Halfmoon, NY - Mark David Lyon, 79, passed away peacefully on December 9, 2024 at Albany Medical Center, surrounded by his beloved wife of 56 years, and his 3 children.

Mark was born on July 13, 1945 in Troy, NY, the son of the late Everett and Rita Kelly Lyon, and was raised in Watervliet. A graduate of Christian Brother's Academy in Albany, Mark went on to earn a Bachelor's degree from Siena College.

Following his graduation from Siena and marriage to his high school sweetheart, Mary Beth Lyon (Ryan), Mark moved his young family to Saratoga Springs, where he was as a resident until moving to Halfmoon in 2008.

Mark spent a total of 32 years in several roles in service to the State of New York's Department of Parks and Recreation & Historic Preservation in Albany; most recently serving as that Agency's Executive Director of the Management and Research Institute in Saratoga before his first retirement in 2000. He was a proud recipient of the L.L. Huttleston Executive Award, his agency's highest honor. Mark was particularly passionate about historic preservation and fundraising during his time with the State, including working with the Saratoga Springs Historic Review Commission. Following a very brief retirement, Mark developed a passion and affinity for sales, working in several roles in the Capital Region before finally retiring in 2009.

Mark was a voracious reader, an avid fly fisherman, a tireless advocate for equality and human rights, and the loyalest of friends. He was a proud member and former President of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Saratoga Chapter, which he was dedicated in service to right up until his final hours. Mark especially enjoyed traveling with Mary Beth, including memorable trips to Paris, Dublin and the Amalfi Coast; and annual trips to Ogunquit, Maine. Mark left an incredible legacy of kindness and compassion and treated everyone he met with dignity and respect. To know him, truly, was to love him. His greatest gift of all was being "Papa" to his 5 grandchildren, whom he adored with all his heart.

Mark was predeceased by his parents and sister, Janice Lyon Decker.  Survivors include his cherished wife Mary Beth; daughter Amy Finn (Michael) of Jericho, VT; son David Lyon (Christina) of Massapequa, NY; daughter Meghan Madl (Kevin) of Plainfield, IL; granddaughters Molly & Mia Finn, Madilyn Lyon, and Ava Madl; grandson Trevor Lyon; sisters Martha Coursin (Douglas) and Elizabeth Boyd (Brent); brothers Christopher Lyon (late Linda) and Stephen Lyon; and several beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.  Mark was beyond blessed to have an inseparable bond with his sister-in-law Kathy Curley and brother-in-law Michael Curley, and their daughter Betsy Curley (fiancé Mark VanKempen).

The family would like to express their sincere and heartfelt gratitude to countless doctors and nurses in the Capital District who cared for Mark during several challenging health issues over the past 17 years. He bravely fought and endured too much for any one person, and his heart never truly failed him. Our Legend will finally rest in eternal peace.

As a devoted believer in charities, donations in Mark's name to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital & the American Cancer Society are deeply appreciated.

Relatives and friends may call from 4pm to 7pm on Sunday, December 15th at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (518-584-5373).

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, December 16th at 11:00am at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 2001 Route 9, Clifton Park, NY.