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Mark Richard Dunlevy
Mark Richard Dunlevy, born December 26, 1957, in Lancaster, PA, was the only child of Jean Marie Nicklaus and Jan Richard Dunlevy. Mark departed the earth on January 29, 2026 after a short illness. His wife, Elizabeth Kays and stepson Morgan Fitzpatrick survive him as well as numerous aunts, uncles and cousins from Lancaster, PA, New York, Virginia, France and Canada.
As a boy, sailing and swimming were his loves, and he won a countywide swimming championship in breaststroke while attending Mannheim Township High School. At age 14 he purchased an old Austin-Healy car and rebuilt it so that by the time he had a driver’s license, he had a radical driving machine, with wire wheels. It was at this time that he developed skills in the printing business as well.
A lover of all water sports, Mark was a scuba diver and instructor, an accomplished snow and water skier, and later a dedicated sailor and fisherman. He claims to have learned windsurfing by reading a book. He graduated from the University of Richmond in 1980 with a B.A. in Economics and Business (Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity). His first position after college was with the Book Division of National Geographic which he held until 1988. Later he served proudly as Production Manager at Regardies Magazine and later worked at Berryville Graphics.
Active in community leadership, he served as President of the Homeowners Association at Crofton Commons for three years. Later in life he served on the Town of Nags Head Citizens Advisory Committee. Mark enjoyed being part of the leadership in Friends of Jockey Ridge State Park (NC).
He loved the daily newspaper and finishing crossword puzzles and driving the beach at Oregon Inlet to fish for drum. He earned NC citations for drum, tuna, and both white and blue marlin. Mark’s curiosity led him to Alsace, France to meet members of the Grunenberger family, some of whom emigrated to the US. He loved to tell the story of drinking coffee from bowls at the very table on which his Great-Grandfather’s legs were amputated following a horse-drawn sled accident.
In 1995 Mark moved to the Outer Banks of North Carolina to become a trim carpenter and a fisherman. He worked for Outer Banks Homes with a crew that nicknamed him “Tetanus” for the ancient International Scout which he drove all summer as a convertible, donning foul weather gear when rain was falling.
Eventually he established his own renovation business earning a reputation for craftsmanship, integrity and loyalty. Along the way, he gathered trusted tradesmen, devoted clients and many enduring friendships.
Mark recognized the love of his life, Elizabeth Kays, on a job site, after their paths had crossed over three decades. She had been at the same 1973 Grateful Dead concert in Richmond, VA, the city where they both attended colleges, in different years. They had formally met in the 1980’s at a housewarming party. And on the Kitty Hawk Beach Road in the ‘90s, as her car followed him she noticed what a fellow local he must be, as he “rubbernecked” his way North to Corolla. After a dozen years together, they were married in 2008, surrounded by friends.
Always a follower of the Grateful Dead, Mark tapped his hand to their music throughout his final days. He claimed to have traveled to many shows, perhaps approaching over 120 of them, including notable shows. His encyclopedic knowledge and appreciation forged bonds with other Deadheads. He studied Celestial Navigation and maintained a Merchant Mariner Captains License and traveled to Isla de Mujeres, Mexico by charter fishing boat, the “Obsession” out of Manteo, NC for many winters. In 2021, Mark fulfilled a lifelong dream when he acquired a 1982 Hinckley Bermuda 40 yawl, the “Cordial”, sailing in the Chesapeake Bay most recently. He and Elizabeth enjoyed being a part of the close-knit community at Little Creek Marina in Norfolk, VA.
The celebration of Mark’s remarkable life will be held at Gallop Memorial Chapel, Nags Head Tuesday February 17, 2026 at 3 pm. Please share condolences with the family on-line at gallopfuneralservices.com. Gallop Funeral Services, Inc. was entrusted with arrangements.
Condolences
We are heartbroken at Mark's passing. He was such a wonderful person. He truly cared about his family, his friends and his community. He will be missed by many on the OBX and beyond. Sending Elizabeth, Morgan and family our heartfelt condolences, prayers and love. May you find comfort in your memories. 🙏❤️
What an incredible tribute to a life lived with passion, adventure, love and integrity. Mark was loved by all who knew him and will truly be missed. Please accept my most sincere condolences for your loss.
