Mark was born on January 11th, 1933, to William and Mary Rothstein in Newark, NJ. He and his brother David were raised in Jamesburg, at what was known to most family and friends as Pine Grove Camp. He fondly remembered riding horses with his brother and dreaming of the wild west. He left Jamesburg High School early and went on to the University of Chicago where he met his wife, Joanne. Many degrees later, they would settle in Fair Haven, NJ.
Mark and Joanne would go on to have 4 children, Debbi, Gregg, Evan, and Rebecca. He was fortunate to have welcomed 3 grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren. Mark was a devoted father, husband, and a quiet but strong leader, acting as Treasurer of his cherished family organization the “the Link” for decades.
Mark was an American History and Economics teacher at Middletown North for over 35 years. He enjoyed connecting with his former campers and students over the years and will forever be Big Chief Uncle Mark to those who heard his legendary campfire stories.
He worked to ensure his home of nearly 60 years on Chestnut Street was a butterfly and bird sanctuary. He loved to read, ski, sail on the Navesink, go for a hike and enjoy nature. He spent summers gardening at the Fair Haven Garden Club, volunteering at River Rats, and taught anyone who would join him to build exceptional sandcastles at the beach. He enjoyed biking, golfing, and tennis.
Mark was predeceased by his wife and found happiness and companionship with Geri Kaplan. He treasured their time together and their travels around the world.
The family requests that donations be made to either Fulfill of Monmouth and Ocean Counties or Lunchbreak In Red Bank, both of which Mark was a contributor for decades in memory of Joanne’s work with them. There will be a graveside funeral service at the Link of Israel Family Cemetery at 171 McClellan St, Newark, New Jersey at 11 am on Friday, March 8th.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.9.5