Mark Arthur Hird, 65, of Schaumburg/Roselle, IL, died peacefully in his sleep on Monday, Sept. 17, 2018
He was born on Sept. 30, 1952 in Dubuque, IA, the son of Elaine and Raymond Hird.
He graduated from Dubuque Senior High School in1970 and received a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics from the University of Dubuque in 1974. He also held a master of business administration degree from Northern Illinois University.
In 1974 he moved to Chicago where he met Christine Porcaro. They were married in 1975 and have one son, Anthony.
Mark Hird worked 29 years with Elkay Manufacturing, most recently as a senior product manager. He was a kind and loving husband, father and friend who was always available to lend a hand to someone in need. He was energetic and hard working, had a wonderful sense of humor and was loyal to his family, friends and colleagues.
He is survived by his wife, Christine; son Anthony (Reed Caldwell); sisters Linda Campbell (Donald) and Jane English (William); brothers-in-law Michael Porcaro (Joanne) and Frank Porcaro (Gina) and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 22, at St. Marcelline Catholic Church 822 Springinsguth Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60193 with a Funeral Mass at 10:00am.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Mark Hird’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or the American Heart Association, www.heart.org.
DeFiore Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. For further information please call the funeral home at 847-515-8772 or on-line condolences may be directed to www.defiorefuneral.com
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Mark was funny and kind - and will be greatly missed at Elkay. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
A wonderfully kind and knowledgeable colleague, Mark will be greatly missed.
Sorry for you loss. Thoughts and Prayers for all the family and close friends. Mark was always willing to help and see what he could do to make all our customers happy. All of us at Inland Sales will miss Mark!!
Mark was my first supervisor at Elkay many years ago. A most patient and helpful man. He will be missed by many. I consider myself lucky to have known him. My sincere condolences.
My condolences to his family and his Elkay family as well.
Mark was a true gentleman. Charismatic, Genuine and warm. He will be missed.
I did not know Mark But I'm sending my condolences to the family. So sorry for your loss. He sounded like a great Man.
Mark was always a pleasure to work with. He was very passionate for Elkay and his Elkay family will miss him greatly. Prayers to his family.
We will truly miss Mark. We will remember Mark in many positive ways-with a big smile and a great sense of humor, always great with a story. It was an honor to have known him. Mark will remain in our hearts forever. Our deepest sympathy, Araceli & Joe Lee
Mark was a consummate professional and a true gentleman in every respect. Fran and I are deeply saddened by the news. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family as well as the extended Elkay family.
In my personal experience, Mark was incredibly kind and very eager to help. I remember when he assisted me with a school project at a time when he was very busy and had no obligation to help me. He was intelligent and very good at what he did. His impact in my life, however small or large, will remain with me and all his friends. Sending love, prayers, and good vibes to his family.
Mark was a consummate professional and a true gentleman in every respect. Fran and I are deeply saddened by the news. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family as well as the extended Elkay family.
My deepest sympathies, Mark was a fantastic person & great friend.
Mark was the best. We will miss his smile His laugh and the way he always took Time out to help. Our most sincere Condolences to his family and the Elkay family. Mike Hanley and MR and Associates
I am greatly shocked and saddened at learning of Mark's passing. As a member of the Fox Valley Bicycle & Ski Club, he was always an enjoyable member of our group rides. I will miss his positive outlook, wry sense of humor and genuine interest in everyone. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Rest In Peace, my friend...
The world lost another good man!
As a Elkay rep, I had the pleasure of knowing and working with Mark for over 30 years. I not only considered him a valuable asset to Elkay & it’s reps, but a good and caring person. I considered him a friend. My thoughts and prayers are with the family, and he will be missed by so many. RIP MARK
My deepest condolences goes out to Mark and his family. Mark was a great man who taught me a lot throughout my younger years at Elkay. Mark was very intelligent and was a major part in Elkay's success as a company. He is the Gold standard of an Elkay employee in my opinion with his values and work ethic. Mark will be missed very much by all that crossed path's with him.
Sending his family my deepest sympathies. You’re in our thoughts and our hearts.
