Mark Allen Kostelnik

August 21, 1959 - April 6, 2020

My heart is saddened as I say goodbye to my best friend and husband Mark Kostelnik. Mark will always be remembered for his many wonderful qualities.  Even at a young age, Mark proved to be an industrious young man. Mark would ride his bike to the family’s Sunoco gas station business to help family and learn about car maintenance.  Mark was able to work on any problem that a car had and correct the problem.  He stayed with the business for many years. 

From there Mark acquired skills into adulthood specializing in plastic molding and injections (fabrication).  Mark worked for several companies in his field always looking for an opportunity to better himself as an employee.  Mark became foreman at Hedstrom Injection in Ashland, Ohio.  Mark never stopped learning, working, building, repairing or utilizing his skills.  Mark once was asked on an interview “if you could work with just one tool from your toolbox, which would you pick?”  His response was, “it’s not the tools in my toolbox that make the necessary repairs, but my mind that tells me which tool is best to make the necessary repair.”  His response landed him that position.  One of Mark’s unique skills was if he had a vision to build anything he would not quit until he succeeded.  Mark would help anyone in need and offer his advice to any conversation if he knew it would better someone.  Mark’s philosophy in life was simple and lived by three simple words. He always said, “Show me the facts, logic and common sense.”  In September of 2019 Mark went to work for a company that has had a strict policy of never hiring a friend or family member, but when they saw an opportunity to bring him onboard with their company, they knew they were making the right decision. These words are a direct quote from them personally, “Mark was extremely mechanically inclined, and he could look at any piece of machinery and know what was wrong with it and/or know how to fix it.” 

Mark also had a second love in his life, this being the water.  He loved boating, cruising, snorkeling and dolphin watching.  He owned and loved his own boat for several years cruising on Lake Erie and all the islands it has to offer. Mark and I have been on several different cruises together exploring different islands from Key West to Jamaica and every possible port in-between.  Mark loved a good time and enjoying parties with company when he wasn’t hard at work.  In 2017 Mark and I decided to make a huge decision and move from Ohio to Florida.  Mark has always stated that this is one of the best decisions he has ever made in his life.  Here together we made great friends and found the home of our dreams!!  Together we were united as one on July 21, 2018 on Lovers Key Beach.  “Marcus” has worn many shoes in his life that include a loving husband, son, father, brother, uncle and most important a friend to all whose path he has crossed.  Mark was very adamant about how he wanted things to go when he passed and that was for things to be simple and for everyone to remember the good times that were had if you were blessed to have known him.  So as you read this please remember what Mark would have wanted and that is not to cry because it’s over, but to smile because it happened.  You will forever be in my heart and the hearts of everyone who knew you!!!

He is survived by his beloved husband, Gary Cameron of Cape Coral, Florida; loving father Jim Kostelnik of Mentor, Ohio; one loving son, Adam Kostelnik (Amanda) & loving grandfather to Ava and Alex of Kirkland, Ohio; brother, Rick Kostelnik of Leroy, Ohio; step father to Kayla Cameron of North Royalton, Ohio; Jenna Faught (Jack) of Valdosta, Georgia; Jake Cameron of Brunswick, Ohio

Mark was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Ann Kostelnik (Otcasek).

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Fort Myers, is entrusted with final care.

Guestbook

  1. Chris Muraczewski Apr 16, 2020 at 5:47 pm

    What a beautiful send off! I didn’t know Mark well but am good friends with Gary.

  2. Gary Cameron Apr 16, 2020 at 5:55 pm

    Was a great day!!!

  3. Patty Young Apr 16, 2020 at 6:09 pm

    May your many good memories bring you great comfort at this time. Keeping you and Mark close to my heart.

  4. Christopher Hedgecoth Apr 16, 2020 at 6:51 pm

    Mark had a way of touching those around him in a very intimate way. You felt as though you were the only one that mattered. When he looked at you when he was talking to you, it felt like he look at your soul through your eyes.
    The world shines a little less without him.

  5. Darlene LePrevost Apr 16, 2020 at 7:17 pm

    Those we love don’t go away. They walk beside us every day unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed and always in our hearts.🌹🌹

  6. Dana Apr 16, 2020 at 7:18 pm

    Ha! I remember when we met. I shared a table with you at cruisers for bingo. You guys came into the place because you were ordering your wedding rings from Noe’s…across the street. We became fast friends. Gary would message me every Saturday to hold “their” table. My heart breaks for your loss & in this pandemic. Mark’s family should be aloud to celebrate his life. Wish I, and the community, could physically be with you. Please know we are.

