Mark G. Haskins

Mark G Haskins, 75, a longtime Slingerlands resident, passed away at home on Friday, February 2, surrounded by his loving family.

Born December 15, 1948, in Albany NY, Mark was the son of the late Gerald Haskins and Josephine Fazio.

Before moving to Slingerlands, Mark grew up on Morris St in Albany, surrounded by his Italian American grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. Mark loved sharing stories of his shoemaker grandfather's homemade wine making, and about getting into all kinds of downtown Albany trouble with his lively cousins.

Mark was a 1967 graduate of Bethlehem Central High School, followed by the University at Albany and the College of St Rose. After an initial start as a reading teacher, Mark had a long and meaningful career as an Associate in the Office of Adult and Continuing Education at the NYS Education Department. He set policy for and provided guidance and technical assistance to Adult Literacy programs across the state and was known as the one to call for a straight answer.

Mark was a true Renaissance man with many passions. In high school he was an exceptional triple jumper holding the high school record for over 30 years. As a young adult he was a free spirit and lived in France briefly where he learned to teach Transcendental Meditation. He was an excellent golfer, skilled woodworker and furniture maker, and a talented blues guitarist playing with several bands over the years at venues like Pauley's Hotel, the Lionheart and Bogie's. Later in life, Mark became a world traveler, honeymooning with Claudia in Rio de Janeiro, riding elephants in Thailand and exploring his Italian roots in Sicily. While Mark was known for his many talents, he'll be best remembered for his dry wit and his kind, loving and gentle soul.

Above all else, Mark's favorite role was that of a father. He was a fixture at his three children's sporting events providing endless guidance, a little coaching and lots of cheering. He was their biggest fan. The sudden and tragic passing of his daughter Emily left him and his family with deep and profound grief. He found great enjoyment and pride watching Luke and Sara grow into accomplished adults with children of their own, giving him the cherished title of Grandpa Mark.

Mark is survived by his wife, Claudia Dean, his daughter Sara Tripoli (Frank) of Melville, NY, his son Luke Haskins (Katie) of Slingerlands, grandchildren Jack and Rebecca Tripoli and Silas Haskins, his lifelong dear friend and "brother" Peter Guest of Petersburgh, NY, and his cousins Leah Aronowitz, Bernie Statile, Tom Stellato and Vito Stellato. He was predeceased by his beloved daughter Emily Haskins.

Per Mark's wishes, there will be no funeral services, but the family will hold a celebration of life in the spring.

If desired, donations can be made in his memory to the New York State Public Interest Research Group Fund at www.nypirg.org or to the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern NY at www.regionalfoodbank.net