Mark Ostapiak

OAKLAND, Calif. - Mark "Osta" Ostapiak passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, June 9, 2026.

Mark was born May 4, 1978, in Youngstown, the beloved son of Peter and Sylvia Ostapiak. He graduated from Canfield High School in 1996, where he excelled academically. Following graduation, Mark attended Northland College in Ashland, Wisconsin, earning a bachelor’s degree in wildlife, fish and wildlands science and management.

After college, Mark moved to the San Francisco Bay Area, most recently residing in Oakland, California. There, he built a life centered around his passions for music, community, and helping others. Whether in his music studio surrounded by friends or advocating for causes he deeply believed in, Mark approached life with purpose, compassion, and unwavering dedication.

Mark was known for his kind heart, quick wit, and genuine concern for humanity. He was a passionate activist who devoted countless hours to humanitarian efforts and championing the rights of others, particularly those who were marginalized or oppressed. His commitment to making the world a better place touched many lives and inspired those around him.

Music was a lifelong passion. A talented musician who played many instruments, Mark was especially gifted on the drums. He found immense joy in creating music with friends and bandmates throughout his life. Some of his most cherished moments were spent playing alongside his lifelong friends from Canfield—Donny, Nate, Mark, and Brad—as well as his close friends in the Bay Area, including JaMile and many others who became like family to him.

In his spare time, Mark enjoyed reading, researching, cooking, making music, and spending time with friends and family. He took great pride in his work with the City of San Francisco, where he helped others heal, grow, and find support. He was happiest when performing with his band, celebrating victories from the many causes he championed, and sharing laughter with those he loved.

Mark leaves behind to cherish his memory his brother and sister-in-law, Peter and Jennifer Ostapiak of North Jackson, Ohio; his sister and brother-in-law, Tina and Robert Rompf of Cuyahoga Falls, OH, his nieces, Anna, Emily, Lauren (Michael), and Chelsea; his nephews, Robert and Eric; his great-niece, Niomi; his uncle, John Feduneczko ; and his beloved friends and bandmates, Donny, Nate, Brad, Mark and, JaMile, and many other dear friends whose lives were enriched by his friendship.

While Mark will be deeply missed, his family finds comfort in knowing that he has been reunited with his parents, Peter and Sylvia, and is now at peace.

Mark will be remembered for his immense heart, quirky personality, unwavering kindness, and tireless commitment to helping others. The love he shared with family, friends, teammates, coworkers, and all who knew him will continue to live on in their memories.

The family takes comfort in knowing that although Mark lived far from home, he was surrounded by an incredible community of friends who became family and enriched his life in countless ways.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, at the Wick Recreation Center in Mill Creek Park, 1861 McCollum Road, Youngstown, OH 44509. Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance of Mark's life, share stories, and celebrate the lasting impact he made on so many.

A private graveside service will be held for the immediate family at Resurrection Cemetery in Austintown.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mark's memory to SMARTS (Students Motivated by the Arts), a nonprofit organization that provides arts education opportunities for students throughout the Mahoning Valley—a cause that reflects Mark's lifelong passion for music, creativity and community. Donations may be mailed to SMARTS, Ohio One, 25 E. Boardman St., First Floor, Youngstown, OH 44503, or made online at https://smartsartschool.org/donate/.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Kinnick Funeral Home in Youngstown.