Fair winds and following seas my friend. Glad to have known you and shared a tiller and a few beers! RIP.
We are shocked and saddened to hear such sad news. We knew Mark as a master craftsman, doing work for us around our Nags Head beach house for over 20 years. We felt like we had known him our whole lives. He was a very special person.
Mark was my PIKA BROTHER, a bond which lasted through life. He is dearly missed.
Mark , A gentle man a friend above all else , so many great memories of a beautiful person who was always there for us , creative and warm and funny May you rest in peace “ Friend “
To Elizabeth, friends and family of Mark, my deepest condolences. I knew Mark from college and friends, I haven’t seen him in a long while, and still can easily recall his ready smile and laugh. I shared a lot of good times and have many fond memories of Mark, music and food! We tucked in to a bushel of steamed crabs many a time. Love to you Elizabeth.
My deepest condolences from a former classmate at MTHS
I’m so Sorry Elizabeth he sounds like a remarkable fun loving person. I wish I had met him. ❤️ My Most Sincere Condolences.
I got to know Mark through my work and always found him to be a sweet, good-natured man who always had a smile on his face. His smile was biggest when talking about his sailboat, the fulfillment of a long standing dream. He will be missed. My condolences to his wife and family.
Mark was one of a kind.So sad you had to leave us.
Such a nice tribute for an amazing guy. I worked for his mom, thats how we met Mark & Elizabeth. We enjoyed their company when they would come to Florida. He loved the water, he loved fishing, he loved sailing.We were so happy when he got the boat of his dreams. You will be greatly missed.
I recently learned of Mark's passing and am acutely saddened by the news. I worked alongside him in his days with the Friends of Jockey's Ridge, and he approached his work with that group with the same passion for living and thirst for adventure he displayed in everyday life. Thanks for your dedicated service to the park, Mark. The world was a better place with you in it, and you will be missed.
Bitsy, My thoughts and prayers are with you. May your wonderful memories help you through this difficult time.
I am very sad ,i loose one of my last American cousin. We shall be very glad to meet you if once you come to France.Dick and Mark visited us in Linthal and i meet both in Lancaster.
Sorry for your loss I’m gonna miss my old friend Lotta awesome memories Lotta great dead shows Adventurous fishing expeditions Lotta laughs He was a good friend I’ll never forget !
Mark was my handy man for many years, redid my top deck and several storm doors. He always came right away when I had an emergency. He was fearless about heights and was so very happy when he bought his latest sailboat. I think he had a real zest for life. When he spoke of his wife he said Elizabeth with such love in his voice. My condolences to her and I know what a great void his loss causes.
Elizabeth, Family, and friends:Once, again I am so sorry for this loss. Mark was such an amazing person; He will truly and deeply be missed by so many. I feel truly blessed to have known him and privileged to have called him friend. Matt Gunter
Rest In Peace Mark you always had a Big Smile On Your Face and always Positivity my Sincere Condolences to your Family R . I . P . Mark
Sincerest condolences to Elizabeth and Morgan and Mark’s family. Mark was a wonderful combination of adventurous spirit and gentle soul. I imagine he’s on his greatest adventure yet as he sails the celestial seas.
Dearest Elizabeth, What a shock ! Still so young ! So sorry for you ! Our sincere condolences to you and hope to see you at our place whenever you can come. Beatrice and Karsten
Dearest Elizabeth, What a shock ! Still so young ! So sorry for you ! Our sincere condolences to you and hope to see you at our place whenever you can come. Beatrice and Karsten
Elizabeth, we are saddened to learn of Mark's passing He will be missed in The Cove. Our deepest sympathies to you and Morgan.
That was a very beautiful obituary. Just wanted to send my Love & Condolences to Elizabeth,. Morgan, and the rest of his loved ones & friends. Mark & Elizabeth had me over on several occasions, & he was always warm, welcoming, interested in what music I listened to, & made sure he let me know his, while it played in the background, but basically treated me like family. And I was always honored by that, & will never forget it. R.I.P. Mark, & thank you for the memories. ✌🏼💜
To my dear cousin Elizabeth, Morgan and Mark's family. What an absolutely beautiful obituary. We learned so much about what an interesting life Mark had. The Grateful Dead came to the Hampton Coliseum many times and our streets were full of Deadheads! I bet Mark was there! How wonderful you could share so many happy years together. I'm glad that we could be there too, the last time being a great seafood lunch at Fuller's in Phoebus. The many condolences posted show how much he was loved, respected and admired. He will be missed so much by our family and so many more. With our love and heartfelt sympathy.
