Mark J. LaPrete, 58, of Roselle Park, passed away suddenly on Saturday August 19, 2017.

All are to meet for a Funeral Mass at 10:00 AM on Wednesday August 23, 2017 at the Church of the Assumption in Roselle Park. Visitation will be at the Mastapeter Funeral Home, 400 Faitoute Ave, Roselle Park on Tuesday from 2 to 4, and 7 to 9.

Mark had deep roots in Roselle Park and Kenilworth as a graduate of David Brearley High in 1976. Mark and his wife of 35 years Kathy, have lived in Roselle Park since 1981.

Mark touched many people during his career as a franchise business consultant with Friendly’s, Dunkin Donuts, Applebee’s, Au Bon Pain and most recently at Brioche Doree.

Mark was known for instilling lasting fishing tips at his tackle shops, Lee Rods and Lures and Cabin Fever Café, or for just enjoying a cigar with his buddies that he fished with on Lakes Champlain, Gaston, Hopatcong, and Assunpink. Not to mention the lasting dinners he enjoyed with the Brearley Bear Brotherhood.

Mark was always ready with a joke and would perfectly quote movie classics from Monty Pylon, Mel Brooks and Arthur. He expertly operated fart machines and was a grand master of silly games and sounds he would play with his grandkids.

Although Mark would have preferred a Viking burial at sea, he would have been thrilled to see the family and friends gather in his remembrance and would sign off with “live long and prosper.” Mark’s accomplishments were significant, as the creator of instant on lighting, taste my steel lures and soggy wiener boats. His influence on society will last for years to come.

Mark will be greatly missed by his wife Kathy, daughter Victoria DiBona and her husband Greg, his son Michael Gacsi and his wife Nicole, loving grandchildren Ariana, Jakob, Ainsley and Cadence, his father Salvatore LaPrete and his younger siblings Susan, Vincent, Janet and Debra, 12 nieces, 1 nephew and furry Trixie.
In lieu of flowers, gold or doubloons, donations can be made to Rogers Rescues, rogersrescues.com