Mark Sertich Obituary

MARK I. SERTICH age 53, loving and devoted husband to Amanda; dear father to Jordan; beloved son of Nancy and the late Mark Sr.; dear brother of Annie and Stefanie. Mark was a proud graduate of University of Detroit Jesuit High School and John Carroll University. He passed away Thursday June 6, 2024. Funeral Mass, Church of the Gesu (2470 Miramar Blvd., University Heights) Wednesday June 12th at 12:30 PM. (PLEASE MEET AT CHURCH). Interment St. Joseph Cemetery, Avon. Friends may call at the McGORRAY-HANNA FUNERAL HOME OF WESTLAKE, 25620 Center Ridge Rd. (West of Columbia Rd.) TUESDAY from 3 – 7 PM. One of Mark's enduring qualities was his love of sports and competition. This love was fostered and cultivated during his high school years while at the University of Detroit, where Mark blossomed into a dedicated and accomplished athlete.
If Mark liked you, you knew it. And if he really liked you, he would give you a nickname. And I don't think there was a kid in our suburban Detroit neighborhood who he hadn't christened with one.
Everyone who met Mark came to love him. His childhood popularity gave way to an adolescence of high-jinks that made him the life of any party. However, deep inside Mark's larger-than-life personality, there was also a healthy competitive spirit that made him not just an accomplished athlete but someone who inspired his teammates and peers.
From an early age he was captain of the football, basketball, and soccer teams at St. Hugo of the Hills Grade School. His Catholic teachings continued at U of D Jesuit High School where his father and uncles had attended. There, he grew from being not just the kid who could make you smile, but an admired leader with an inspired work ethic and generous spirit. Off the field and away from the classroom, Mark was just as dynamic and successful. As part of the Jesuit mission, "Men for Others," Mark never forgot those less fortunate, his faith and charity the bedrock that defined him.
Mark pursued the teachings of the Jesuits and studied business, receiving a baccalaureate from John Carroll University in Ohio. While there, he played outside linebacker for the John Carroll Blue Streaks football team while discovering a new sport that would become an obsession: Lacrosse.
After graduating from John Carroll, Mark made Cleveland, Ohio, his home where he would quickly become a staple of the community, coaching youth lacrosse. However, Mark never forgot how to compete. With his relentless drive, he was inspired to join an adult league, where teammates and opponents knew him as a fiery competitor with a 'signature run.' He played for over 20+ years in many local Cleveland leagues making even more friends. Whether toasting with a beer or lending some advice, he never said no to a fellow. He took the field just 3 or so weeks ago, playing his heart out.
This skill transferred from the field to his business where Mark was a pivotal force as a sales engineer for BW Integrated Systems, earning an award for his exceptional sales record and strategic account management. Competitive spirit. Relentless drive. Continuous development. All things contributing heavily to the success of the company.
And though many would extol his successes, Mark preferred a humble approach. Yes, he felt such pride and purpose thru his work - and more importantly thru his role as a family man.
As a brother he was tough and direct but always mixed in playful teasing. Whether it was ruining dance recitals with his own moves, attacking Barbie village with Stormtroopers, or making his siblings practice left-handed lay-ups way past dark, he never let them down. Ever. He was a protector, a teacher, a teaser, a coach, a proud big brother. His loyalty to family carried him to his final moments.
As a son, the first love of sports came from attending Pistons and Lions games with his father. There, he fell in love watching Barry Sanders and Isaiah Thomas from the nosebleed section. Although his father left this earth too soon, Mark spurred deep conversations about business and family, shaping who he came to be. With his mother, there are no words to describe his devotion. He learned at an early age what encouragement meant from his mother who cheered him on not only in sports, but how to be a giving, loyal and ever loving son and brother. At all costs he was there, forever sharing an unbreakable bond between mother and son that his passing cannot break. His faith was instilled by her. Which he quietly carried through his days. His work ethic, perseverance, love of history, and heartfelt empathy was also a trait he received from his parents and grandparents.
As a husband to Amanda, Mark's, love, loyalty and devotion was boundless. Their love of music, sports, work, and vacations took them to arenas, festivals and concerts across the states. Mark and Amanda would travel at a moment's notice to see one of their favorite bands in whatever city they could get to. If you were in their presence, you could feel the true meaning of having each other's back. And boy did they love to laugh. Their love for each other is bountiful and their love will never diminish.
As a father he continued his love, loyalty, and desire to instill in Jordan the teachings he had learned, shaping him into an exceptional young man. Their love of boating and shared mechanical abilities was a common bond. Late night talks and late night laughs were something they shared. Jordan's ability to make Mark laugh uncontrollably, was contagious.
Mark will forever be missed. And while it brings a profound sadness that we will never hear his laugh again, we are eternally grateful that when we think of him, after we weep, we will get to hear our own. And if we listen closely, hear him saying our nicknames - cheering us on.
To honor him, in lieu of flowers, the Sertich family asks that you honor his legacy by making a donation to the school in his name. University of Detroit Jesuit (https://www.uofdjesuit.org/) High School and Academy, 8400 S. Cambridge Ave., Detroit, MI 4822. https://www.uofdjesuit.org/giving/ways-to-give/memorial-honor-gifts
We will continue to carry your loving spirit within us, Mark.
We love you forever. Forever.
Croatian strong.
Go Lions.