Mark Edward Britko
Mark Edward Britko, 66, of North Canton, Ohio, passed away Friday, June 25, 2021, following complications from a 14-year battle with cancer.
He was born September 2, 1954, in Washington, to Mary Rachel Crile Britko and the late Edward Britko.
Mark attended Lone Pine Grade School and graduated from Trinity High School, class of 1972, where he was class president. He went on to West Liberty State College and graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in December 1975. He was a member of TKE fraternity.
Mark played softball for many years where he first met his future wife, Susan Wiseman. He also coached baseball and soccer for his sons and their teams. He was a drummer at an early age, in many bands throughout his life. Distant Fire was the last band he played in before moving to Ohio in 2002.
Mark attended Laboratory Presbyterian Church in his early years of life and was baptized July 19, 1959. He became a member of Fairhill Manor Christian Church May 22, 1994 where he served as a deacon. Mark worked for the family business, Wise Potato Chips, then became involved with the brick industry, working at Donley Brick Company, US Brick of Michigan and with Belden Brick Company in Canton, Ohio for 27 years.
He was passionate about his work, the Belden Family and their business.
On September 6, 1980, Mark married Susan Michelle Wiseman and they went on to have two sons, Chad Edward (Jessica) Britko of Alpharetta, Ga. and Colin Mark Britko of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. They have two grandchildren, Connor Edward Britko (5 1/2) and Julianna Elizabeth Britko (9 months). He was so proud of his children and grandchildren. Mark is also survived by his sister, Becky (Ron) Gasper; and his mother, Mary Britko; and his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Mary and Chuck Wiseman, all of Washington.
He loved being “Grandpa,” loved cars, football and a well-manicured yard. Mark was an avid golfer and would enjoy meeting his lifelong friends from Pennsylvania along with his cousin to enjoy a round. He was a longtime NASCAR fan and went to many races.
His love of history stemmed from his father, Edward, being a P.O.W. in World War II. Mark thoroughly enjoyed playing Santa Claus at Christmas time. He loved taking pictures and documenting through journaling family events which was so important to him.
Even though he received a stage 4 cancer diagnosis in 2007, he never felt sorry for himself and was so positive throughout his treatments and years that followed. He lived life to the fullest and loved his family with everything in him!
A celebration of life will be held at 4 p.m. Friday, July 2, in First Christian Church, 6900 Market Avenue N, Canton, OH 44721, with Pastor Shawn Maurer officiating. An additional celebration of life will be held at 4 p.m. Monday, July 5, in Fairhill Manor Christian Church in Washington, 351 Montgomery Avenue, Washington, PA 15301, with Pastor Gary Gibson officiating.
Memorial donations may be made in Mark’s memory to a charity of your choosing. Services entrusted to the Mark R. Vrabel Funeral Home, North Canton, 330-452-4041.