VERNON, CT – Mark Tobia, 69, of Vernon, CT passed away peacefully and with love, with his daughter by his side, on February 10th, 2025, in Danbury, CT. Born to the late Joseph J. and Rosalie (Davide) Tobia, on August 14th, 1955, in Baltimore, Maryland. The oldest of six children, he and his siblings were raised on Long Island, NY and in Westfield, MA, and shared a youth of imagination, adventure, music and connection.
Mark is survived by his daughter, Elizabeth (Noah) Hurlburt of Brookfield, CT and her children, his mother, Rosalie (Davide) Tobia of Westfield, MA, his brother Joe Tobia of DeLand, FL, his brother Tony Tobia of Edgartown, MA, his brother Christopher Tobia of Westfield, MA, his sister LeeAnn Tobia of Westfield, MA and his brother John Tobia of Vernon, CT. He will be missed by many cousins, great aunts and uncles, his niece, Sarah Tobia and the Allen Family, who provided lifelong friendship. He was predeceased by his father, Joseph J. Tobia and his infant son, Slater DiAnthony Tobia.
Throughout his life, Mark had a deep love for animals and their well-being. From the time he was a teenager, he sought out ways to care for them and as an adult opened Petpourri, a pet store in Vernon and later, Tri-Town Critter Sitters, where his commitment and dedication moved beyond the four walls of his store and into the local communities around him and people’s homes. He connected deeply with animals and their spirits and felt called to provide care and comfort to them.
His devotion to animals was challenged only by his enduring love of music. A talented guitar player, Mark connected to nature, humanity and himself through music. He studied and listened intently to music of all kinds and derived much joy from the works of The Beatles, Tuck & Patti, Eric Clapton and many other talented singers and songwriters.
Mark had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge; reading and researching voraciously, always seeking to better understand himself and the world around him. At times, this quest for understanding was an isolating one and his absence was palpable. Like music, our lives are meant to be shared, and relationships are the melodies that endure, even when the music stops.
The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the entire team at Regional Hospice who provided the kindest and most compassionate of care. In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) or Regional Hospice of Danbury would be appreciated.
A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring and further details will be shared soon.
