Mark C. Joseph

Mark C. Joseph passed away on Friday, October 18, 2024 at the age of 65. Born the seventh child of Margaret and Cleo (Kelly) Joseph on September 23, 1959, Mark was the beneficiary of lots of advice from all his older siblings. Respectfully, he listened but ultimately forged his own path, one that would take him far away from his Niles home. "Not all who wander are lost..." best describes our brother Mark for it was in his DNA (or sand in his shoes as he was often heard to say) that made it seem as though he lacked direction.

Mark attended Saint Stephen's grade school then Niles McKinley High School (Class of 1977) where he loved being part of the famous Niles Red Dragon football team. He went on to attend Hiram College and was introduced to the sport of Rugby. A rough sport much to his liking. Furthering his education, he moved to Arizona where he attended Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff obtaining a teaching degree in special education. After graduation, he taught special ed classes in the Phoenix school system for several years. While having a profession in a field that may have suited many, it was only a launching pad for him. Mark went on to successfully manage a variety of businesses including being a representative for Kirby Vacuum Cleaners, Hyatt Regency Resorts technical support, Aramark distribution, and ultimately managing Starbuck Coffee Shops notably in the Chicago area. He was nationally recognized for his innovative approach in managing startup coffee shops in other areas of the United States. Mark thoroughly enjoyed working with young adults where his ability to exercise his educational skills helped many young adults achieve their personal working goals. Often, he was seen as the big brother who challenged them to do their best.

His love of travel - just a passport and a rucksack - enabled him to explore and experience non-traditional world areas. He enjoyed traveling light no matter where he chose to roam. Perhaps, that was how he managed to elude the call of marriage. However, being a "people person", he made many lifelong friends. Eventually, he returned to his love of being a teacher. He went on to teach college level students in China which lead him to write and publish his memoirs about his adventures throughout the country. He had a delightful style that helped the reader experience China's uniqueness on a personal level. Mark's ultimate goal was to retire to a Greek island where he could kick off his sand-filled shoes and travel no more. Unfortunately, his health became compromised and he returned to the United States ending up in Niles, which would have pleased his mother.

Mark leaves behind three sisters; Mary Margaret (Larry) Toriello of Fond du Lac, WI; Jeannette Joseph of Henderson, NV; Joyce (Warren) Peterson of Niles, OH; two brothers, Mitchell Joseph of Ellsworth,OH and Jacque (Betty) Joseph of Niles,OH and many nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, James F. Joseph.

He will be missed.

No funeral services will be held.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Niles McKinley High School Football Program 616 Dragon Drive, Niles, Ohio 44446 or Western Reserve Independent Living Center 4076 Youngstown Road S.E., Suite 203, Warren, Ohio 44483.

Arrangements by Holeton-Yuhasz Funeral Home, 126 West Park Avenue, Niles, Ohio 44446 330-652-4311.