Updated: Jan 17, 2024
Mark J. Zito (18 October, 1959 – 22 December, 2023)
This is someone we’ve cherished, loved and we mourn his passing immensely. The reality is the world can seem cold, cruel and unfair. Nothing anyone can say or do will make the reality easier, least, not anytime soon.
Grieving the loss of a loved one is important, it is natural and it’s not always linear. It’s a necessary emotional reaction that, in its own way, will give us permission to celebrate Mark’s incredible life.
Let’s celebrate Mark’s life as a remarkable human being and the majestic musician he was…and the legacy he leaves. For if we live in a place of grieving too long and too deep-we become that place. Let’s not lose sight of the life that Mark lived and all that he offered.
Mourning the death of a loved one is natural and expected, but don’t forget to celebrate their life as well. With Mark’s family’s blessing, love, strength, insistence and encouragement-please give Mike, Jimi, BJ and Brian your shared energy, love and respect to perform in the glory and honor of their beloved band brother and best friend, Mark. We love you, Maestro.
BEYOND PURPLE BAND.
It is with the most heartbreaking and profound sadness that we share the loss of our beloved brother, Mark Zito last night. Mark fought a courageous battle with sepsis, caused by an acute infection. No words can express how we are all feeling and the heartfelt love and sympathy we have for his son- Matt, his love and light- Gail, his sister- Jennifer, his beautiful mom and the rest of the Zito family and close friends. Beyond Purple formed in 2016 and it was one of Mark’s deepest passions and love to play in this band. With his extreme and insane talents and numerous contributions, Beyond Purple became something, well, Beyond. We ask you to respect our privacy during this devastating time, we will certainly communicate to fans, band family and friends what the next steps are, for now-we take the time to honor this incredible human being, and our brother. We love you, Mike, Jimi, BJ and Brian.
Dignity Memorial Obituary:
Mark J. Zito, 64 of Middletown, died suddenly after a very brief illness on December 22, 2023, surrounded by family, friends and great love at Middlesex Hospital. Mark was a rock star. By night he was a renown keyboardist playing in the bands Beyond Purple and Livesay; he was known to engage and energize his fans with his musical talent and passion. He was revered by his bandmates, Jimi Bell, Mike Gill, BJ Zappa, Brian Camilleri and Gregg Livesay. He loved music from an early age, studied classical piano in his formative years, accompanied the concert choir at Watertown High School, wrote original songs for friends and family, recorded music, and played in many bands over the years, such as Laustin Lloyd and Equinoxx. Mark was a performer—radiant and happiest on stage where he thrived in the music, light and love of the fans.
By day, Mark was the Lead Director of Real Estate for CVS/Aetna, where he was employed for over 36 years designing and working on Aetna’s Hasting Hotel, winning a national award for his carpet design, Customer Service Center, cafeterias and senior management offices to name a few. He distinguished himself in his career by his extraordinary work ethic, passion, warm personality and skill surviving departmental layoffs, mergers and economic downturns. Again, Mark was a rock star, loved by his superiors and co-workers alike.
Mark grew up in Westbrook and Watertown, and graduated from Watertown High School in 1977, where he was known for his musical and singing talent. He received his B.A. in 1987 from Paier College of Art and Albertus Magnus College before going to work for The Aetna. He adored his parents, the late Reverend Dr. William J. Zito who passed away in May, and Janet S. Zito of Cromwell. He was a devoted son who attended to his parents with love and assistance whenever they needed him and especially during Covid. Mark’s greatest pride was his son, Matthew William Zito of Middletown, an Army veteran, who is expected to graduate from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida next year.
Mark is survived by his beloved partner, Gail Corrow, of Middletown; their dog, Cody; his sister, Jennifer L. Zito of South Glastonbury; his brother-in-law, Michael Rosadino; nephews, Jonathan and Colin Rosadino and cherished niece, Jill Rosadino, whose artistic talent awed him. As Gail’s partner over the past decade, he had the privilege of loving her children, Kelly and Eric Friedman and Ryan and Heather Corrow and their children. He derived great joy from grandparenting Ava and her dog, “Mr. Beefy”, as their beloved “Pop Pop”. Mark is also survived by his aunts, Elizabeth DiMauro, Frances Bassford, Martha Zito and Kathleen Zito, and his uncle, Attorney Edward Zito, as well as by several close cousins, all of whom represent the village that raised him.
Mark was a man of extraordinary talent, a renaissance man, whose capabilities were endless. He was an incredible cook. He loved to build and design, play guitar and keyboards, entertain friends, drive nice cars, decorate, be near or on the water, work on his house and travel to the Caribbean. Most of all, he loved his friends—their company, their laughter and their love. Ever since he was a toddler, he loved the color black and long hair as evidenced by his wardrobe and appearance. Mark was authentic and artistic; he was true to himself adorning his person with earrings, oversized watches, tattoos, leather and an impressive collection of shoe wear. Even as an employee of traditional corporate America, he roamed the halls a rock star and everyone knew his name.
Everything he did, he did well with speed and passion. He had a charismatic personality and was loved by all who knew him. His loss is catastrophic for his family and dozens of friends collected over the years, for his brothers in his bands and scores of fans, and his hundreds of co-workers. He is described by a friend as having “a light and love that he carried with him that made him stand out and rise above the crowd drawing you in”. He shined brightly in the world, spreading his talent and light far and wide. Mark would give you the shirt off his back and hug you hard for his heart was big. He gave of himself, of his talent, and of his treasure always. The world is less without him in it, but his family and friends are richer for having known and loved him.
POSTPONED Till Further Notice: A Memorial Service will be held on To Be Determined, at 4:30 p.m. at the Congregational Church in South Glastonbury, 949 Main Street, South Glastonbury with a light reception on site to follow. Parking is available on the street, and in the lots to the right side and rear of the church. Carpooling is recommended. The service will be live streamed on YouTube: South Church CT Live @southchurchctlive6494 for remote viewers.
At a future date, his bands will also be holding an event in his memory for his fans to celebrate Mark’s life. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to “Attorney Jennifer Zito, Trustee”, 1064 East Main Street, Suite 103 Meriden, CT 06450 for a fund to be established in Mark’s name. The D’Esopo Funeral Chapel, Wethersfield has been entrusted with the arrangements.