I always enjoyed working with Mark. He brought levelheadedness to chaos. He was gentle but forthright. He’ll always be remembered for his contribution to the success of Elkay and for his kind approach to those who worked with him
We are deeply saddened by the sudden news. I hope it comforts you to know that your grief is shared by all of us who knew Mark. He was a wonderful man and he will be sorely missed. You have our heartfelt sympathies at this very sad and difficult time. Please know that his family as well as the Elkay family is in our thoughts and prayers. Dellon Sales will be planting an orchard of tree's in Israel on Mark Hird's behalf.
I worked with Mark many years at ELKAY, he was always so kind and thoughtful. He will be missed by all the people that knew him. My thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family.
As President of the Sun City CyclePaths Bike Club, I want to extend the club's deepest sympathies to Mark's family - our thoughts and prayers are with you. Mark had only ridden with us for a few months but we really enjoyed having him on our Saturday rides through the countryside. He will be missed!
My deepest condolences to Mark’s family and close friends. He was a true gentleman in every sense of the word. His positive impact will endure among those who were fortunate enough to know him. He will be greatly missed!
On behalf of the entire J. B. O’Connor Co. in PIttsburgh PA, we extend our sincere condolences to the entire Hird family. We dealt with Mark as a business partner with Elkay, and each and every time we interacted with Mark, it was always a pleasant and wonderful experience. We will miss his industry knowledge that he shared with us all, and will certainly miss his partnership and friendship as a representative of Elkay.
I did not know Mark for a long time, but I met him through the Sun City Cyclepaths in early July and he and I shared a 31-mile ride together on July 8, 2018. It was just the two of us and he told me all about himself and his family and why he moved to Huntley. He clearly loved his wife and son and loved talking about them. We were compatible riders in our abilities and pace and made plans that day to ride again soon. For reasons that don't seem very important now, it never happened again, although I would see him from time to time out on Dell Webb Boulevard before dawn as we lit up the street with our bicycles. I will miss you, Mark. May God bless you. Bob Higgins
Mark and I worked together for many years at Astracast & Jacuzzi between his Elkay runs. I have known him for 30 years and he was a class act. Always kind, polite and never once spoke negative about anyone. My thoughts are with Chris , Anthony , and the entire Hird extended family.
What a fantastic person and example of how to carry oneself as a gentleman and professional. Mark always had that smile and attitude to let you know, 'Hey! Its alright. We'll get through this." And so we will, still with Mark's oversight of us all in his immediate and extended families.
An incredible gentleman and a fantastic coworker. He will be missed by everyone he met.
We are deeply saddened by Mark's passing. What a great man. What a great life well lived. Elkay and our entire industry have truly lost an outstanding person.
So sorry.. He was awesome man & teacher of Elkay Products.. sure will miss him.. Thanks, Lloyd Rainey Elkay Rep Memphis Tenn.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family. I’ve known Mark for many years - a kind and thoughtful man who always made time for others. He will be missed. Our deepest sympathies for your loss.
I was lucky enough to work with Mark at Elkay for many years and to know him as a friend. Sooooo many great cycling miles and laughs over the years! We had an inside joke between us that we "ride to forget". (Which had just a pinch of dark humor in it to be funny. At least to us.) We would then proceed to ride, catch up on family & life, and laugh as the miles would tick by. The way Mark lived life as a gentleman and modelled the way will not be forgotten.
I had the honor and privilege to work with Mark for 16 years at Elkay. Mark was one of the kindest men I knew. No matter how busy he was, he would always stop what he was doing to help you and did it with a smile and so much patience. To Mark’s family, my deepest sympathies to you. He was truly one of the great ones and will be missed by all.
Mark was such a wonderful, kind, caring person. He always took time out of his day to help others who needed assistance. I knew Mark for over 25 years, and I cannot recall him ever being in a bad mood or without a smile on his face. He helped Elkay in so many ways, and epitomized the values our company stands for. His legacy will live on through all of the lives he has touched. Chris, Anthony, and the rest of the Hird family lost a tremendous man. But the world is a better place because of those that he touched. God Bless.
I knew Mark his whole career at Elkay and we grew up together in this business. He was remarkable man who had a calmness and professionalism about him that really stood out. He will be greatly missed by everyone in our office. May his family find peace in the coming days.
