Mark Bernard Platt

On December 4, 2025 Mark Bernard Platt peacefully passed away at the age 79 surrounded by his wife Marla, his son Russell and their loyal dog Daisy. Mark was born January 22, 1946 in San Angelo, Texas. He was the fourth of nine children to Frank and Genevieve. Growing up in a big family, he had a lot of wild adventures with his siblings. They moved to Colorado and then California. Mark then served in the U.S. Army from 1967-1972. He worked in communications while serving in Vietnam from 1967-1968. Upon return to the states, he roomed with his brother Greg in Los Angeles. Mark transferred to Los Gatos while working as a telephone lineman for GTE. He would later finish his career as a fiberoptic engineer for Verizon, which had purchased GTE. He jokingly referred to GTE’s acronym as “Get The Employee.”

When Mark was young, he loved surfing and riding his motorcycle. Mark was always quick with making up nicknames and cracking jokes.

Mark met Marla Von Raesfeld through a friend in 1972 and proposed during an argument in 1973. He had to ask her twice because she didn't believe him. They married February 16, 1974. They purchased their first home in June 1974 and welcomed their first of four children in December 1975. He was a wonderful father sharing his love for the outdoors, fishing, and sports. He passed on his humor, honesty, toughness and work ethic to his children.

Mark always put his family first; most of his vacations were used to reconnect with his siblings and parents in L.A. and Castro Valley. He always welcomed everyone to his home. He loved preparing snacks like fruit, popcorn, cookies and toast for guests. His granddaughters could always rely on a plate of cheese and crackers after school, freshly prepared by Grandpa. Mark was always generous with his time and willing to lend family, friends, and neighbors a helping hand.When his son Spencer and his classmates joined the Boy Scouts, Mark volunteered as a Scout leader. Mark loved fixing things and working on all things automobile-related. He had a white 1955 Porsche which he loved driving on the freeways. He custom-ordered a 1978 yellow Ford F100 stepside truck which became his prized possession. He loved to keep his truck in pristine condition and running smoothly. Marla used to tease that Mark loved the truck more than her.

Mark is survived by wife Marla, sons Spencer (married to Lori), Russell, Nick, daughter Carley (married to Mathew), granddaughters Caitlyn, Luella, Bianca, Tabitha, Jolene, great granddaughter Freja, brothers Greg and Pete, sisters Becky and Lorie, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mark was a wonderful man and will be missed beyond words. He will live in our hearts and memories forever.

Funeral services

Wednesday December 17

ROSARY 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Lima Family Mortuary

466 N Winchester Blvd

Santa Clara, CA 95050

Thursday December 18

MASS 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

St. Clare’s Parish

725 Washington St.

Santa Clara, CA 95050

RECEPTION 12:00 PM- 5:00 PM

Lima Family Mortuary Reception Hall

464 North Winchester Blvd

Santa Clara, CA 95050

COMMITTAL & MILITARY HONORS 2:00 PM

Santa Clara Mission Cemetery

490 Lincoln St

Santa Clara, CA 95050

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity, Parkinson’s Foundation, or Veterans Affairs. Mark stayed strong through his battle with Parkinson’s Disease and dementia.