Mark Syverud, 73, of Charlottesville, VA passed away on January 6, 2026, at UVA Medical Center after complications from Parkinson’s Disease, which he survived for 25 years. He was predeceased by his parents, Janet and Warren Syverud, and will be missed by his wife Ellie, daughters, Jenny Arcidicono and Gretchen Syverud, sons in law, Joe Arcidicono and Larry Nutt, grandchildren, April, Simon, Esther, and Miriam, as well as his siblings, Jean, Joan, Scott & Kent and their families. 

Mark was born on April 19, 1952, and was raised in Rochester, NY, graduating from Irondequoit High School in 1970. Mark attended the University of Southern California from 1972-1974 and then transferred to New York University where he graduated in 1976 with a BFA degree. He wanted to be a movie director but that did not work out. He moved to Florida and worked for a short time as an Activities Director at the Margate Senior Center. It was there that he met Ellie and immediately fell in love. He spent most of his working life in the newspaper business as a photographer, journalist, columnist, and editor for newspapers first in Margate, FL at the Quad City News and then in Canandaigua, NY for the Daily Messenger. He retired at the age of 50 after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. In 2020, he and Ellie moved to Charlottesville, VA to be closer to family. 

Mark was a very kind, humble, caring, and humorous guy. He was a devoted fan of the Minnesota Vikings and the Buffalo Bills and his favorite hobby was watching horse races. He loved to hike and be outdoors and made sure to pass his love of nature onto his daughters. He always called doctors by their first name as he believed we are all equal. He was an incredible writer, leaving behind a legacy of humorous columns. He was known by all as a ‘funmeister’, organizing fun activities for any group or gathering, and as a reliable comedian, always ready with a joke. He suffered from numerous health conditions but always tried to stay positive. 

For those looking to make a donation in his honor, please consider the Michael J. Fox Foundation or the Davis Phinney Foundation.

Mark will be buried at Panorama Natural Cemetery in Earlysville, and a celebration of his life will be held at a future date.

An online guestbook is available at www.compassionatecremationva.com

Compassionate Cremation Services of Ruckersville, VA is handling the arrangements.