I was very saddened to hear the news of Mark's passing. He was a great man that I had a chance to work with at Elkay. My condolences to his family.
Chris, Anthony and Reed know that my family is lifting you in prayer during this truly heartbreaking time. May you find peace in the memories you hold in your heart of Mark. I will forever remember the holidays we spent together at Uncle Billy and Aunt Jane's. Our love to your entire family.
I met Mark, back when he came back to Elkay which I think was around 2006 I loved him as a person and business colleague, he was the ultimate professional. We talked about his love for riding his bike and I was planning on riding with him at some point at an charity ride event. We also talked about his Corvette and how cool it was. I personally spoke to him about two to three times a week and I am really sad and I will miss him from a work and personal perspective. I pray for you Christine and Anthony that you will get through this and Mark is in the Kingdom of heaven. Abid Abid
What a truly gracious man. I had the pleasure of working with Mark on a number of product videos. What a wonderful, enthusiastic Elkay spokesman. His sweet personality shines through in each one. Although I don't think being on camera was necessarily in his comfort zone, he was wonderful. He will be greatly missed. My condolences to his family and his many friends.
Mark was one of the kindest, most positive, generous people I have ever had the pleasure to work with....I had so much fun every time I was around him. He will be greatly missed and remember always.
A really good measuring stick of one's character and life is your positive impact on those around you. I only knew Mark for 2 years, sat next to him for 1.5 of those...Needless to say, i couldn't help but over here his interactions with our colleagues. Between thin walls, casual conversations and salutations it did not take me long to understand that Mark is an A plus soul who genuinely cares about people and values goodness. Simple traits that we often get wrong... Mark got them right and did things right, his demeanor and genuine care for others was in-mistakable and tangible.....it rubbed of on those around him. He will be sorely missed, not just for his prowess in his career and a leader in Elkay, but for his infectious character and presence. Godspeed Mark and God Bless your family. My prayers are with you all.
Mark was genuine, insightful, thoughtful, intelligent, and the kind of person that made a lasting impression because of his character. Always in control and with a smile, he was a joy to know and work with. Elkay lost a treasure.
My sincere condolences to the entire Mark Hird family. I worked with Mark at Elkay and found him to be a wonderful person and friend. He was well-respected by all his coworkers and will be sorely missed.
I was saddened to hear of Mark’s passing. I have worked with him on a number of projects and initiatives through the years. Mark was always the kindest and most patient person to deal with no matter the issue or problem we were working to solve. A good soul for sure. We miss him already. Godspeed friend.
Knowing Mark was a blessing to all of us who knew him. He was a true mentor to me in my years in Plumbing, but more importantly was the friendship I had with Mark. He was the epitome of Elkay's Values everyday ! He was loved at work by everyone and will be missed beyond any measure ! I am a better man today for knowing Mark. My condolences to Chris and Anthony and Prayers to your family. My Deepest Sympathy's.
My sincere condolences to the entire Mark Hird family, as I truly share the pain of his passing. Working with Mark at Elkay was always a pleasure as you could count on Mark knowing his stuff and always being positive. I was fortunate to have a great conversation with him a few weeks ago as we compared future retirement plans. Mark is one of the few that will never be forgotten!
I have been a friend and colleague of Mark at Elkay for many years. Mark and I worked together but we were more than just co-workers. There was a chemistry that always clicked between us. Mark and I would meet in the mornings as I headed to my office I would stop at his and we would discuss business and life and our shared challenges. I was a sounding board for him and he for me. Inevitably, before we would return to our desk and challenges of the day our discussion would slide off into some silliness that escalated to both of us making each other laugh. I mean laugh until we were both bent over laughing uncontrollably. We would regain our composure to return to the "serious business of selling sinks". What a gift to have him there to start my day or any time I needed some one I could talk to and trust. I just had lunch with him last week so this shock is very raw and real. Please know that this world was a better place for having Mark Hird in it and it is all of our loss that he is not here. I miss Hirdy as will many.
My deepest condolences to Mark's family and friends. Mark was both a valued colleague and friend to me. I will miss our talks and all of your advice, both for work as well as in life. Rest in peace my friend.
My deepest condolences to Mark's family and friends. Mark was both a valued colleague and friend to me. I will miss our talks and all of your advice, both for work as well as in life. Rest in peace my friend.
