Mark Angelo Primo

Mark Angelo Primo, 81 of Traverse City passed away Saturday, December 3, 2022 with his family at his side after a long and valiant battle with Parkinson’s disease. Mark was born on February 19, 1941, in Detroit, MI to the late Angelo and Marguerite (Arsenault) Primo, the oldest of eight siblings. He attended Catholic Central High School in Detroit and College Ste Anne in Church Point, Nova Scotia, where he became fluent in Canadian French. Mark graduated from the University of Detroit and began his career in sales at JL Hudson in downtown Detroit. He continued working in sales and retail throughout his life, selling a variety of goods, from apparel and hearing aids, to internet service and advertising. He’d sell whatever you’d buy (and you’d buy whatever he sold!). On June 25, 1966, he married Kathleen Dupuis in Caro, MI. Together they lovingly raised two sons, Christopher and Dario. They moved to Dublin, Ohio in 1970, where Mark became a passionate University of Michigan football fan. In the late 60’s, Mark and his seven siblings entertained as the “Primo People”. They performed on David Frost, Mike Douglas, and the Ed Sullivan Shows in 1968 and they eventually recorded an album for Capitol Records. After moving to Traverse City in 1977, he established a new business, the ‘Vac Doc’, which he owned for many years. Mark was a steadfast member of Alcoholics Anonymous for many years and he served on the board of Dakoske Hall in the 1980’s. He genuinely cared about others, and extended his hand to anyone who needed help finding sobriety. Mark eventually retired to his house ‘on the water’ in 1983 which he proudly built with the guidance of VCR tapes and library books(!). In his later years, he enjoyed reading, golfing, boating, celebrating family occasions. He traveled extensively, always in the company of his wife, but also with family and friends. Visiting his ancestral home in the Magdalen Islands with his siblings was a treasured trip. Mark was affectionate, loyal, patient, true to his family, generous, and always optimistic. He was known for his sense of humor and his wit would shine through even in his most trying days. He was a loving husband and father, adored ‘Boppa’, and was revered by his siblings, nieces, and nephews. Mark is survived and missed by his wife Kathy of 56 devoted years, sons, Christopher (Anne Marie Silke) Primo of Ireland, Dario (Kelly T’Kindt) Primo of Traverse City, beloved grandchildren Mark, Cara, Gianna, Cicily, and Salvatore, as well as his siblings: Michele Barnes, Angela (John) Olshansky, Dana (Maria) Primo, Anne (Kim) Stubenvoll, Celeste Johnston, Angelo Primo and many other loving family members and friends including all his Dupuis family. Mark is preceded in death by his parents and brother Gary. The family would like to thank the staff at Orchard Creek, Munson Hospice, Dr. A. Heindl, and special home caregivers, Mike and Marianne for their kindness and compassion. A memorial service will be held on January 20th at 11 am at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Grand Traverse in Traverse City with a visitation held one hour prior. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Parkinson’s Network North, the Michigan Parkinson’s Foundation, or the charity of your choice. Kindly share thoughts and memories with Mark’s family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.

Mark Angelo Primo

February 19, 1941 - December 3, 2022