Mark Anthony Riedel
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mark Anthony Riedel, of League City, TX. He passed away peacefully at Houston Memorial Hospital on Sunday, February 23, 2025, at the all too young age of 58.
Mark passed from an unexpected and short battle with metastatic biphasic plural mesothelioma. He left this world knowing that he was loved and cherished by his wife, family, friends, and colleagues.
Mark was born on June 11, 1966, in Marshfield, Wisconsin to David and Barbara Riedel. He later lived and grew up in Iron Mountain Michigan. As a teenager he loved playing sports and had a mischievous side, engaging in the typical shenanigans of youth. He was a wonderful son and an amazing big brother to his three younger siblings.
His early career aspirations took him to Huntsville, AL and later led him to Houston, TX. There he had a long and dedicated career with ARES Holdings as a contractor for NASA’s Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center. Mark loved his job and the people he worked with; he considered them to be his second family. During his time with ARES he excelled at his job, continuously going above and beyond. He received a vast number of accolades and awards of appreciation, he also achieved some of NASA’s highest honors with a Silver Snoopy Award and Stellar Award.
Also, during this time Mark met and married the love of his life. He and his wife, Paula built a house and lived in League City for almost 20 years, sharing their home and unconditional love with their four fur babies.
Mark is preceded in death by his father David Riedel and his father in-law Paul Foley. He is survived by his mother Barbara Riedel, his wife Paula Riedel, his brother Scott Riedel, sister Melissa Riedel, sister Samantha Riedel, mother in-law Janice Bergeron and brother in-law Patrick Foley.
Mark’s wishes to be cremated and to not have a funeral are being honored. A Celebration of Life will take place on June 11th, 2025, which would have been his 59th birthday. Information regarding the time and location will be posted to this page in the near future.
So sorry Paula. I’m thinking about you and your family.
I’m so sorry to hear this about Mark been cutting his hair for years at great clips .He was a very nice man ..Prayers for all of his family
NASA, the International Space Station Program (ISSP), and the Lunar Terrain Vehicle (LTV) Project owe Mark a debt of gratitude for his sage guidance, tireless support and warm friendship. Mark will be remembered and missed at NASA.
Paula, so sorry to hear of your loss. I have not been in contact with you for so many years and do regret that as I am your god mother. Please keep me informed and also say Hi to your mother. Sincerely, Pat Sazdoff, 320-2790-
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Mark brought an irreplaceable level of expertise to the team, often shifting gears between leading and following, and was always 6 steps ahead. Mark saw the path to success in any situation, knew how to get there, and mentored others into his way of thinking along the way.
Along with being a great colleague, he was a great friend. He was honorable, honest and truly a man of his word.
This breaks the heart to hear. My deepest prayers and condolences to the entire family, but definitely for Paula. The many years that they spent together are precious and priceless. My love to you all.
Paula, Jan, my heart is a heavy one for You both at this time. Please let me know if there is ANYTHING You need. Love You Ladies.
Tami Hocker-Camp
There are no words that can describe how deeply sorry I am to Mark’s entire family for their loss.
Praying for all of you, love you
Elvi
Mark and I met 10 years ago when I came on board at JSC after working elsewhere. He and I hit it off immediately and have enjoyed a friendship that saw many changes over the years. Mark always checked in on me and I would do the same. We rarely passed up a chance to have a few beers and catch up.
Mark was there for me when I lost my own wife, making sure that I knew he would help in any way.
Boy, Mark could talk, but he always gave way to letting me have a word or two when it was needed. I will miss him dearly.
I will be praying for Paula and Mark’s family.
Paula, I am very sorry for your loss. Mark was a great friend and mentor. He touched many lives and will be remembered for his endless generosity and outstanding work performance. He made a huge difference with me, and I am grateful for the opportunity of having known him.
I was blessed to work with Mark for 25 years. Adventures in Japan. Late JAXA telecons. Meetings galore. Every module of the ISS has benefitted from his expertise. USDV, LTV, also. Requirements. Testing. Tracking all of it. Seeing and communicating the big picture, the interconnections, the influences and consequences – Mark has been a key player. And he’s been a significant influence in my life. I pray all his family and friends will often hear his laughter echo in our memories.