Mark was genuine, insightful, thoughtful, intelligent, and the kind of person that made a lasting impression because of his character. Always in control and with a smile, he was a joy to know and work with. Elkay lost a treasure.
We are all still in shock after hearing the news. Mark was not only a close business partner, but a great friend. I will truly miss him. Chris and Anthony our hearts go out to you.
I am very sorry for your loss. Mark was such a great and gentle person and I am proud to have known him. Our prayers are with his family.
Mark is the person that you would want to be on your team, or you would like to be on his team. He is not just knowledgeable, genuine, but he is also willing to give time to listen and support your ideas. He’s someone that knows when it’s time to work and when’s the time play or a good balance of both. Regardless, he’s always the same great person in any of these scenarios. His opinion are honest at the same time allows you to ponder and come up with cooler insights and ideas. “Mark, next cool concept will be dedicated to in honor and memory of you!”
Our deepest sympathies go out to Christine, Anthony and the Hird family. Mark was just a good guy. His quick wit and that easy, ever-present smile are the things I will remember most about Mark. In the years we worked together, Mark was always trying to convince me to buy a Corvette ( usually his current one, so that he could buy another or new one), so my "smile moment" is thinking that Mark's heaven is a fleet of Corvettes - all needing to be driven
What an absolutely wonderful man! Mark was the Product Manager on my very first sourcing project with Elkay over 9 years ago. He embodied the values of Elkay. In almost 10 years, I can say that I had never seen Mark upset or frazzled in even the most stressful times. He was so knowledgeable and down to earth. Supply Chain made him an honorary member of our team and invited him to all our social events and Summits. Mark will be missed. I am so happy that I was acquainted with Mark and I learned a lot from him. Condolences to the Hird family and all who loved Mark.
To Chris + Anthony , I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. Mark spoke with so much love and pride about his family. I have had the great fortune to work with Mark for 8 years, and have never met someone so well loved and respected by ALL who knew him — colleagues, reps, customers. Always willing to listen, to guide, to lend a helping hand. He has taught me much, not just about sinks, but about how to be joyful, and happy, and most importantly - how to treat others. I am a better person for having known Mark. He embodied every value we at Elkay hold dear. He was just the BEST there is. You’ll be truly missed, my friend!
I had the opportunity to work with Mark on many projects over the past 7 years. He had a way of letting you know everything was going to be ok and we would overcome challenges no matter what. We were able to get drinks after work just a few weeks ago which was always a good time with Mark. He will be greatly missed. RIP
Although our paths diverged many years ago, I have always remembered and appreciated the support I received from Mark when I joined Elkay in the early 1990s. Each of these wonderful tributes is testimony to how much he was loved by all who knew him.
My sincere condolences to Chris and family. I was so shocked and saddened to hear of Mark’s passing. I also worked with him for many years at Elkay and found him to be a great man in every way. I will never forget his wonderfully kind spirit and sense of humor. As many times as I tried though, he would never let me borrow the vette. God Bless You Mark, what you have left in all of our hearts is priceless.
I was saddened to hear of Mark's passing. I enjoyed riding with him as a fellow cyclist of the Fox Valley Bike and Ski Club. My condolences to his family.
Mark was one of the first people I met feom Elkay 25 years ago. He was a great person and somebody that helped me numerous times through the years. He was straight forward, dependable and a genuinely great person. Our deepest condolences from all of us at MidAtlantic RepSouth, we will miss him.
I had the great pleasure to meet Mark several times dealing with Elkay during the last couple of years. He was an extremely professional, intelligent and kind person. I will miss him. My sincere condolences.
We are saddened by Mark's passing. Condolences to the Hird family, out thoughts and prayers are with you. Mark was a wonderful man and the ultimate professional. We will surely miss him.
Mark Hird was a caring and funny guy, but the family already knew that. I have worked with Mark closely over the last 10 years at Elkay. He taught me a great deal about sink products and the business world. I don't think I ever really saw Mark upset or angry, he always greeted you with a smile and funny conversation. We often talked at length about cars and boats which I always enjoyed. When I received the news Monday morning I was truly in shock. As I got closer to work it started to hit me and I felt like someone was playing a cruel joke on us all. Walking the halls, it was plain on everyone's face that we truly lost a special person. Mark was like a grandpa or uncle that you always felt a connection with. Sudden loss is always the most difficult to deal with, I lost my mother suddenly in 2010 and it hurts so many years later. Take joy in the man he was to everyone he met and treasure his memories. Deepest prayers at this time.