Mark was like a brother to me. He was always there if we needed anything. He would great us with that great grin of his and sit for a chat. He will be missed. Life is a bit less colorful without him in it.
Dear Elizabeth, Although we have not met, I share the loss of Mark with you. He was a fraternity brother of mine at University of Richmond. He and our brothers had memorable times during our years in Pi Kappa Alpha. Although I had lost track with him over the years, I was delighted to hear that he found a wonderful woman to share his eventful life. Please accept my condolences and know that he is in our prayers.
We were sorry to hear of Mark’s passing and are keeping you and Mark in our prayers. We are so happy that he found you and share his eventful life. We were fraternity brothers at Richmond. Elizabeth, I’m happy that Mark gave you so many memories
On behalf of the B40 Association, we extend our deepest condolences to Elizabeth and the entire family at the passing of our fellow Comrade, Mark. It came as quite a surprise, as Mark has been a Member of the B40 Association for some time -- Being a master craftsman, we know why he cherished the iconic B40 as Cordial's brightwork enjoyed Mark's handiwork. Thank you for sharing such a heartwarming testament to Mark's and your life together. We are here for you -- Fairwinds and may Mark R.I.P
Me and my family are heartbroken at Marks passing. We came to know him through the work he did at the family beach house in Kill Devil Hills. His work was stellar and I was always amazed at his instinctive ability to instantly assess a problem. He was a good spirited person and even though we were in different fraternities in college, we always shared fraternity stories with a good laugh. Fair winds, following seas and Godspeed!
We are heartbroken at Mark’s passing. He was such a wonderful person. He truly cared about his family, his friends and his community. He will be missed by many on the OBX and beyond. Sending Elizabeth, Morgan and family our heartfelt condolences, prayers and love. May you find comfort in your memories. 🙏❤️
What an incredible tribute to a life lived with passion, adventure, love and integrity. Mark was loved by all who knew him and will truly be missed. Please accept my most sincere condolences for your loss.
Fair winds and following seas my friend. Glad to have known you and shared a tiller and a few beers! RIP.
We are shocked and saddened to hear such sad news. We knew Mark as a master craftsman, doing work for us around our Nags Head beach house for over 20 years. We felt like we had known him our whole lives. He was a very special person.
Mark was my PIKA BROTHER, a bond which lasted through life. He is dearly missed.
Mark ,
A gentle man a friend above all else , so many great memories of a beautiful person who was always there for us , creative and warm and funny
May you rest in peace “ Friend “
To Elizabeth, friends and family of Mark, my deepest condolences. I knew Mark from college and friends, I haven’t seen him in a long while, and still can easily recall his ready smile and laugh. I shared a lot of good times and have many fond memories of Mark, music and food! We tucked in to a bushel of steamed crabs many a time. Love to you Elizabeth.
My deepest condolences from a former classmate at MTHS
I’m so Sorry Elizabeth he sounds like a remarkable fun loving person. I wish I had met him. ❤️ My Most Sincere Condolences.
I got to know Mark through my work and always found him to be a sweet, good-natured man who always had a smile on his face. His smile was biggest when talking about his sailboat, the fulfillment of a long standing dream. He will be missed. My condolences to his wife and family.
Mark was one of a kind.So sad you had to leave us.
Such a nice tribute for an amazing guy. I worked for his mom, thats how we met Mark & Elizabeth. We enjoyed their company when they would come to Florida. He loved the water, he loved fishing, he loved sailing.We were so happy when he got the boat of his dreams. You will be greatly missed.
I recently learned of Mark’s passing and am acutely saddened by the news. I worked alongside him in his days with the Friends of Jockey’s Ridge, and he approached his work with that group with the same passion for living and thirst for adventure he displayed in everyday life. Thanks for your dedicated service to the park, Mark. The world was a better place with you in it, and you will be missed.
