Mark S. Richter

Mark Stevens Richter, 74, passed away at home on May 2, 2021. He was born December 28, 1946 in the Bronx, and raised in Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan. Even after living in Michigan for half a century, his thick New York brogue was still a conversation starter with everyone he met.

Mark was known for his charisma, sense of humor, and ability to make up nonsense words and names to perfectly describe every situation. He was an avid and successful Jeopardy contestant from his couch. He had a wide knowledge of trivia, likely because of all the experiences he collected during his time as an active participant in the 60s and 70s. He had many entertaining stories to tell, and he told them with wit and conviction. 

Over his life, Mark held a variety of jobs. Most memorable was the thirteen years he spent driving a Yellow Cab in Lansing. On special occasions, he would drive his daughters to school in a taxi. He also transported donor organs and drove a handicap van for the disabled.  Eventually, he went back to college to become a welder, the profession he held until he retired, with many scars and burns to remember it by.

He enjoyed fishing, but always threw his catches back. He taught his daughters, wife and grandsons how to fish, too, although he often spent most of his time untangling their lines, retrieving lost poles from trees, putting worms on everyone’s hook and taking the fish off once they were caught. He loved fish tanks, houseplants, and animals. He let Debbie keep all the strays and rescues she brought home, so she married him in 1981. And he loved his family. He is survived by a brother, Roy Richter (Mary), his wife of 39 years, Debra (Williams) Richter, his daughters, Jillian and Jessalyn (husband Drew), and his three grandchildren Gavin, Oscar, and Penelope. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sol and Hannah Richter, his sister, Claudia (Richter) Mayer, and his many beloved pets.

Mark and his family were always very appreciative of the wonderful medical personnel who took such good care of him throughout the last 15 years, especially his dialysis techs. He was very brave and fought so valiantly his various complicated health struggles. It was amazing how he could put everyone else in a hospital at ease, even while he, himself, was facing incredible challenges. His doctors and nurses always enjoyed his jokes and upbeat attitude. 

He was a kind, decent man, with a big heart and a gentle touch. Mark will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him, and fondly remembered for making the world a better place. 

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