Mark Michael Cendroski
It is with great sadness that the family of Mark Michael Cendroski announce his peaceful passing on June 4, 2018, at 6:40 in the evening surrounded by his loving friends and family. He was 68. His passing ended a long-fought battle with Frontotemporal Dementia over the course of 10+ years.
Mark was born on October 20, 1949, in St. Louis, Missouri. The third of eight children to his loving parents, Anna and Edmund Cendroski; he was raised in the St. Louis County of Lemay where he attended St. Martin of Tours Catholic elementary school and went on to St. Louis University High School, graduating top of his class. He studied Engineering at SLU and then MIZZOU, where he earned his degree. In 1972, after graduating college, he married his high school sweetheart, Jeannie, and began working for Anheuser-Busch where he spent the entirety of his career as an electrical engineer until retiring in 2005. Though symptoms manifested much earlier, he was finally diagnosed with Frontotemporal Dementia in 2013 at the age of 61.
Mark was well-known for his illuminating charisma; tenacity; sense of humor; whip-smart mind; infectious smile, and steadfast generosity. He was a social justice warrior, never afraid to speak his mind. He lit up any room in the truest sense of the meaning—he was the life of every party. He was everyone’s best friend. His undying motivation to do everything over-the-top—birthdays, Halloween, Christmas lights, treehouses, home movies—never failed to impress. He really could do anything he put his mind to and never took ‘no’ for an answer (just ask Jean). He put everyone he loved on a pedestal and settled for nothing less than the best when it came to family and friends. He would move mountains for us if asked to. For those who knew him best, he was perhaps most famous for his ability to pack everything we owned (including a TV) into a van to travel across the country for vacation—yet still, make multiple trips to Walmart to buy more. He never met a pool inflatable he didn’t like. He wholly owned the “Clark Griswold” reputation.
He loved music. God knows he loved music. His kids were well-versed in every Moody Blues, Beatles, Rolling Stones, Simon and Garfunkel, Fleetwood Mac, ELO, Carly Simon, Eagles album out there. Even in the last hours of his life, he attempted a tune with a whistle.
His favorite song in these final years—one which he sang ad nauseam (bless his soul): “When I’m 64.” He died on 6/4 at 6:40 in a way I can only describe as spectacular. Even in death, Mark managed to go over-the-top, and out with a bang. He was one of a kind. A bright light in the lives of many, and he will be so dearly missed, but never forgotten.
Mark is survived by his devoted wife of 46 years, Jean (nee Hahn) Cendroski; daughter, Jamie (Dilip) Vishwanat; son, Matthew Cendroski; beloved little grandsons, Zain, Cyrus, and Arlo Vishwanat; brothers and sisters, Janice (Walter) Blank, Kevin (Linda) Cendroski, Gary (Cathy) Cendroski, Andrea Majoros, and Joseph (Becky) Cendroski; brother and sister-in-law Erick (Karen Campbell) Hahn, and Linda (Michael) Meyer; many loving nieces and nephews, cousins and dear friends; best friends, Joe and Nancy Walsh, and Geoff and Sue Waldron; and his favorite canine buddy, Tucker.
Mark was preceded in his journey home by his loving parents, Anna Marie and Edmund J. Cendroski Sr.; brothers, Edmund Jr. (Carol) and Gregory Cendroski; and brother-in-law, Steven Hahn.
A Memorial Service for Mark Cendroski will be held on Friday, June 22 beginning with a visitation at 9 a.m. followed by a funeral mass at 10 a.m. at Queen of All Saints Catholic Church. A reception will follow at Andre’s Banquet Center from Noon–3 p.m. to celebrate the bright life of Mark.
His final resting place will be at Mount Hope Cemetary next to his dear brother, Edmund Jr.
Dr. John C. Morris of the Memory Diagnostic Center for Washington University School of Medicine diagnosed Mark. Please help continue their effort in finding a cause, and cure for memory disease through research. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mark Cendroski’s name may be made to the Knight ADRC.
Alternatively, memorial gifts in Mark’s name may be made to St. Louis University High School, as he was a proud alum.
Please also consider AFTD for donations or education and resources on Frontotemporal Dementia. It’s a memory disease often never heard of, but prevalent among younger individuals. Please make any contributions using the form below in memory of Mark Cendroski.
Jean and family. We were so sad to hear of Mark’s passing. We remember all of the great times we had with our AB engineering family. Mark was always “the life of the party”, and there were many. We will be out of town on the 22nd of June but please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Please accept our condolences! Jackie and Gene
It saddened me this morning to hear of the passing of Mark. I worked with Mark as his secretary during one point in time of our career at Anheuser-Busch. Mark was very kind and funny! We shared the same birthday. Even while reading his obituary I see we had a lot more in common than just sharing the same birthday. I will definitely keep his family and friends uplifted in my prayers as I am sure this is a huge loss. Gerri
We are deeply saddened to hear of Mark’s passing. Dementia is a devastating disease and hopefully, soon there will be a cure.
We have many fond memories of softball, laughter, and parties with Mark and you.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Jerry and Janis Frick