"I was very sad to hear of Mark's passing and would like to extend my condolences to his family. I worked with Mark at Cincinnati Insurance Company for a time, and although my territory changed and we didn't work directly together in the years before I retired, I always tried to connect with him when he came to Cincinnati for the annual field meetings. Mark was a pleasure to work with and his upbeat personality was infectious; he left a trail of positivity wherever he went. He will be missed and remembered long into the future. "
In loving memory of
Mark John Massaro
August 24, 1958 - September 6, 2022
Mark J. Massaro, 64, of Rochester, MN passed away on September 6, 2022 at his home surrounded by his loving family.
Mark John Massaro was born August 24, 1958 in Akron, Ohio. He grew up in Warsaw, Ohio and later studied journalism at The Ohio State University where he met the love of his life, Joyce. Mark married Joyce Meinzen on September 5, 1981. A few years later, Mark started his career with Cincinnati Insurance Company where he worked for the next 35 years. Mark and Joyce were blessed with two children - Marie and Matthew. In 1995, the family moved to Rochester, Minnesota. Six years ago, Mark became a grandpa for the first time. Mark always put his family first and he loved all of the time he spent with them.
Mark lived a full life, often enjoying traveling, boating, running, listening to music, walking the family's dogs, and playing the bass guitar in a band with his friends.
He is survived by his wife, Joyce Massaro; daughter, Marie Schwartz; son, Matthew (Karime) Massaro; granddaughter, Riley Schwartz; father, Thomas (Marion) Massaro; mother, Carole (Gary) Bantum; sisters, Linda (Mark) Hampton and Karen Liu; extended family.
The family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to the doctors, nurses, and other caregivers at Mayo Clinic.
A Memorial service will be held 11:00 am Saturday, September 17, 2022 at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 869 7th Ave. SE, Rochester, MN. Visitation will be held 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm Friday, September 16, 2022 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, MN and one hour prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Redeemer Lutheran Church, Paws and Claws Humane Society, or Mayo Hospice.
Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Massaro family; to share a special memory of condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com
Tributes
"Dear Joyce, Maria, Matthew, Linda, Karen, Carol, and all of the extended family, We were so saddened to hear the news of Mark. We extend our deepest condolences to the family. Our families were intertwined, through Marion and Tom (Marks dad "Andrew" as we lovingly call him"). We came to know Mark as a kind man, a gentle soul, positive, always with a smile on his face, a person who enjoyed life, with a fierce love of his family. We extend our deepest sympathies to all. He will be missed we know. With love, The Rosen Family Lori (Marion's daughter), Gary, and children Joel and Marisa"
"So sorry for your loss. I golfed with Mark at RV. I always had a good time with Mark."
"Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. You will be remembered as a man with integrity, compassion and professionalism. You will be missed for you smile, knowledge and grace. Brad McCurdy"
"Always in our hearts Nephew Mark, gone too soon?"
"A man of integrity who was professional yet also knew how to have fun. Easy to like to always had time for others. He will be missed by many. Our thoughts and prayers remain with your family. "
"Joyce and family, I am very sorry for your loss. I had the honor of working with Mark for the sales department at Cincinnati. We were lucky to have known him. Mark was always a caring and compassionate person. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. "
"Joyce and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. As a Field Rep in Pittsburgh for Cincinnati Insurance, Mark was a true professional and liked by everyone he met. He always took the time to say hello and ask how I was doing when we got together in Cincinnati. He will be missed. "
"Joyce and family. So sorry for your loss. Always glad to run into you guys and catch up. Have enjoyed knowing you since the boy scout days. God bless you all. Mark and Mary Larson."
"Joyce and Family,
I had the honor of working with Mark for 12 years at Cincinnati Insurance. I briefly handled the Minneapolis territory where we first met. I always enjoyed spending time with him during our in-person sales meetings.
