Mark Tummarello

mark tummarello

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Dr. Mark Tummarello, 64 of Oakton, Virginia. Mark passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Friday, September 15, 2023 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Mark was born on November 2, 1958 to Anthony and Ann Tummarello in Massapequa Park, NY. The family moved around quite a bit during his childhood, and he experienced living overseas including places such as Holland and Brazil. Eventually, the family moved back to the United States, where Mark graduated from high school in Holmdel, New Jersey.

Mark continued his education at Moravian College, where he met his college sweetheart and wife of 37 years, Lisa. After college, Mark attended dental school at the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond, VA where he met numerous lifelong friends.

Upon graduating from dental school, Mark went on to start a dental practice in Fairfax, Virginia where he enjoyed a successful career as a general dentist. Mark truly loved his profession as a dentist. He looked forward to going to work each day and cherished the relationships with his patients, many of whom he had known since he opened the practice over 30 years ago. Dentistry was a source of great joy in his life, and he continued to work as long as his health allowed.

At home, Mark was a “gadget-guy”. Known to carry his trusty Swiss Army Knife, he was always tinkering with new tools, electronics and his computers. On weekends, Mark was up for the occasional adventure, especially if it involved cruising down the Potomac River on his boat—but more often, you would find him working in the garage on his lawn equipment, cars, or motorcycle, always with a big smile on his face and a friendly wave to the neighbors.

Mark was known for his compassion and generosity. Throughout his life, he never took the simple things for granted. He cherished spending time with his family, friends, and his beloved pets. The dogs trailed Mark around the house and neighborhood, always counting on him for extra treats or even a “second dinner”. Above all, Mark was a loving, devoted husband and family man – not only to his wife and daughters, but also to his mother and brother. He was a great friend to many, and we all miss him dearly.

Mark is survived by his wife of 37 years Lisa, and his daughters Jennifer, Marie and Kaitlyn. He is also survived by his mother Ann Tummarello, his brother Anthony M. Tummarello (Cheryl) and a large extended family. He is predeceased by his father, Anthony P. Tummarello.

Family and friends are welcome to attend the funeral on Saturday, October 7, 2023 at 12:30 pm at St. Mark Catholic Church, 9970 Vale Road, Vienna. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Cancer Society or a charity of your choosing.

Services

Memorial Mass of Christian Burial: October 7, 2023 12:30 pm

St. Mark Catholic Church.
9970 Vale Rd
Vienna, Va 22181

703-281-9100
https://www.stmark.org/

Graveside Service: October 7, 2023 1:30 pm

St Mark Catholic Church Columbarium
9970 Vale Rd.
Vienna, VA 22181


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  1. I am greatly saddened to have heard of Marks passing. Mark and I spent 4 great years at Moravian. We pledged Beta Lambda Chi Fraternity in the same pledge class, we lived for a few years at Bernhardt Hall, we took numerous classes together as Bio majors, we shared a canoe during a fraternity rapids trip, we shared a laboratory and office along with Russ Rentler and Walter Hepp, and we published an article about starfish while at Moravian. I never saw him in an angry or a bad mood. He enjoyed playing indoor soccer with “Thompson’s Gunners”, and we both took our dates to 1980 springfest(?), Mark drove the 4 of us. He truly loved Lisa.I remember the day he went to the post office to pick up what was his acceptance to dental school, he was elated. Although I only saw him once, perhaps twice, following graduation, we exchanged a few letters during my first year in medical school and his first year in dental school. Mark was and IS a great man. I was fortunate to have known him. Someday, somewhere, I know we will be working with our beloved starfish again. Rest easy Mark, you have earned your place in paradise. Your Pal, Russ Gelormini

  2. Dr Tummerella (Mark) was the best dentist anyone could ever want. I started going to Dr. Tummerella over 25 years ago when he was first starting out. Within a few years my entire family was going to him as their dentist. Every time I went to visit him he was so jovial and upbeat. He truly liked his patients and went above and beyond in the care he provided. We will all miss him and hope he is resting in peace.

