Vincent "Mark" J. Markalonis

MISSOULA ~ Vincent J. “Mark” Markalonis, passed away suddenly on July 17, 2025 at the age of 94. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio to William Joseph Markalonis and Stella Polisky Markalonis, one of four children. He attended private Catholic school, where he excelled in academics. His family relocated to a farm outside of DuBoise, PA where he graduated high school. While living at the farm he helped out with the animals and enjoyed playing golf and other sports. After attending Penn State, he joined the Air Force, where he served in the Strategic Air Command, attaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He married Valene Beadle with whom he had three children, Michael, Laura and James. During Vietnam he was a navigator on C-130s. He received multiple medals and commendations, including two Distinguished Flying Crosses and three Air Medals. After retiring from the military he worked in defense contracting. He resettled in Las Vegas, and upon the death of his second wife, Joan Busch, moved to Montana with his stepdaughter, Lori Busch. He subsequently moved to Auberge (now Missoula Valley Senior Living) where he was residing at the time of his death.

Mark (or “Sonny” as he was known to his family) is preceded in death by his wife Joan, his parents, William Joseph Markalonis and Stella Polisky Markalonis, his brothers John and Father Joseph, and son Michael.

He is survived by his sister, Mary Ann Millar, his son James, his daughter Laura Markalonis, his daughter-in-law, Lita Markalonis, his grandchildren, Michael, Meagon, Felicia, Nathan, and Hershel, 16 great grandchildren, and his good friend, Georgina Heidrick.

Arrangements are being handled by Sunset Memorial Funeral Home and Crematory in Missoula. A service will be held Wednesday August 6, 2025 at 11 a.m. at the Western Montana State Veterans Cemetery in Missoula.