Mark William Stremic

On Saturday January 11, 2014, Mark Stremic of Haymarket, Virginia went home to be with the Lord. He was 47 years old. Mark Stremic was born on May 2, 1966 in Monterey California. Mark is survived by his parents, Anthony W. Stremic and Nancy U. Stremic, his sister Lynn Johnson (Payne), his brother David Stremic, his nieces Kelly and Meghan Johnson, and his brother-in-law Chris Payne. Mark was born with a rare disorder called congenital anesthesia, which means that he could not feel any physical sensations. Doctors said that Mark would not live very long, but they were wrong. Mark graduated from West Springfield High School in 1984. He was an avid soccer player, who idealized Pele, and fulfilled his dream by actually seeing the famous soccer player in person. After high school, Mark chose to pursue another one of his passions, music and the drums, by attending Shenandoah College and Conservatory. Mark was an outstanding musician, whose skills on a drum set impressed his teachers and peers alike. He graduated from Shenandoah in May of 1991 with a bachelor’s degree in music with an emphasis in Jazz Studies. After college, Mark traveled around the DC metro area playing the drums with a variety of jazz bands in an assortment of different venues. Music was his passion and he loved sharing his gift with everyone. In addition to music, Mark loved the military (especially The Navy Seals), old cars, watching professional sports, Western and Martial Arts films, animals, tai chi, making people laugh, and his family. Mark was a compassionate person, who loved the Lord. Mark’s love of life, and his positive attitude, despite all circumstances, served as a reminder to his family, friends, and anyone who ever came in contact with him, to be thankful for the precious gift of life. His family and friends give thanks that Mark is reunited with his heavenly Father, and is whole and healthy, playing the drums for the Lord. Mark’s funeral will be held Friday, January 17, 2014 at 1:30pm at Quantico National Cemetery in Triangle, Virginia. Family and friends are invited to celebrate and remember Mark’s life during a memorial service conducted by Pastor Bob Perdue. In lieu of flowers, his family asks that any donations be given in Mark’s name to Friends of Homeless Animals, PO Box 415, Aldie, VA 20105 OR Angels of Mercy, related to the Wounded Warriors Project, Ms Marion Chirichella, 1906 Toyon Way, Vienna, VA 22182 (make sure you specify ‘memorial donation for Mark Stremic’).

Mark William Stremic

May 2, 1966 - January 11, 2014