Michael John Amen

Mark Amen, Professor Emeritus of Political Science at the University of South Florida passed away suddenly on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at his home in Tampa, Florida. He was 81 years old and had experienced health issues over the last few months.

Mark was born on July 10, 1944, in Quincy, Illinois, where he spent his childhood. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Quincy College in 1967 and a master’s degree from DePaul University in Chicago in 1971. As his interest in global politics expanded, he moved to Europe to study political economy and international relations at the University of Geneva, Switzerland, where he earned his doctoral degree in Political Science in 1978. During his time in Europe, he worked as a researcher for the World Council of Churches and later taught courses in comparative politics, diplomatic history, and American foreign policy.

After receiving his doctoral degree, Mark embarked on an academic career, first as an assistant professor at the University of Vermont and then, beginning in 1982, as a faculty member at the University of South Florida, where he received tenure and spent the rest of his academic career. His contributions to USF were numerous, including serving as: Director of USF’s International Studies Program (1990-93); Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences (1993-2001); Director of the Globalization Research Center (2002-05); Academic Director of the Patel Center for Global Solutions (2005-2010); and Graduate Program Director for his department. Mark loved the challenges of teaching and administration, and retired after more than 30 years at USF. He volunteered for several local organizations and he enjoyed traveling, especially internationally. He was an avid golfer, bowler, and biker.

Mark’s friends and loved ones remember him as a generous, deeply caring person who was an excellent conversationalist, eager to listen attentively, share advice, and offer support. He always showed respect for other people, which when combined with his great sense of humor, put people at ease in his presence.

Mark is preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Louise Amen; a sister, Mary Ann Middendorf of Quincy and a brother, Fr. Pierre Amen, OFM, of Brazil. He is survived by a sister, Martha Daly of St. Louis; a brother, Ralph Amen of Peoria, a nephew and niece, and many great- nephews and nieces. Mark leaves behind many friends and loved ones in Tampa and beyond.

A Funeral Mass for Mark is scheduled for Saturday, July 25, 2026, at 10:00 am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, located at 509 N. Florida Ave. in downtown Tampa. The church will be open for guests beginning at 9:00 am. Please be advised that Sacred Heart does not have a private parking lot, but on-street parking is available at a rate of $4 per hour via the ParkMobile app. Parking is also available in the parking garage adjacent to the church, but the cost is a flat rate of $20 per vehicle on Saturdays.

Mark’s family is planning a separate celebration of Mark’s life in Mark’s hometown of Quincy, Illinois, for some time in September. Anyone wishing to attend should contact Mark’s family for details.

Those wishing to memorialize Mark with a donation to a cause he supported may wish to give to the American Civil Liberties Union.