Obituary
Mark Ernest Siravo, 72, of Melbourne, Florida, and originally of Maumee, Ohio, unexpectedly passed away on November 20th, 2023.
Mark was born on May 25th, 1951 to Ernest and Frances Siravo of Melbourne, Florida, and originally of Maumee, Ohio. After graduating from Maumee High School in 1969, Mark went on to work for Delta Airlines as a ticket agent at the Toledo Express Airport.
While working at TOL, Mark met his future wife, Barbara Pixley. Mark and Barb were married May 26, 1973 and were just shy of celebrating 43 years of marriage before Barb passed of early Alzhiemer’s disease in May of 2016. Mark and Barb had two children, Stacie Siravo Caldwell of Orlando, Florida and Christopher Mark Siravo, of Melbourne, Florida.
Mark was a loving and devoted father, grandfather and husband. His generosity and kindness were felt by all who were lucky enough to know him. He celebrated 36 years with Delta Airlines before taking early retirement in 2005, closing out his career at the Orlando International Airport as a Senior Service Coordinator.
Mark was never more peaceful than when he was riding a motorcycle. His 1972 Moto Guzzi was his favorite bike he ever owned, but like a true road warrior, he found happiness on whatever bike he was on. His joy came from his love of his family and friends and he delighted in being called ‘Papa’ by his grandchildren. He needed music almost like the air he breathed, and had the voice of an angel – a baritone angel – and a comfort to listen to anytime he gifted you with his instrument. Italian to his core, he would never turn down a good bowl of rigatoni, spaghetti aglio e olio, a glass of Gentleman Jack or a moderately spicy Bloody Mary. If a cigar was offered, that would make the meal even better!
Throughout his life Mark enjoyed bowling, golfing and gambling for entertainment and was the first to sing along to any Elvis song or hop a flight to Vegas! He never met a dog or puppy he didn’t like nor would he ever be caught turning down a donut or an apple fritter! A patriot to the end, he carried a love for his country and those who served to protect her.
Mark is predeceased by his wife, Barbara Pixley Siravo and his parents, Ernest and Frances Siravo. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Stacie and James Caldwell, his son and future daughter-in-law, Christopher Siravo and Mandy Black, his sister and brother-in-law Lisa and Robert Nachreiner, his ex-wife Darlene Waller, his four grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date and time to be announced. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Central Florida Alzheimer’s Association: https://www.alz.org/cnfl
Service
1903 Croton Road, Melbourne, Florida 32935
We bought our motorcycles at the same time. It was a hard choice between a Motto Guzzi, a Ducati and a Suzuki. We poured over motorcycle magazines and drooled in their dealerships. Eventually Mark got The Guz and I got a Suzuki. We had a good time riding together. Sometimes, on a Friday night, we would strap a sleeping bag on the back and head up to Wagner Lake in the Huron National forest. We would leave after work and get up there just before midnight, start a fire , and roll out the bags. It was an adventure.
Mark is on a different adventure now. Maybe there is a Guzzi dealership up there and he and Barb can take more rides.
You will be missed Mark.
Motorcycles and life are a journey, why hurry when you are already there?
Ride, Eat, Sleep, Repeat.
All roads lead home.
This is just another chapter in that Big Trip we call life.
Brother, keep the Guzzi ready, the Buell will catch up.
Shug
We followed separate paths after high school but stayed in touch. I was privileged to be in Mark's wedding. We partied at his place many times before and after his nuptials. Over the years, we've stayed in contact.
We shared many likes, and a few disagreements. I was never an Elvis fan, but he got that from his mom.
I could go on. Suffice it to say Mark was a good friend to all, and always a kind and generous human. The quality of his brand of humanity so desperately need today will long be our greatest memory of Mark. RIP my friend.