Obituary of Mark Ronald Pollacci

Mark Ronald Pollacci passed away on Wednesday, September 23, 2015 surrounded by his family and friends. Mark was born to Ron and Jean Pollacci in Carmel on October 9, 1956. He grew up in Pacific Grove and attended Lighthouse Elementary, Pacific Grove Junior High, and Pacific Grove High School. He attended Fresno State University. On July 7, 1979 Mark married Christy Watkins and their love affair of 36 years had only just begun. He was a devoted husband, father, and son. One look at Mark's face when he talked about his children told you that his children were his heart. From an early age, beginning with his paper route at age 12, Mark showed an affinity for business. He was a commercial fisherman and worked in the family business for over 20 years. He spent the last 15 years at the Regal Wine Company where he earned awards of the highest recognition. His spirit (and his signature blue jacket) will be sorely missed. A man with a passion for life, Mark was an avid hunter, a skilled athlete, and an enthusiastic sports fan who learned to throw a baseball playing catch with his Grampy. Nicknamed "The Mayor" by his friends, Mark was the heart of the community. He had an infectious personality and a kindness that pervaded every aspect of his life. He loved life and lived to the fullest every moment of his all too short 58 years. Mark's friends will remember him for his energy, loyalty, and generous spirit. If you define the success of a man by how much he was loved, then by any measure Mark was a man of great wealth. Mark is survived by his loving wife, Christy Pollacci; his children, Ryan Pollacci (Sara) and Megan Pollacci; his grandson, Matthew Pollacci; his parents, Ron and Jean Pollacci; his siblings, Victoria Pollacci, Ronna Berkowitz (David), Tom Pollacci, David Pollacci (Brenda), and Julie Sampaolo (Mario); and his 10 nephews and 6 nieces. Mark's family would like to thank Dr. Steven Packer, Dr. Chris Carver, Dr. Gus Halamandaris, Martha Kennifer, and the staff in the ICU at the Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula for the exceptional care and kindness that they gave Mark and his family. Mark's life will be celebrated in a Vigil Service on Sunday evening, September 27 at 7:00 p.m. and a Mass of the Resurrection on Monday, July 28 at 3:00 p.m. Both celebrations will be held at Rosary Chapel, Santa Catalina School, 1500 Mark Thomas Drive, Monterey, California 93940. Please email service@santacatalina.org if you wish to join us for either or both of the celebrations. Please indicate Vigil or Mass or both. Your reply will enable us to plan accordingly. Please, in lieu of flowers, friends are asked to consider a donation to Santa Catalina School in Mark's memory or a gift to a charity of their choice .