 50 years of his life in eastern North Carolina, contributing to the dynamic growth of the region via numerous careers within commercial real estate. He brought fairness, passion, and love to everything he did and to all those whom he met. Starting as the Marketing Director of North Hills Mall in 1972, he helped organize diverse events to galvanize the people of the Capital Region. His accomplishments include organizing a celebration of the 1974 NC State National Championship basketball team and coordinating the carving of a statue of Sir Walter Raleigh inside the mall as part of the American Bicentennial Celebration.

Mark then transitioned to commercial real estate development and management, infusing a sense of community and purpose in many retail centers throughout eastern North Carolina. Over several decades, Mark sought to make a difference through his service at companies including J.M. Kane, Bob Hughes Associates, and Lat Purser & Associates. Despite having various roles, Mark especially enjoyed fostering community events that would be memorable. Even when not part of his job description, Mark volunteered to help ensure events like outdoor concerts and Santa visits were lively, fun, and memorable for both parents and children.

Mark enjoyed gardening, golf, and many other outdoor activities. Whenever driving by his home during the weekends, he often could be found outside beautifying his yard, the yards of his neighbors, or even the grounds of his church. When asked why, he would always respond, “I’m just trying to make the world a prettier place.”

Throughout his life, Mark strived to put his philosophy of “love thy neighbor” into action. He actively mentored multiple people over the years and developed lasting friendships by doing so. He remained actively engaged in the lives of many in the generation that followed him, showing by example how to foster a sense of community through peacemaking amongst individuals having diverse and opposing viewpoints. In his personal life, Mark deeply loved both his wives, Jeanne and Sandra, to each he remained faithful over separate 25+ year periods.

The family would like to thank all of Mark’s coworkers, neighbors, and those who journeyed with Mark through the years. Your companionship and tangible acts of kindness both inspired and enabled Mark and his family to live a rich, full life. We also want to thank the professionals at UNC Cancer Center as well as Hospice who provided the comfort and care that allowed Mark to confidently battle a rapid cancer for almost two years. Finally, we thank our family, friends, and the faithful congregation at Millbrook United Methodist Church for all the love and support they provided.

Friends may greet the family on Sunday, October 9, at the Brown-Wynne Funeral Home at 1701 East Millbrook Road from 4-6pm. A funeral service will be held on Monday, October 10, at 2pm at Millbrook United Methodist Church at 1712 East Millbrook Road. Interment will follow at Raleigh Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Millbrook United Methodist Church (https://millbrookumc.org) or to the Methodist Home for Children (https://www.mhfc.org).

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