Mark Stephen Balzotti, age 74, passed away at his home in Springville, Utah, on April 23rd 2024, just 24 days after being diagnosed with cancer. With many of his family members surrounding him, as his daughter-in-law Marie read a loving tribute, he sighed softly and left his mortal body behind to join his parents Michael Balzotti and Ava Maria Foster and many beloved Italian family members.
Mark was born in Boston, Massachusetts on May 14th, 1949. He had a close and loving relationship with his older brother Michael David Balzotti, and his two younger sisters Donna Maria Balzotti (Akemann), and Lori Melody Balzotti (Gleave) and he loved each of their children.
Deborah Brodie Balzotti wisely accepted his proposal to be his eternal companion, and they were married in the Washington, D.C. Temple on June 12th, 1975. They experienced the joy of raising four children together who later brought four wonderful spouses and twelve grandchildren into the family. Michael James Balzotti and Tyfani Lanae Rohner (Dawson, Haydon, Roman, Paxton, Kendyll), Christopher Stephen Balzotti and Marie Renee Barrett (Finn, Sawyer, Lucy), Jonathan Mark Balzotti and Mariel Michelle Della-Piana (Gabe, Nico, Alia) and Deborah Alyssa Balzotti and Brian Warren (Tavish). Mark was a devoted father and grandfather and he loved his family very much.
After serving in the Italy Mission 1971-1973 for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mark returned to BYU where he graduated with composite Bachelor of Arts degree in philosophy, art and Italian. He continued his studies at BYU and obtained a degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s degree in Community Education.
He started his career in the Salt Lake City School District as a facilitator, bringing the faculty and staff of the alternative high school to a better working relationship with the district administration. Later, as Debbie desired to finish her last year at BYU and reach her goal to graduate, he accepted a teaching position at Edgemont Elementary in Provo, Utah. He then taught and was an assistant principal at Franklin Elementary in Provo. Mark served as a principal at Grant Elementary and Cherry Creek Elementary in Springville until his retirement. He loved his chosen career helping to support children learn.
Mark believed in serving his community. He served on the Springville City Council and on many other local boards. He and Debbie were co-chairs of the annual Art City Days and actively supported the Springville Library and the Springville Art Museum. They spent thirteen years on the Springville World Folkfest Board of Directors where Mark especially loved being with dancers and musicians from around the world as they arrived to perform each summer.
One of the highlights of Mark’s wonderful life was returning to Rome, Italy to serve another mission with Debbie as his companion in 2017. They served in the mission office, helped with the Rome Temple open house, and were able to attend the newly opened temple with other family members. He felt a deep, eternal connection to his Italian ancestors and family who lived in the hilltop town of San Polo dei Cavalieri. He had a special love for the Italian people, and they loved him.
Mark cared about the one – though he served many as a Bishop in his home ward and at BYU, an MTC Branch President, principal, teacher and community leader – he sought out the individual. Many lives have been touched by his love and guidance.
We weep for the loss of our brother, husband, father, grandfather and friend. Though we miss him here, thousands of Italian family members who were found by him in the church records now welcome him and thank him with tanti baci e abbracci.
Mark’s memorial service will be held Saturday June 15th at 11:00 am at the Springville Utah chapel located at 1785 East 400 South. Interment will follow in the Springville City Cemetery.
The family is collecting stories for a memory book for Mark’s children and grandchildren. If you have a story or photo to share, please send them to the family at www.premierfuneral.com
