In Memory

Mark Anthony Chonko - Class Of 1972 VIEW PROFILE

 

Mark Anthony Chonko

May 28, 1954 - November 24, 2013

 

CHONKO, Mark Anthony

passed away and got a new set of wings on November 24, 2013. Born to Angela and Vincent Chonko on May 28, 1954 in New Jersey. Mark's passing came after a long struggle with glioblastoma brain cancer. He was preceded in death by his father Vincent Chonko and his nephew Matthew Goodpastor.

Mark was a descendant of Polish, Native American, and Eastern European nationalities. At an early age he was drawn to music, the stars, all things science, and developed a deep love for nature. While attending Westchester High School in Houston, Texas, he played trombone in the marching band and made lifelong friends. Mark continued his love of learning as he earned his undergraduate degree in Physics and his Masters in Electrical Engineering, both at the University of Texas in Austin, Texas. Mark used his newfound skills for many years as an employee of Motorola and Freescale until his retirement in 2009. In recent years, he took great joy in working with new friends at Texas Hearing and Service Dogs, Montesino Farms, and the Master Naturalists here in Central Texas. Although he enjoyed his time at work and the good friends he made there, Mark was devoted to his family and lived to provide for them in all ways. Mark married Donna Sue Gaddie on November 2, 1985 after the birth of their first child, Jon Matthew Chonko, in November 1984. Leanna Faith Chonko joined the family in July 1988. Together they enjoyed hiking, camping, raucous dinners, goofy pajamas, and above all, loving their time with each other.

Mark was a devoted father to his children and partner to his wife. He had a brilliant mind and a keen wit that left many either groaning or laughing in abundance. His own belly laughs could fill any room and warm the heart. As Mark grew with his family, he also discovered an amazing Rose Mountain-based men's group that became a second home. Among likeminded souls, he developed his skills of listening, counseling, and sharing and helped to make the world a better place on all levels. He had strength beyond understanding. Even in the end, when his struggles were many, he rarely complained. His emotional and spiritual work benefited those around him until his final days. His family would like to thank all those who helped him during his final journey including Dr. Dzuik, Dr. M. Groves, Texas Oncology, Rachel Smith PA, and the many nurses he met along the way. His family would also like to thank his friends from all corners of his life, including his men's group and our kind neighbors and friends, who ferried him back and forth, sat with him, and supported the family in ways beyond imagination. Mark's sisters, Patricia and Christine, were instrumental in their continued support. Melinda Marino and Sandra Brown's experience and compassion put the wind beneath the family's wings. The family is also grateful for Blanca, Carol, and Heart to Heart Hospice for their care and unconditional support. Their understanding of Mark's process let his journey end in a peaceful passing.

Although his bright light on Earth may have waned, look into the night sky for it is there he calls you, ever present in our hearts.

In lieu of flowers, please give donate to the charity of your choice or the Texas Hearing and Service Dogs, the Nature Conservancy, or Wimberley Valley Watershed Association. Services will be held on at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, December 3, 2013 at the Memory Lane Event Center in Dripping Springs.


Published in Austin American-Statesman from Nov. 30 to Dec. 2, 2013

https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/name/mark-chonko-obituary?pid=168244330





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