Mark Anthony Mara

Mark Anthony Mara. March 17,1947 Morristown, NJ. April 8, 2022 Las Cruces, NM. Beloved husband and life partner of Janet (Englerth) Mara. Only child of Anthony J. and Muriel A. Mara (both deceased). Graduated Cornell University, Civil Engineering, Class of 1969.



He began his IT career at Cornell University with punch cards and retired from Cornell in 2009 as Director of Advanced Technologies and Architectures. He enjoyed representing Cornell at IVY+ and Gartner Symposiums.



His interest in technology went beyond the work place. At home he spent time writing programs to help monitor HVAC and other household systems. He liked predicting advances in technology and seeing them happen. He enjoyed writing code. He was an early subscriber to StarLink in Ithaca.



He was a partner in East Hill Supply Company, a store specializing in fine wines and spirits. He developed a love of Italian wines, particularly Amarone and Barolo. His favorite spirit was Makers Mark.



He had many hobbies - working both metal and wood on his antique industrial lathes, drill press and milling machine - gardening - cooking, his smoked baby backs were the best, but his favorite was building large firework shells. He held both a Federal ATF type 20 Explosive License and a NYS DOL Explosive Manufacture License. He maintained a Type 1 magazine which was inspected by both organizations. He was a life member of the Pyrotechnics Guild International. Many vacation weeks were spent traveling to the Annual Convention. Folks may remember the private and public shows put on by The Boys in the Pyro Shed.



A celebration of Mark's life will be held on June18, 2022 from 1-4pm at Celebrations, 2331 Slaterville Rd., Ithaca, NY. Mark particularly specified that this should be a celebration - few tears, many smiles and much laughter. Everyone who knew or worked with Mark and Janet is invited to come and share memories.