I met Mark about 12 years ago and have worked with him over the years in various roles. He is without doubt, one of the most genuine people I have ever met. A walking encyclopedia on Elkay and its products. What a gracious man he was, as a person and with his time, sharing that knowledge. Always calm in stressful situations and always thinking of others. Mark’s memory will live on for years to come. We are all really going to miss him. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Mark was the most wonderful and caring person I've had the pleasure of working with. When I started out at Elkay a few years ago, it was Mark who greatly helped me become acclimated to the company and to begin to learn the plumbing industry. I know that I had a thousand questions every week, but he was always generous with his time and was never frustrated when I came into his office, even if it was the third time that day. I am deeply saddened by this sudden loss as Mark was truly a friend and mentor. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to Christine, Anthony, and Mark's entire extended family, it was an honor knowing and working with Mark.
I met Mark a little over 12 years ago when I first started at Elkay. I was brand new to the plumbing industry but eager to learn. My desire to learn introduced me to Mark. He was so willing to help me learn and grow as a member of the Elkay team. I knew if I ever needed help Mark was there, no matter what. I was always welcomed into his office with a smile on his face or a funny one liner. His passion for Elkay and the Elkay family could be seen day in and day out without him saying a word. I was lucky enough to catch Mark in the hallway while heading out on Friday to have a quick conversation with him over the beauty of his red corvette in the verrrry back of the lot at work. The smile on his face that afternoon will forever be with me. I can personally say that Mark helped me grow not only as an Elkay employee, but as a person. Mark’s kindness will forever be remembered and missed. I am truly honored to have worked with Mark and will miss him deeply. The world lost an amazing man. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
We are so sorry to hear of Mark's passing. We both worked with him for many years at Elkay. He was a great guy.
We are so sorry to hear of Mark's passing. We both worked with him for many years at Elkay. He was a great guy.
Truly a good man, Mark's wisdom at work was only surpassed by his kindness, warmth, and honesty. This combination made him trustworthy as a sounding board, respected by those who dealt with him, and a pleasure to know him as a friend. My sympathies and prayers are with his family.
Dear Linda (Campbell) and Jane (English), My prayers are with you, your families, and Mark's family at this devastating time. I know the pain of losing a brother suddenly, as Vaughn died four years ago at age 63. May God surround you with HIS comforting and healing arms. Myra
Chris, there are no words. You and your family are in my prayers.
Mark will be sorely missed by so many people. I had the pleasure of working with him at Elkay for 16 months and will cherish the sink wisdom he passed along. Always a pleasure to colobrate with, Mark was eager to share his passion and knowledge. Most importantly, he was never too busy to answer questions and always made those around him feel valued. My thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time.
A true gentlemen and consummate professional. Our deepest condolences to the Hird family. RIP my good friend as you will be missed by many!!
To Chris, Anthony and Mark's extended family, It was a privilege to work with Mark during my 1st 3 years at Elkay. I will miss him as both a teammate and a friend.
It’s with heartfelt sorrow that I learn of Mark’s passing. Throughout my years at Elkay, Mark was such a consummate professional and a joy to work with. I never left his office or a hallway conversation without the answer to a pressing business issue or without knowing infinitely more than I did prior to our encounter. I knew I not only enjoyed the privilege and pleasure of working with a trusted colleague, but also the chance to be with one of those truly wonderful people that come our way. My thoughts and prayers are with Mark’s family.
I was sorry to hear of Mark's passing...I received a University of Dubuque alumi magazine and it listed Mark's name as having passed in the moratorium section...I knew Mark at the University...he was a fraternity brother and his mother had worked for the University. He was a very kind gentleman and fun to be around...I lost touch after we graduated...I was pleased that he not only found a successful career, but also a happy personal life and wonderful family. My sincerest condolences to his family and many friends. Respectfully, Mickey Flanagan University of Dubuque (C74)