Mark Antonio Evangelista died suddenly of cardiac arrest as a result of heart and kidney failure on July 16, 2024, in Webster, Texas.  Mark (a.k.a. “Vange”) was born on September 21, 1961, in Mexico City.

Mark is survived by his wife Fe Marie “Maite”, and his daughter, Marianne “Mia” and his son Michael; his parents, Peter and Rafaela Mess; his brothers Rick (Cindy), Peracles (Jennifer), and his sisters Deva (Cristopher Robbins) and Mercedes Runo (Keith); His Aunt Theresa Wunderlich (Phillip), cousins Margaret, Catherine Martinucci (Frank), and Alexis Waterman (Doug). As well as numerous nieces and nephews

Mark grew up in San Francisco, California; New York, New York before settling into Houston, Texas.  He attended Hidden Valley Elementary (now Goodman Elementary), Stovall Junior High, and Aldine Senior High.  He was a dedicated football player and writer, editing the school newspaper.  Mark was on the student council and in numerous school clubs and attended Assumption Catholic Church with his family.  At the end of High School, he was voted “Mr. Aldine” by the student body, reflecting his involvement in many school activities and his kind and witty personality.

After graduation, Mark attended North Harris County Junior College (now Lone Star Community College) and relocated to Conroe with his parents.  He studied Journalism and worked part time at Texas Commerce Bank.  He matriculated to the University of Houston, where he majored in Journalism and was the Film Critic and Managing Editor of the school paper, The Daily Cougar.  He went on to a long-time stint at The Houston Chronicle in the Sports Department.  He convinced his superiors that the paper needed a Cycling Column, and he should write it, so they gave it a try.  It went from being a monthly to a weekly feature in short order.  As the world of journalism changed, Mark changed with it, and was in the forefront of the move to the digital world.  He helped start the Chronicle’s online presence with HCI, Houston Chronicle Interactive, in 1995 – 1999.  He went on to work at Idea Integration, Boeing, Bay Area Houton Economic Partnership (BAHEP), and other companies in a sales and marketing and SSO capacity.

His parents attended Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Conroe, where Mark met the love of his life, Maite Crawford.  They were married there in 1999.  In 2001, they had their first child, Mia. The Evangelista’s eventually moved to Deer Park, when Maite started Texas Chiropractic College. After graduating in 2006, the family moved to Webster and in 2007, Maite gave birth to their son, Michael.

The family attended St. Paul The Apostle Catholic Church, where Mark taught CCE,  lectored, ran the sound board during services, live streamed the masses in both English and Spanish, volunteered for many church activities, and joined the Knights of Columbus. He was an active member of the ACTS community as well.

He was a life-long Hockey, Soccer, and Football fan.  He followed the Liverpool FC, Boston Bruins, Houston Aeros, Houston Astros, Houston Oilers (and later, the Texans) and Houston Cougars with a passion and understanding matched by few.  Mark loved to cook, and many have enjoyed his hospitality over the years.  Mark loved all kinds of music and attended hundreds of live shows in virtually every genre you can think of, from Opera to Rock and beyond. He loved watching movies and critiquing them.
His greatest love though, was his family.

His wife and children were the light of his life.  He filled their lives, and all those around him, with laugher and joy.

A Memorial will be held on August 10^th for Mark.
9 a.m.-Rosary
10 a.m.- Funeral Mass and Reception
St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 18223 Point Lookout Dr., Nassau Bay, TX
1:30 p.m.-Committal Service
Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery, 7801 Gulf Freeway, Dickinson, TX