Mark Pearce 1953-2024

Mark was born Oct. 5, 1953, in Sharon, Pa., a son of John “Jack” Sr. and Frances Paladino Pearce.

Mark was a 1972 graduate of John F. Kennedy High School, where he was a part of the 1972 championship football team that went 10-0. Following high school, Mark continued his love of football as a player at Ball State and as part of the Youngstown Hard Hats, the semi-pro team for the Chicago Bears.

Mark furthered his education at Ball State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in hospitality. Afterward, Mark decided to pursue his culinary career, an interest that came from his love of food and many years of cooking with his mother. He went on to graduate from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, and then studied in France under the master chef Paul Bocuse to master the art of French pastries. Mark’s dedication to fine dining and quality food led him from Warren to New York to San Francisco, where he honed his craft.

Upon his return to the area, Mark became co-owner of Mr. P’s Cafe & Bakery in Boardman alongside his father and brother. For 15 years, Mr. P’s thrived as an area favorite, earning a place on the jazz circuit and serving numerous celebrities and famous athletes over the years.

After the closing of Mr. P’s, Mark took his talents into the business development side of the culinary world. His final position was as a national business development culinary research and development specialist for the Orlando Baking Company in Cleveland.

In addition to his love for good food, wine, music and dessert, Mark also appreciated clothing and was extremely dedicated to fitness. Even through his sickness, he still made time for daily trips to the gym.

Mark was also a lifelong Cleveland Browns fan. He was a loyal and caring friend and was always good for showing up with something he had freshly baked. Most of all, Mark loved his family and cherished the time spent with those he loved, especially his son, Anthony. He was endlessly proud of the man Anthony has become.

Mark will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Mark will always be remembered by his son, Anthony Pearce (Savannah Yoho) of Hilliard; former wife and friend, Anna Marie Nuzzi Pearce of Warren; sister-in-law, Barbara Pearce of Warren; and nieces, Shannon Pearce and Jennifer (Jonathan) Morgan.

Besides his parents, Mark was preceded in death by his infant children, Marco G. Pearce and Markie Marie Pearce; and his brother, John “Jack” Pearce Jr.

Family and friends may visit and pay tribute to Mark 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, at the Peter Rossi & Son Memorial Chapel of Warren, 1884 North Road NE.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, at St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish-Blessed Sacrament Church, 3020 Reeves Road NE, Warren, OH 44483, with the Rev. Christopher Cicero presiding.

A private burial will be at a later date in All Souls Cemetery in Bazetta.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Mark’s name to https://smafoundation.org to honor his children, Marco and Markie, or https://my.clevelandclinic.org/giving, in support of ongoing cancer research.

Family and friends may visit www.peterrossiand sonfh.com to view this obituary, sign the guest book and send condolences to the Pearce family.

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