Bitsy,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. May your wonderful memories help you through this difficult time.
I am very sad ,i loose one of my last American cousin.
We shall be very glad to meet you if once you come to France.Dick and Mark visited us in Linthal and i meet both in Lancaster.
Sorry for your loss
I’m gonna miss my old friend
Lotta awesome memories
Lotta great dead shows
Adventurous fishing expeditions
Lotta laughs
He was a good friend I’ll never forget !
Mark was my handy man for many years, redid my top deck and several storm doors. He always came right away when I had an emergency. He was fearless about heights and was so very happy when he bought his latest sailboat. I think he had a real zest for life. When he spoke of his wife he said Elizabeth with such love in his voice. My condolences to her and I know what a great void his loss causes.
Elizabeth, Family, and friends:Once, again I am so sorry for this loss. Mark was such an amazing person; He will truly and deeply be missed by so many. I feel truly blessed to have known him and privileged to have called him friend.
Matt Gunter
Rest In Peace Mark you always had a Big Smile On Your Face and always Positivity my Sincere Condolences to your Family R . I . P . Mark
Sincerest condolences to Elizabeth and Morgan and Mark’s family. Mark was a wonderful combination of adventurous spirit and gentle soul. I imagine he’s on his greatest adventure yet as he sails the celestial seas.
Dearest Elizabeth,
What a shock ! Still so young ! So sorry for you !
Our sincere condolences to you and hope to see you at our place whenever you can come.
Beatrice and Karsten
Dearest Elizabeth,
What a shock ! Still so young ! So sorry for you !
Our sincere condolences to you and hope to see you at our place whenever you can come.
Beatrice and Karsten
Elizabeth, we are saddened to learn of Mark’s passing
He will be missed in The Cove. Our deepest sympathies to you and Morgan.
That was a very beautiful obituary. Just wanted to send my Love & Condolences to Elizabeth,. Morgan, and the rest of his loved ones & friends. Mark & Elizabeth had me over on several occasions, & he was always warm, welcoming, interested in what music I listened to, & made sure he let me know his, while it played in the background, but basically treated me like family. And I was always honored by that, & will never forget it. R.I.P. Mark, & thank you for the memories. ✌🏼💜
To my dear cousin Elizabeth, Morgan and Mark’s family. What an absolutely beautiful obituary. We learned so much about what an interesting life Mark had. The Grateful Dead came to the Hampton Coliseum many times and our streets were full of Deadheads! I bet Mark was there! How wonderful you could share so many happy years together. I’m glad that we could be there too, the last time being a great seafood lunch at Fuller’s in Phoebus. The many condolences posted show how much he was loved, respected and admired. He will be missed so much by our family and so many more. With our love and heartfelt sympathy.
Mark was like a brother to me. He was always there if we needed anything. He would great us with that great grin of his and sit for a chat. He will be missed. Life is a bit less colorful without him in it.
Dear Elizabeth,
Although we have not met, I share the loss of Mark with you. He was a fraternity brother of mine at University of Richmond. He and our brothers had memorable times during our years in Pi Kappa Alpha.
Although I had lost track with him over the years, I was delighted to hear that he found a wonderful woman to share his eventful life.
Please accept my condolences and know that he is in our prayers.
We were sorry to hear of Mark’s passing and are keeping you and Mark in our prayers. We are so happy that he found you and share his eventful life. We were fraternity brothers at Richmond. Elizabeth, I’m happy that Mark gave you so many memories
On behalf of the B40 Association, we extend our deepest condolences to Elizabeth and the entire family at the passing of our fellow Comrade, Mark. It came as quite a surprise, as Mark has been a Member of the B40 Association for some time — Being a master craftsman, we know why he cherished the iconic B40 as Cordial’s brightwork enjoyed Mark’s handiwork. Thank you for sharing such a heartwarming testament to Mark’s and your life together.
We are here for you — Fairwinds and may Mark R.I.P
Me and my family are heartbroken at Marks passing. We came to know him through the work he did at the family beach house in Kill Devil Hills. His work was stellar and I was always amazed at his instinctive ability to instantly assess a problem. He was a good spirited person and even though we were in different fraternities in college, we always shared fraternity stories with a good laugh.
Fair winds, following seas and Godspeed!