Mark Allen Kostelnik

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.