Mark William Speziale, 60, of Dunkirk died unexpectedly Tuesday (June 26, 2012) at his home. He was born in Dunkirk on April 25, 1952 to Eleanor (Novelli) Dietzen and the late Marco A. Speziale.
Mark graduated from Cardinal Mindszenty High School in 1970. He attended Oklahoma State and received his Bachelor's degree in Hotel and Restaurant Administration in 1974. Mark's love for cooking began at a very young age working for his family's first business, Mark's Hot Dog stand on the city pier. In 1964, the family bought the Lake City Fish Company building which became the home of Mark's Restaurant, and later Top of the Mark on Lake Shore Drive in Dunkirk. After working for the family business for many years, Mark went on to co-own the Kettle and Keg also on Lake Shore Drive in Dunkirk. During this time, he was the Third Ward Councilman in Dunkirk. He retired from FSA at SUNY Fredonia. After his retirement, Mark kept himself busy as a crossing guard for the City of Dunkirk and as car transporter for Robert Basil Chevy.
Mark was an active member of the Democratic Party and the Sons of Liberty. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle, cooking, The Three Stooges, morning coffee at Tim Horton's, gardening, computers, the NY Yankees, the Buffalo Bills and Sabres, helping others, and spending time with his family and friends. Mark was a generous man who always had a smile for everyone. He loved being a son, father, and papa most of all.
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Besides his mother, he is survived by two daughters whom he cherished, Marcy (Allen) Kornowicz, and Michelle (Peter) Privitere; a brother, Thomas (Bonnie) Speziale; three grandchildren, Jacob and Zackary Kornowicz and Sophia Privitere; special friends, Amy and Hope McCoy, and George Jr., George III, and Keegan Vento; his faithful furry companions, Thomas and Alex; two granddogs, Buddy and Bruford. Aunts, un-les, cousins, a niece, and many friends also survive.
Mark was preceded in death by his father; his beloved Cocker Spaniel, Morgan; grandparents, Gillis and Rose (Jarvis) Novelli, and Michael and Mary Speziale; his aunt, Ann Speziale; uncle, Leonard Speziale; cousins, Lisa Speziale and Anthony Speziale.
Mark lived life to the fullest and will be greatly missed by all of those fortunate enough to have known him.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a memorial mass which will be celebrated Friday morning at 10 o'clock in Holy Trinity Church. Calling hours will be held today from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, balloons would be appreciated in his honor to celebrate Mark's life.
