Oxford resident Mark A. Dolata passed away on July 1, 2021. He was 71.

Mark was born in Detroit, Michigan on January 12, 1950. He was raised in Detroit until, moving to Warren, at the age of 5. Mark attended St. Anne Catholic school. For his high school years, he moved over to Warren High, which is where he met his future wife, Fran Perliskey. He graduated in the class of 1968 and went to Northern Michigan University on a basketball scholarship. Mark and his high school sweetheart Fran, were married on August 2, 1969, at St. Anne Church in Warren. He and Fran raised their family in Sterling Heights. Mark built a successful career in sales and home improvement. Mark owned and operated a successful home improvement business.
While some retirees spend their time on the golf course or traveling, Mark invested his time with his grandchildren. He took extreme pride in all his grandchildren, the Fab 5. Additionally, he loved spending time with his sons, their families, and his friends. Mark and Fran moved from Sterling Heights, out to Oxford in 2014. With the move, you could often find him at either the ball field, dance recital or a school function, supporting and cheering on his Fab 5. Mark was a frequent visitor to the casinos around town and loved to play the slot machines. Mark took his fashion cues from no one. You could always find him wearing his signature plain pocketed t- shirts (with stain) and his old faithful crocs. Mark had a passion to help others (whether you asked for it or not). He would always be the first in line to lend a helping hand. Mark developed a love for Michigan State University along with his sons, but recently adopted both Grand Valley State University and Cental Michigan University as favorites because of course, that is where his grandchildren are attending college.
Mark is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Fran Dolata; their children Shawn & Scott; daughter in-laws’ Sherilyn & Emily; grandchildren Meghan (22), Jacob (19), Eleanor (19), Barrett (16) and Evalyn (13). Mark is predeceased by both of his parents, Raymond & Shirley Dolata.
A Funeral Mass was held at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Lake Orion on Tuesday, July 6. Arrangements entrusted to Lynch & Sons Funeral Directors, Oxford.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Camp Spifida; 58 Camp Victory Road, Millville, PA 17864. www.campspifida.org