Obituary: Mark Richard McClain

Mark McClain (May 16, 1959 – December 4, 2024)

Mark Richard McClain passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, in the comfort of his home in Manchester, Mich.

Mark was born on May 16, 1959, and raised in Westlake, Ohio, by the late Raymond and Janet McClain. He attended grade school at St. Bernadette, captained the golf and hockey teams at St. Edward High School, and earned a bachelor’s degree in Engineering from the University of Michigan. He founded AmeriNet, a successful IT company specializing in cybersecurity, in Ann Arbor, Mich., in 1989.

Mark was meticulous and extremely organized in everything he did. Every tool and supply had its spot with a backup to spare. Mark had an incredible intellect; he was a tinkerer and problem solver. He emanated his intelligence quietly, but it was apparent to those who knew him that his mind was constantly at work. These traits served him well over the years as he transformed the Manchester house into an oasis of comfort and love, making it a true home. Later in life, he and his wife, Deanna, designed a family retreat up north in Frankfort, Mich., “Pop’s Place.”

Mark loved spending time outdoors with his family. Many afternoons were spent skating on the pond or driving motorcycles and snowmobiles, and many trips were taken out west to ski and to the beach in Pawley’s Island, S.C. Mark also thoroughly enjoyed athletics. He coached his boys in youth hockey and football, cherished rounds on the golf course with his family, and spent many seasons photographing all four children in their athletic endeavors. He enjoyed teaching his grandsons how to fish and the art of the cannonball. As a long-time season ticket holder, Mark also enjoyed attending U of M football and basketball games, including the 2023 national championship game in Houston, Tex.

Mark is survived by his beloved wife, Deanna (née Dudek); loving children, Michael (Angela), Andy (Laura), Madeline, and Sam; adoring grandsons, Kepler, Declan, Carson, and Harrison; siblings, Donna (Phil), Kim (Mary), Joan (Ed), and Carolyn (Matt); dozens of nieces and nephews; and countless friends.

Visitation will be held at 4pm, Thursday, December 12, until 8 pm, at Nie Funeral Home, 3767 W Liberty Rd, Ann Arbor, Mich. 48103, with a rosary service at 7pm. A viewing will be held at 10:30am, Friday, December 13, at St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church in Saline, 910 Austin Dr, Saline, Mich. 48176, followed immediately by a funeral mass held at 11:30am.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Rogel Cancer Center (https://giving.umich.edu/basket/fund/312231/tributee/Mark%20Richard%20McClain/type/memory) at the University of Michigan Health System.

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by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and founder of the Manchester Mirror.