Mark A. Gatsakos

Mark A. Gatsakos, 61, of McHenry, IL, passed away from natural causes on October 1, 2025. He was born on March 29, 1964, in Park Ridge, IL, to Albert John and Barbara (nee Malecek) Gatsakos.

Mark dedicated over 30 years to his life's calling as an elementary school teacher. He was a beloved 2nd-grade teacher at Indian Prairie Elementary School in Crystal Lake for over 25 years. Mark earned an Ed.D. (Doctor of Education) from Northern Illinois University. Mark was a recipient of the Kohl McCormick Early Childhood Teaching Award, honoring metropolitan Chicago's finest elementary school teachers.

He cared about his son and eight nieces and nephews deeply. All of them were invited to be a guest for a day in his 2nd-grade classroom. It was a special day for each of them.

Mark had a deep love for movies. He loved spending time at the movie theater or rewatching his favorite movies at home - dozens of times. His favorite movies were Alien and Halloween.

Mark is survived by his son, Anthony Gatsakos, of McHenry, IL; his beloved aunt, Mary (nee Gatsakos) Amidei; his sister, Lisa (Dominic) Guinta of Lake Zurich, IL; his brother, John (Marybeth) Gatsakos of Powers Lake, WI; his nieces, Amanda, Stephanie, and Jenell; his nephews, Dan, Chris, Sam, and Tony; and his many cousins.

Mark was preceded in death by his parents, John and Barbara Gatsakos, and his niece, Kelly Irene Gatsakos.

A visitation will be held on Friday, October 10th, from 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. at Davenport Funeral Home, 419 E. Terra Cotta Ave (Route 176), Crystal Lake. A mass, followed by a luncheon, will be held on Saturday, October 11th starting at 10 a.m. at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 451 W. Terra Cotta Ave, Crystal Lake.