We often discussed running, spin classes, and family. He served as a mentor to many. Our heartfelt sympathies. May God's face shine upon you and grant you peace. "
"Joyce and family, I had the pleasure of working with Mark at Cincinnati Insurance. I live in NC, but we worked together on various projects and I always enjoyed the time we spent together when in person at meetings. I cannot say enough positives about Mark. Such a caring, patient and consummate professional. A true gentleman in all aspects. Mark will be dearly missed and has left an amazing legacy. Our thoughts and prayers remain with your family. "
"I knew Mark as a respected coworker at Cincinnati. He was truly on the "Mount Rushmore" of exemplary company field reps. As a fairly recent new hire, I sat next to him on a short bus ride during one of our Field Rep meetings. After 20 minutes, I walked away feeling like Mark was my best friend. :) Mark had an innate ability to connect with people, in a way that was not forced or phony. His love for life, knowledge, music, and his family became evident in that short conversation, and I always looked forward to seeing him at company events. I lost a spouse at age 39 and my heart breaks for Joyce and the family, knowing the road that you'll have to travel in the wake of your loss. Please know there are so many of us that are praying for you. We're all in your corner, and are so thankful for the impact Mark made on our personal and professional lives. "
"Joyce and family, I had the privilege and honor to work with this awesome man for 21 years at the Cincinnati Insurance Companies. I never saw him without wearing a smile on his face and having a hug for you. I grew up in northwest MN, so Mark and I would share our stories of living there. He has touched so many people's lives and will be greatly missed. I was deeply sadden by the news of his passing and felt terrible that I didn't know about his illness, so I could have reached out to him and you all prior. Please accept my deepest sympathy. LeAnn Gregory"
"My heart is heavy for your loss, Joyce and family. Mark was an awesome guy , so kind and friendly to everyone. My Son Tor remembered him well as his confirmation mentor at Zumbro and what a good leader he was. He will be greatly missed. My sincere condolences. Shelley Sperling "
"Mark was one of the first employees I met when I worked for Cincinnati Insurance many years ago. He immediately made me feel welcomed, and over the years was a very supportive colleague. His kindness and humility were always evident. Mark always spoke so fondly of his family, and there was no mistaking how important they were to him. I feel honored to have known and worked with such a special guy. He will be greatly missed. Prayers and hugs to his family. -Britta Ritz"
"Mark was a first class individual and professional. His exceptional optimism and positive nature were hallmarks of his success in life. It was an honor to share 30 years as a teammate at Cincinnati Insurance. You always knew his family was first and foremost in his heart. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of his family. Gary Kline"
"I had the privilege of working with Mark for 24 years, first at Cincinnati Insurance and then through WA Group as he was our underwriter. Mark was one of the most diligent, dedicated people I know. His integrity showed in all that he did. Our conversations always included his family, and these conversations often took place in the biggest hole-in-the-wall restaurant we could find! I will miss Mark and his great smile and positivity. He was one of the best. -Kevin Ritz"
"I had the pleasure of working with Mark the last 8 years. Mark was one of my favorite underwriters and is greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers to Mark's family. With a heavy heart - Chris Sullivan - WA Group"
"Prayers to your family. Mark was an amazing man that I was fortunate to call friend and coworker for over 20 years He was such a kind and special person. My husband will really miss his annual chat with Mark about how Ohio State?s football team would do in the upcoming season. Mark touched so many lives in a positive way - we are all so very lucky to have crossed paths with him. Emily & Craig Maiwurm"
"I had the pleasure of meeting & working with Mark for the past 24 yrs. He was sunshine, a wonderful mentor & great family guy. I always looked forward to Mark warmly greeting everyone who happened to catch the same flight out to the August meeting while routinely introducing his lovely wife Joyce in passing as they were heading back to find their seats on the plane. The things I will always remember are Marks brilliant smile, his integrity and the graciousness he extended to all of the Cincy family. I know I?ll miss him as well as many. And to the Massaro family I am truly sorry for your loss."
"I am so sorry for your loss, Mark was such a great guy! I worked with him for about 19 years and always remember how he was so kind and smiling. I am glad I was able to know him. Sending prayers your way."
"Mark was a respected colleague and an amazing talent for Cincinnati Insurance Co. I am thankful to have had the pleasure of working with him for the years I did in MN and from afar. He embodied what it means to be a professional in our industry or any other for that matter. His smile and smart conversation will be greatly missed. "
"As good of a gentleman as I've ever known. Loaded with integrity and laughter. I'll miss you buddy!"
"Mark welcomed me to the Minnesota team at Cincinnati Insurance 7 years ago, and we have been friends and coworkers ever since. Great guy, and we solved most of the world problems over a craft beverage. I wish we had met 20 years earlier. He will be greatly missed. Our prayers are with Mark and the family. Dave McGraw"
"He was the 2nd person I met when I started at Cincinnati Insurance and we were friends from that moment on. Such a wonderful person with a heart of gold! Truly blessed to have known him. Lori Valerius"
"Mark called on our Agency for about 30 years. I always looked forward to his visits. We did alot of business together over those years and helped our Agency and staff. He operated with integrity, and was a good technician in the insurance business. His smile would immediately bring a smile to me. We both earned our CPCU designation in the same year and received it in New Orleans at the national conference. Mark was truly a great guy and he will be greatly missed. Garry Watts Former CEO of Winona Agency"
"What can I say? We had such great experiences together playing in Kate and the Kavemen together. I'll never forget your infectious smile, your upbeat personality, your sense of humor. God called you home to rest, but I wish we had 20 more years of playing together. My heart and prayers go out to you and your family. "