Mark Steven Nieto, 68, of Los Fresnos, TX, died peacefully in his McQueeney, TX home with his loving family by his side, on Sunday, July 21, 2024, after a hard-fought battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born in Saginaw, MI on March 29, 1956. Mark was a 1974 Seguin HS graduate and joined the US Army where he proudly served his country as an Airborne Tactical Circuit Controller shortly after. Mark was preceded in death by Benicia Medina Leal Nieto (Mother), Valerio A. Nieto (Father), Steven Nieto (Brother), Ida Bernice Nieto Munoz (Sister) and Amanda Nieto (Sister).
He is survived by his loving wife of 25+ years, Cecilia Russell Nieto of Los Fresnos/McQueeney; his children, Michele Nieto (David Ramirez) and Steven Nieto (Michelle D'Amore); his stepchildren, whom he raised from a very young age, Sondra (Jon) Baldivia, all of San Antonio, and Nicholas Bella (Sarie Rodriguez) of San Benito; his siblings, Valerio (Yolanda) Nieto of Seguin, Arthur (Alice) Nieto of Schertz, Sam (Alicia) Nieto of Seguin, Sandra (George) Tristan of Houston, Debra Nieto-Castilleja of New Braunfels, and his best friend of over 60+ years, Albert (Sylvia) Marmolejo of Seguin. Mark was also a loving uncle to many nieces and nephews. His memory will live on through many family members and friends in the Rio Grande Valley and Seguin areas.
Mark loved visiting with family and friends, playing basketball, running, watching movies and sports but his favorite role was that of being a Grandpa. He treasured his time with all of his grandchildren and loved being their "Grandpobby". Mark showed his stern discipline when needed, yet never failed to show his unwavering love and support. His grandchildren who will always cherish his memories are: Erika Nieto, Luke Antillon, Faith Nicole, Sarah Monique, Noah, Keziyah and Yadiyah Bella, and Allison Baldivia.
During his military tenure, Mark received numerous medals and decorations, which include, 2 Army Commendation medals, a sharp-shooter badge, an expert badge with hand grenade, an expert badge with M203, and a parachutist badge. Mark served with the 1st infantry division/"The Big Red One".
Mark was passionate about his work as a salesman in numerous industries. He was blessed enough to travel across the US and Mexico, meeting many people along the way. Mark formed many friendships throughout his career, many of which lasted decades. On a personal and professional level, Mark was a rock for many people, gave the best advice, and cared for all he loved. His memory will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and all the lives he touched. His love of life and larger than life personality will be greatly missed by all who were fortunate enough to know and love him. We couldn't have asked for a better husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend.
A visitation for Mark will be held Friday, July 26, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM with a Rosary at 7 pm at Holy Family Catholic Church, 2405 E Tyler St, Brownsville, Texas 78521. A continued visitation will occur Saturday, July 27, 2024 from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM in Chapel of Peace, at Funeraria del Angel Buena Vista, 125 Mcdavitt Blvd, Brownsville, Texas 78521. A mass will occur Saturday, July 27, 2024 at 12:00 PM, 2405 E Tyler St, Brownsville, Texas 78521, followed by a burial that will occur Saturday, July 27, 2024 at 1:00 PM at Buena Vista Burial Park, 5 Mcdavitt Blvd, Brownsville, Texas 78521.
Pallbearers: Valerio and Sam Nieto, David Ramirez, George, Carlos and Javier Alvarez, David Garza and Gus Perez. Honorary pallbearer: Albert Marmolejo.
