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Mark Anthony
Arzu Sr.
Oct 11, 1959 — Aug 26, 2025
Mark Anthony Arzu Sr., a loving husband, son, brother, father, coach, uncle, grandfather, cousin, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 26, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and dedication.
In 1959, Mark was born to Regina and Casimiro Arzu. He was raised in Harlem, New York with his five brothers and two sisters. He pursued general studies at Andrew Jackson High School. Mark spent several decades living in Harlem before moving to Queens, New York and raising 5 children from his first marriage. Mark was a great storyteller; he told his kids the best ghost stories from back in the days. He was a true New Yorker, he stayed with a fresh pair of "Tims" (Timberland boots) and he never gave up his earring in his ear. He was always very street smart.Mark met his second wife and shortly after their relationship evolved, they moved to a small town in Tennessee in 1998.
Mark was a hardworking man in all aspects of his life. He dedicated himself to his family, job, coaching basketball, and enjoying his morning coffee and $1 Jumbo scratch off tickets. In Queens, he worked for a group home as their driver. With his spare time, he volunteered at a children's shelter.
In Tennessee he worked as the Maintenance Manager at several McDonald's and a manufacturing and production operator at Exide for 10 years. Around 2011, he switched careers and joined Star Construction. He cherished his time at Star Construction, describing his colleagues as his "work family." Although he loved working, he enjoyed his time outside of work.
Mark's greatest accomplishment was his family. He also had a passion for sports, particularly basketball. He had the opportunity to coach AAU teams and third- and fourth-grade basketball players over the years, treating each child as if they were his own. He cherished the memories they shared and kept them close to his heart. He was also good at building things. He could build bikes from scratch, dressers, and closets. He worked on houses, cars (loved American cars), washers, and dryers, and so much more. Our #1 Handyman!
Mark's presence could light up any room. He embraced the short and often brutal nature of life and believed that the best way to combat it was with a good laugh and the ability to appreciate the small moments of joy, regardless of circumstances. His legacy will forever be etched in our hearts.
Mark was preceded in death by: Victoria Arzu (Daughter); Regina Arzu (Mother); Richard Arzu (Brother); Walter Arzu (Brother); and Michael Arzu (Brother).
Mark leaves behind his Spouse, Rochelle Keller-Arzu; Former Spouse: Karen Veal-Rogers; Mother-in-law: Martha Key; 4 Sister-in-laws; Brother: William Arzu, Andrew Arzu (Brother) ; Sisters: Linda Davis (Charles), Michelle Arzu-Leduc (Fernando); Sons: Mark Arzu Jr. (Erthea), Shaun Arzu; Daughters: Nichol Arzu DaCosta (Leighton), Eva Hopkins (David), Shelley Arzu, Jhannine Keller, Lauryn Arzu (Devarias); Grandchildren: Aniya Alston, Caleb DaCosta, Gabriel Dacosta, Leighton DaCosta IV, Ethan Scales, Amya Avarado, Jaiana Arzu, Amoni Arzu, Rhamel Ware, Leshea Ware, Amil Ware, Shariya Wallace, Kevin Hopkins, Aniyah Dunn, Dreamiyah Evans, plus serval bonus grandchildren, nieces, nephews, & cousins.
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