  7. Rhonda Summerd Apr 16, 2020 at 7:41 pm

    Mark could always make me smile no matter what. I remember an evening I spent with him an Gary that will be with me always. He was such an easy going man an he loved life an spent his time living. I will miss him.

  8. Kenny Kostelnik Apr 16, 2020 at 10:15 pm

    Thanks for teaching me how to run, enjoy, and maintain a boat. You probably forgot that. I didn’t.

  9. Sally Hopkins Apr 16, 2020 at 10:46 pm

    Sending love and prayers of comfort during this time.

  10. Donna Dobbins Apr 16, 2020 at 11:03 pm

    Gary, I always enjoyed planning you and Mark’s cruises and making sure you guys had the drink package. Lol. I also remember when you 2 told me when you were moving to Florida and where should you stay. I’m so happy you had the few years together, but it certainly was cut too short. Take care. Love, Donna Dobbins. Allure Travel Group

  11. Sherri Lengle-Putka Apr 17, 2020 at 8:33 am

    I remember the first time I met Mark I was working in (Brunstucky), John and Mark came in we ended up staying til about 6:30 am needless to say that was the beginning of a very nice friendship…. And a nasty hangover the next day. Mark you are in my memories because there was a lot of fun times… You will be missed by many. Rest In Peace my friend it was always a great time with you and John!

  12. John Bodeker Apr 17, 2020 at 10:32 am

    Well how to say what I want to say would take hours and may probably bore you….as my eyes fill with tears I type this as the snow falls in April, I remember my life with Mark. He was the first real relationship I had in my life in my early 30’s…..the first I shared a home, a boat, families and babies (dogs) with and the first time I really felt safe and complete in a relationship. Mark’s husband Gary’s tribute that he wrote was so powerful and made me remember a lot about Mark’s past and about what a truly hard working and smart man he was. His passing has brought a flood of memories to the forefront for me. For those of you who knew us when we were together knew we were a power couple, hosting parties all of the time on our boat and in our home for several years. Unfortunately life changes and people change and things fall apart sometimes. This was our case. It was extremely difficult to go thru that parting of ways and at times not too pleasant for me and I am sure for him as welI, as I feel I can speak for him on that. After having all of that love and family and friends and having experienced all of those many good years, and then to have parted ways, I am happy to say that we both found forgiveness towards each other and were able to remain friends and hold on to that love that we both had in our hearts for each other. I think when you spend that amount of time and share so much with a person that even after it ends you still hold a special place in your heart for them. This is my case. The hardest thing about him passing was after going thru all of the good and the bad and the forgiveness and friendship, only to loose him all over again. This has left a huge hole in my heart. I know he knew that we all loved and cared for him and I am thankful he is at peace and no longer suffering. Like the late musician Prince wrote in a song called “Sometimes it Snows in April” ……”I guess he’s better off than he was before. A whole lot better off than the fools he left here” “All good things they say never last, and Love, it isn’t love until it’s past” . God bless all who knew him and loved him and God bless his husband Gary and his entire family. God bless us all. Always cherish the memories………

  13. Kenethia R. Holton Apr 17, 2020 at 11:23 am

    I am sending my deepest condolences to you and your family… I was blessed to have met Mark… I enjoyed listening to all of your stories about him… He was truly someone who made you happy… He’s now your angel!!! Continue resting in peace Mark… Love you Gary!!!

  14. Stephen J Kuhar Apr 17, 2020 at 3:21 pm

    i am so sorry for your loss john allways here for you

  15. Pamela Lewis Apr 17, 2020 at 3:57 pm

    Mark left a positive impression on all he met. What a life!

  16. Gregory D Otcasek Apr 17, 2020 at 3:57 pm

    Though we were not close, it was always good to see him.

    He is missed

  17. Greg Burkett Apr 18, 2020 at 8:29 am

    I am so very sad to hear about this. I learned many things from him and you two were always so welcoming and fun to be around. I really wish I could have made more time to see you guys. I’m very sorry Gary.

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