Mark Jeffrey McAuliffe (1982–2026)

Mark Jeffrey McAuliffe, 44, passed away peacefully at his home in St. George, Utah on the afternoon of April 27, 2026, following a courageous battle with colon cancer. He was surrounded by the family he loved more than anything in the world.

Born January 30, 1982, in Cheverly, Maryland, to Gregory McAuliffe and the late Alison Cobb McAuliffe, Mark moved to Alamosa, Colorado, in 1988. His childhood was spent riding bikes through town with friends, skiing the slopes of Wolf Creek and Monarch Mountains, and fishing at Big Meadows Reservoir. It was during these years that his technical mind first began to show; he was known for taking apart and reassembling his father’s computers—learning something new from every effort, whether the machine ended up back together or not.

A gifted problem-solver, Mark turned his curiosity into a distinguished career in aviation. Under the mentorship of Bob Colman at Depot Avionics in Alamosa, he became a technical expert in his field. In 2012, he was recruited to manage a startup avionics shop at the newly built airport in St. George, Utah, where his career and business ventures continued to thrive. His mechanical brilliance was also deeply appreciated in the off-road racing community, where he traveled as a vital teammate to races across the California Baja.

When he wasn’t in a hangar or at a race, Mark found joy in his many hobbies. He was an avid gamer who loved mastering the latest on Xbox, and his lifelong fascination with flight continued through his dedication to flight simulators. He was a regular at the blackjack table, an unwavering fan of the Denver Broncos, and a man who enjoyed the simple pleasure of an occasional Guinness or a few sips of Jameson on special occasions.

Mark was the "king of the one-liner," but his humor was about more than just a quick wit. He had a unique ability to use laughter to remove tension and uplift those around him. Even in the quietest moments, Mark could turn a gathering into a party just by being himself. He never sought the center of attention, yet he was invariably the funniest person in the room—a loyal friend and mentor who made the world better simply by making it brighter. He was a man of quiet strength who never let life’s hardships define him.

Above all else, Mark was a proud father who loved his children fiercely. He is survived by his son, Marcus (Rhiannon) McAuliffe; daughters, Alysa Sandoval and Kylie McAuliffe; father, Gregory F. McAuliffe; and "Ma" Veronica McAuliffe. He is also survived by his siblings: Kirsten (Scott) Starman, Jake (Tracy) McAuliffe, Louie (Leha) Ortega, Megan (Mike) Uphoff, and Larry (Amy) Ortega; his beloved dog and "favorite potato head," Ellis; and a large extended family of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, Alison, and his grandparents.

Services: A Celebration of Life will be held on September 12 in Alamosa, with a scattering of ashes to follow at Love Lake near Creede. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to your local hospice or favorite charity.