Mark Chiappone, age 55, passed away on January 17, 2026 in Miami, FL. Born on May 3, 1970 in Norristown, PA, to parents Donald and Phylis Chiappone Francis, Mark spent most of his childhood in PA, graduating from Great Valley High School, Malvern, PA in 1989 .Determined to be a marine biologist from the age of 11, Mark earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Science and Biology from the U. of Miami in 1991, and subsequently a Master of Science in Marine Biology from Nova Southeastern U., Ft. Lauderdale, FL in 2000, as well as graduate certificates in his field from the U. of Florida.
Throughout Mark’s career with The Nature Conservancy, The Center for Marine Science, UNC at Wilmington, Key Largo, FL, The U. of Miami, The National Coral Reef Institute, and for 7 years as an adjunct professor in Mathematics and Oceanography, then 19 years as a Senior Associate Professor of Biology and Oceanography at Miami-Dade College, Homestead Campus, he never lost his love of the ocean or his passion and persistence to protect marine life, particularly coral reefs.He loved sharing that passion and knowledge with his students and anyone else who would listen.
Mark dedicated over 12 years of service as a volunteer with the U.S. Coast Guard out of Coral Gables, FL, contributing thousands of hours to Search and Rescue, Environmental support and boat crew training. His passion for teaching was an integral part of educating boaters throughout Miami-Dade County.
While he had a deep love and dedication to his work, Mark loved his family above all. And nothing meant more to him than his boys. Being their father was his greatest blessing and his proudest role.
Mark is survived by his sons, Dominic Conrad and John Paul, their mother, Lina Lopez; his mother, Phyl Francis; his sister, Holly Altemose (Lance) and niece Alexandra Altemose; his Aunt,Tracie Carpenter; his cousin, Joshua Carpenter; and his cousins, Sarah Herrmann and Rebekah Batot.
He was predeceased by his father, Don Chiappone (2010); his stepfather, Bud Francis (2006); his cousin, Jeremy Lackey (2006); and his uncle and aunt, Jim (2001) and Rosemarie (2017) Herrmann.
A Celebration of Life Open House will be held on May 3rd from 1-4 pm at the Great American Pub, 148 Bridge Street in Phoenixville, and we will share light fare.
Donations in Mark’s memory can be made to: https://foundation.mdc.edu./ or https://friendsofbiscaynebay.org.