Mark Katona

Mark Katona ~ Beloved husband ~ Father ~ Son ~ Brother~ Uncle~ Cousin~ Friend ~ Boss ~

Passed away suddenly in Oceanside California on December 21st, 2010, He was the fourth son born to Carol Lee Johnston and James Anthony Katona, Sr. His surviving siblings are Jim Jr., Steven, Anthony, Gina his only sister, Michael, and Frankie (deceased) who the Katona’s adopted in 1978.

He leaves behind a beautiful wife, Judyta (Ludwik) Katona and 2 beautiful daughters. Angelica 7 years of age and Alicia (aka Sissy) 5 years of age, his mother in law Maria Ludwik , Father in law Stanley (deceased) and brother in law Mariusz Ludwik. He also leaves behind 17 nieces and nephews, Aunts, Uncles and Cousins and countless numbers of lifelong friends.

Mark was born in Philadelphia PA and attended Saint John the Baptist school and church until 1972 when the family built a home in the suburbs of Philadelphia, in Lafayette Hill, PA. Mark attended Spring Mill Elementary, Whitemarsh Junior High and Graduated from Plymouth Whitemarsh High School, where he graduated in 1980.

After graduating High School, Mark worked for his father who was the owner and operator of his own roofing company until he moved to California to chase his dream of becoming a stunt man. After a few years and a couple of small scale movies, Mark moved back East to be closer to his family and friends. After working for his father again for several years he ventured out on his own and on the 4th of July, when he was just 26 years old he started his first job as the owner and operator of “Mark Katona Roofing Inc.” Which he turned into a very lucrative business in the prestigious are of Bellmont Hills (also known as “The Main Line” in Philadelphia, PA)

After several years of running Mark Katona Roofing Inc, the desire to be back in California, which he always lovingly referred to as “God’S Country” was tugging at him once again. He sold his home and business and moved back to Carlsbad California to start a new business in the land that he loved so much. On April 20th 2002 Mark married his longtime friend, Judyta Ludwick. Mark moved Oceanside CA and not long after he became the proud daddy of Angelica Gabriella on OCT 15th 2003, followed by the birth of his daughter Alicia Grace on May 2nd 2005. His “Dumplings” were his treasures.

He and his wife became partners in marriage, business and life as they proceeded to build “Keystone Roofing Inc” Specializing in Sheet Metal roofing and Mark was a 5 time winner of the NRCA Gold Circle award, which is the equivalent to the Golden Globe award in the roofing industry. Mark was well known for his ability to take on the challenge of difficult jobs in which other contractors were unable to achieve. Mark always had the attitude that the harder something was, the more determination he had to make it happen. He took on many challenging jobs and completed them with perfection and received great recognition within the industry as well as the community.

Although Mark had much success in his business he was still searching for something more although he was raised a Catholic, he was reborn in Jesus Christ and became a devout Christian, he was baptized as an adult and accepted Jesus as his Lord and savior. He led many people to the Lord through his own actions and love for the Lord. He held Bible Studies in his home and opened his heart and his door to anyone in need. Mark and Judyta gave so much of themselves to so many people. Mark was a “Pay it forward” kind of man and never expected to be given credit for his generosity. He loved helping people and he loved to love.

One of Mark’s most notorious acts of giving was aired on the news on the Turko segment. There was a woman who was dealing with the loss of her husband. She had paid a large sum of money to another roofing company to put a new roof on her house. The roofing contractor tore the old roof off and left just plywood and tarps before disappearing with her money and the rest of the materials to complete the job. After watching the segment on the news Mark immediately acted and the next morning was at the house of the woman offering to put a new roof on free of charge. He pulled his crews off of existing jobs to get the roof completed without any damage to the interior of the house. He told the woman to “Pay it forward” and that would be enough payment for him.

Another of Mark’s most proud moments was when a seal pup had been washed up on a near-by beach with plastic bottle wrap & netting so tightly wound around his neck he could barely breathe. That night they announced the “authorities” had made the decision that to try to rescue the pup might cause danger or harm to the other seals and they had no choice but to let it expire. They also clearly stated anyone who trespassed onto the beach would be arrested and fined. I think Mark’s response was “not on my watch”.

After dark that night Mark set out to rescue the pup. His pocket knife in hand as he crawled along the beach toward the pup he saw another man with the same goal in mind. Together the two of them sent that pup free. It was a very special moment for all three of them.

Mark believed Jesus calls us as His modern day apostles, and through his love of others especially those who suffered he was called to serve. And serve he did. In 2007 Mark purchased radio air time with money out of his own pocket and for a year and a half every Sunday night for one hour live, he would talk to people about Jesus Christ and how Jesus changed his life. A woman who was thinking of taking her own life called the show one night when Mark shared the word of the Lord with her and succeeded in helping her change her heart and she no longer wanted to end her life.

These are just some of the many things that Mark has done in his time here on earth that made him the special man he was. He will forever be remembered in the hearts of those who knew him, and even those who did not know him. Mark always said “Until further notice, Celebrate EVERYTHING”

Mark leaves behind a legacy, a legend, a small part of him will live on in every one of us whose life he touched. He was without a doubt a soldier, a saint, a warrior, and now an Angel. He is in heaven with our Lord, rejoicing in his eternal unimaginable glory in the presence of our Almighty God.

Forever at peace ~ Forever in his Glory ~ Forever in our hearts.