DELRAY BEACH — Mark Warren Vlasek, born in Lansing, Illinois, to William and Mary Vlasek, died Oct. 18 on his back porch surrounded by family, friends and nature. He was 75.
His legacy continues through his beloved wife, Gail Nardiello Vlasek, his two sons, Robert Brett Vlasek (Stephanie) and William Vance Vlasek (Patrick); his granddaughter, Charlotte Jeanne Vlasek; his three siblings, Bill, MaryAnn and Diane; his dear friends and his entourage of nieces, nephews and protégés.
A born athlete and trailblazer, Mr. Vlasek cut his teeth playing sports on Chicago’s South Side with anyone who would compete, regardless of race, color or creed — remarkable in the 1950s and 1960s.
He continued his love of sport playing basketball at Florida Atlantic University, a lifetime of recreational games and coaching multiple teams at Boca Raton Middle School and his own children’s leagues.
He was a teacher both professionally and personally, giving grounded guidance, attention and love to anyone under his wing. He lived love, giving it freely and teaching it by example.
As a young man he worked the Midwest steel mills, as did his father.
Realizing early that this path was not for him, he took an eye-opening pilgrimage out West with his friends, living and working in Colorado, then California. Afterward, he returned to Illinois briefly with fresh eyes, then quickly moved to Florida, a state that better suited how he wanted to live. Many of his loved ones followed.
He earned a degree in education at Florida Atlantic University and went on to teach physical education at Boca Raton Middle School. There he met the math teacher/model who would become the love of his life, Gail.
Their romance bloomed through adventures, honesty, shared values, play and devotion. They were wed in the summer of 1982. Their love manifested as their two sons, Brett and Vance. Mr. Vlasek wanted to provide as best he could for his growing family, so he transitioned to a career in real estate.
He eventually founded his own real estate brokerage and earned great success through hard work and sacrifice, all the while remaining devoted to his family life.
After retiring, he suffered through multiple spinal surgeries and chronic back pain. He had to give up his beloved athletics and live a more mellow life. Even through his intense pain, his joyful spirit blazed on. The playfulness that once existed in his body doubled in his mind.
Always there with a joke, Mr. Vlasek was a great source of laughter, strength and support for many. He touched their hearts and minds by living unapologetically in his authentic ways. His timeless spirit of joy, mischief, camaraderie, care, freedom, friendliness and love lives on through those privileged enough to experience them. He will be wildly missed, highly celebrated and never forgotten.
Please honor him by living in freedom, truth and love.
— Obituary submitted by the family
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