Mark Reuel Antell

Mark Reuel Antell, a long time Rosslyn resident, community greenspace activist, and hemophilia treatment organizer, died on March 29, 2023 after falling while taking a walk. He was 76. Mark is survived by his adult children Mara (Antell) and Tripp Holton, Kira Antell and Paul Engelhardt, and Zev and Anna Antell; his ex-wife Sue Antell; and his partner Judy Walters and her daughter Jodi Michalski of Naperville, Illinois.

Mark retired from the Environmental Protection Agency in 2004 as soon as he was eligible and enjoyed spending time in Grecia, Costa Rica where he and Judy had a second home and a dog named Sarita. He was busy as a grandfather building rockets, doing science experiments, and only occasionally blowing up things with his seven grandchildren: Plum and Solomon Holton; Abe, Brek, and Warren Antell; and Kaitlyn Michalski and Connor Carney. He was active in local politics as a past President of the North Rosslyn Civic Association and former Chairman of the Arlington Civic Federation Executive Committee, a Green Party member, and absolutely committed to the preservation of greenspace and a walkable Arlington.

Mark had hemophilia, a bleeding disorder that made him particularly susceptible to injury but it rarely affected his willingness to engage in outdoor pursuits such riding his bicycle or hiking to waterfalls. People with hemophilia often rely on products comprised of contributions from many donors. Mark survived contracting hepatitis C from tainted blood products but his liver was severely damaged and, in recent years, had suffered significant health issues associated with liver failure. As a board member of the Hemophilia Association of the Capital Area (HACA) and active member of other hemophilia organizations, he was outspoken on the need for improved safety and testing of blood supply and relentless in his commitment to expanded access for new therapies for people with hemophilia.

A memorial will be held at 10:00am on Saturday, May 13, 2023 at Lyon Park Community Center, 414 N Fillmore Street in Arlington with visiting hours beginning at 9:30 and a luncheon after the memorial. Guests are welcome to stop by at any point. For additional information or a livestream link for those unable to join in person, please email: [email protected].

In remembrance, donations may be made to the Hemophilia Association of the Capital Area at https://hacacares.org/remembering-mark-antell/.