Mark Anton Pazo, Sr.

Mark Anton Pazo, Sr., age 63, of Pine, AZ, and formerly of Clairton and Anchorage, AK, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 31, 2026, at home surrounded by his children and wife.

Born February 8, 1963, in McKeesport, he was the son of the late Vincent T. “Wink” Pazo, Sr. and the late Shirley “Jackie” J. (England) Pazo.

From a young age, Mark had a passion for sports, especially baseball and football. Growing up, you could often find Mark on the streets of Waddell Ave. playing Wiffle Ball with his brothers and friends. He also loved spending time at socials at the CFU club in Clairton, where many nights would end with a stop at the Blue Bird. These were the simple moments and places that were part of Mark’s younger years and the memories that stayed with him throughout his life. As a gifted athlete, he received multiple full-ride college offers before ultimately signing to play football at the University of Minnesota. His path would eventually take him to Alaska, and it was there that he created what would become his greatest legacy: his family.

Mark was, above all else, a devoted father. His children were his world, and he showed his love through everything he did. He was incredibly proud of them, and they will always be grateful for the love, guidance, and memories he gave them.

Mark was one of the hardest-working people you could ever meet. Whether he was running his own business, Pazo Carpet Cleaning, working at Pepsi, working on the Slope in Alaska, improving his home, or lending a hand to someone else, he was always moving. If something needed to be done, Mark found a way to do it.

After spending many years in Alaska, Mark eventually returned to Pittsburgh, where he reconnected with his roots and family. Later, he moved to Phoenix, Arizona, where he met the love of his life, Laurie. Together, they made their way to Pine, Arizona, where they built a beautiful life together.

Mark and Laurie poured their hearts into their home, making it uniquely theirs and filling it with love, hard work, laughter, and memories. Pine became Mark’s final home and the place where he spent his final chapter with the woman he loved.

Mark stayed closely connected to the people who mattered most to him. He made daily calls to check in on family and friends and was known to show up unexpectedly simply because he wanted to see someone. His grandchildren became his pride and joy, and he cherished every moment with them, often staying connected through FaceTime when he could not be there in person.

Mark was a retired ice road trucker in Prudhoe Bay, AK, was proud of his Croatian roots, and was a lifetime member of the Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge 248 in Clairton. He was also an avid Steelers fan.

He is survived by his wife, Laurie Lewis; children, Tasha (Nate) Hrutkay of Greensburg, Mark Anton Pazo, Jr. of Anchorage, AK, Alyssa (Dale Jr.) Morgele of Pleasant Hills, and Kristina (Jaymes) Smith of Bay City, TX; stepchildren, Justin Lewis of Sarasota, FL, Hunter (Molly) Lewis of Phoenix, AZ, and Devyn (Trenten) Fleetham of Gig Harbor, WA; grandchildren, Jaymie, Keegan, Kaden, Hakon, Alora, Tessa, Dawson, Scarlett, and Bennett; step-grandchildren, Judson, Julian, and Haylee Lewis; siblings, Gregory (Angela) Pazo of Virginia Beach, VA, Vincent T. (Ronnah) Pazo, Jr. of Clairton, and Joyce Y. Pazo of West Mifflin; his beloved cousin, Edward (Beth) Pazo, Jr. of Jefferson Hills, who he considered a brother; and many nieces and nephews who were dear to him.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Raymond J. Pazo, Sr.

For nearly two years, Mark fought a courageous battle with cancer. True to who he had always been, he fought with incredible strength, determination, and an unwavering will to keep going. He endured more than anyone should ever have to, yet continued to find reasons to smile, laugh, love, and be present for the people who meant the most to him. He was a fighter until the very end, never giving up and always fighting for more time with his family.

Mark was larger than life—unforgettable, hardworking, generous, deeply devoted to the people he loved, and a man of strong faith who loved Jesus Christ. He was proud to be a “fisher of men” and hoped to pass that faith on to his children and grandchildren. His greatest legacy is the family he created, the lives he touched, and the memories he leaves behind. His love, laughter, stories, big smile, singing, faith, and unmistakable personality will live on in all who knew and loved him.

A celebration of life will take place in the summer of 2027. Further details will be posted on this website once available.

Local arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth, PA.

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