Mark Stephen Balzotti | News, sports, jobs

Mark Stephen Balzotti, age 74, died at his home in Springville, Utah on April 23, 2024, just 24 days after being diagnosed with cancer. With many of his relatives around him, as his daughter-in-law Marie read a loving tribute, he sighed softly and left his mortal body to join his parents Michael Balzotti and Ava Maria Foster and many beloved Italian relatives.

Mark was born in Boston, Massachusetts on May 14, 1949. He had a close and loving relationship with his older brother Michael David Balzotti and his two younger sisters Donna Maria Balzotti (Akemann) and Lori Melody Balzotti (Gleave) and he loved each of their children.

Deborah Brodie Balzotti wisely accepted his proposal to become his eternal companion, and they were married on June 12, 1975, in the Washington, DC Temple. They experienced the joy of raising four children together, who later brought four wonderful husbands and twelve grandchildren to the family. . Michael James Balzotti and Tyfani Lanae Rohner (Dawson, Haydon, Roman, Paxton, Kendyll), Christopher Stephen Balzotti and Marie Renee Barrett (Finn, Sawyer, Lucy), Jonathan Mark Balzotti and Mariel Michelle Della-Piana (Gabe, Nico, Alia) and Deborah Alyssa Balzotti and Brian Warren (Tavish). Mark was a devoted father and grandfather and he loved his family dearly.

After serving in the Italian Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1971-1973, Mark returned to BYU, where he graduated with a composite Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy, Art and Italian. He continued his studies at BYU, earning a degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in community education.

He began his career in the Salt Lake City School District as a facilitator, helping the alternative high school’s faculty and staff have a better working relationship with district administration. Later, when Debbie wanted to finish her senior year at BYU and achieve her goal of graduating, he accepted a teaching position at Edgemont Elementary in Provo, Utah. He then taught and was an assistant principal at Franklin Elementary in Provo. Mark was principal at Grant Elementary and Cherry Creek Elementary in Springville until his retirement. He loved his chosen career helping children learn.

Mark believed in serving his community. He served on the Springville City Council and many other local boards. He and Debbie co-chaired the annual Art City Days and actively supported the Springville Library and the Springville Art Museum. They spent thirteen years on the Board of Directors of Springville World Folkfest, where Mark especially loved being with dancers and musicians from all over the world when they came to perform each summer.

One of the highlights of Mark’s wonderful life was returning to Rome, Italy, to serve another mission in 2017 with Debbie as his companion. They served in the mission office, helped with the Rome Temple Open House, and were able to attend the newly opened temple. with other family members. He felt a deep, eternal bond with his Italian ancestors and family who lived in the hill town of San Polo dei Cavalieri. He had a special love for the Italian people, and they loved him.

Mark cared about one thing – while he served many as bishop in his home ward and at BYU, as branch president, principal, teacher and community leader of the MTC – he sought out the individual. Many lives have been touched by his love and guidance.

We weep for the loss of our brother, husband, father, grandfather and friend. Although we miss him here, thousands of Italian relatives found by him in the church archives now welcome him and thank him with tanti baci e abbracci.

Mark’s memorial service will be held Saturday, June 15, at 11 a.m. at the Springville Utah Chapel at 1785 East 400 South. Burial will follow in Springville Cemetery.

The family is collecting stories for a memory book for Mark’s children and grandchildren. If you have a story or photo to share, please send it to the family at www.premierfuneral.com