  3. Dear Lisa, Jennifer, Marie and Kaitlyn, We are so very sad for the loss of your dear husband and dad. Mark was truly a light to all who knew him. We loved his wonderful sense of humor, his kind and warm demeanor, and his infectious smile. Mark was a gift to us, and we feel very blessed to have known him not only as patients, but also as friends for so many years. We join you in your sorrow, and we pray for your comfort and peace. With love and prayers, Chris and Jeannie Bayer (and Emma, Andrew, Daniel and John)
    2 Corinthians 4:16-18 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

  4. We are so saddened by the loss of Dr. Tummarello. He was such a great human, a great dentist. There are no words to express how much he will be missed. We pray for Lisa, Jennifer, Marie and Kaitlyn’s peace in this time of great sorrow. Rest in peace dear Dr. Tummarello.

  5. I am so sorry to hear this! Dr. Tummarello was my dentist since I moved to Virginia 25 years ago. I loved going to him as he was “old school” and kept my teeth in great shape without trying to upsell procedures. But I mostly loved going to my appointments as he was such a kind man and always took an interest in my life. Rest in peace, you will be greatly missed.

  6. It’s extremely sad to hear of Mark’s passing. What a wonderful and nice guy he was! We shared a few patients even though I’m at least an hour away in Frederick, MD- I wanted to make sure my patients were seeing the best! I wish all the best to his family and to his long-time partner is dentistry, Hilary Pandak. It’s so neat his daughter is following in his footsteps and will be a legacy to his exemplary dental career.

  7. Remember Mark from Moravian College, hanging out with he and Walt. Mark was two years below me and friends with my good friend Cheryl. He was a super nice, fun guy. So very sorry to hear about this. Too sad. My condolences to Lisa and her daughters. Robin Tobman Lubin a.k.a. Bird

  8. My condolences to all the family and friends of Dr. Tummarello. We met over 20 years ago as I became his patient and, he had become my dentist ever since. Matter of fact, my children, and even my grandson became his patients as I turned them on to Dr. Tumarrello, and they all loved his care for them, a true caring individual indeed. He shall be missed but let us smile as to being able to have crossed paths with him, his smile and jokes will live in our hearts always :-)…

  9. Dr. Tumarello was the best dentist I ever had. He always made everyone feel at ease and truly cared. I just saw him not long ago and did not know he had even been ill. As always, his smile was unwavering and that is what we will all miss. My deepest condolences to the family.

  10. Deepest sympathies. As a patient of Dr. Ts for 30 yrs ,I never dreaded my appointments. It was more like a social visit. He was empathetic , kind and gentle. I can’t believe I won’t be visiting him again. I will miss his chuckles.

  11. I am so sad to hear about the illness and passing of Mark. Both he and Lisa were dear friends of mine at Moravian college. Mark and Walt Hepp were among the first friends I made freshman year. We all bonded together as we were all biology majors and sharing many of the same classes. Mark, or as he was affectionately known as Toomey, was a great friend and a great guy. He could always be depended on to help out with anything whether it was studying for a test, giving a ride home on break, or even a loan of money. He would help with anything. He did this out of generosity and always with humor and a smile. Senior year he began dating Lisa who was one of my housemates. I remember how excited they both were to be in this relationship, and needless to say he was around a lot. There are many fond memories of good times at Moravian and Toomey was a big part of them. I’m sure he will be missed dearly by his family, patients, and many friends. I am wishing for peace and love for Lisa and her family.

  12. To Kaitlyn and Family,
    I send my heartfelt prayers of comfort, peace, and love. Kaitlyn, I am always here.
    –Lynette

  13. My condolences to the family, Dr. Tummarello was the best dentist I ever had, I actually looked forward to dental appointments. There was always a smile and something to talk about. Never a lack of conversation, especially when one of us would be traveling to or had recently returned from New Jersey to visit relatives. Usually, ways to avoid I95 and the N. J. Turnpike, or the best time to go. Over the years he became a friend and will be missed. May he rest in peace. -Ruth Vint


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