Eulogy

My brother, Mark Anthony Cristini lived his life on the edge. Gifted. Charismatic. Misunderstood. Understood. Passionate. Driven. Fiercely loyal. Too smart. He played by his rules, he didn’t care to understand or play by anyone else's rules. It's as if he could hold things in his heart in a very different way than you or I. Mark took life and squeezed every bit of richness and flavor out of it and savored it like he would a great pasta sauce. His pasta sauce. Every moment, every bite. As his fiance Sara said “Some souls are just too brilliant for this world. Too daring for the timid, Too generous for the ordinary, Too strong for the weak, Too simple for the sophisticated, Too unattached for the tangled, and Too much of a free-spirit to be caged in a body. That body” The Colgate smile, the piercing chocolate eyes-that rebel laugh. The snort. Even as a child, he was one step ahead. He made money from his coin collection at the age of five. He went to Guardian Angels grade school and Brother Rice High School in Michigan. He made the honor roll throughout BOTH grade school and high school. He never missed-once. He graduated from Michigan State, went onto law school and University of Detroit and spent a year studying in France. His life and career rocketed to the sky. In business he practiced law, entertainment and music. He was involved with many projects, his clients and friends included the famous, and the infamous. He always taught me that every person puts there pants on-one leg at a time. Except for him. Mark lived life trying to put both legs on at the same time. He was like a roller coaster, sometimes you loved the ride, other times you had to put your feet onto solid ground. This way of living life, made Markie feel alive. The sweat on his hands, the wind on his face , the adrenalin that pumped his heart. He always said there was never a guarantee for tomorrow. The conversations amongst his brothers and sisters would go something like this. “Do you know what your brother did? ,No, today he is your brother! and let me tell you why.” The second coming was synonymous with a visit by Mark. We called it a Mark “sighting”. In our family the tradition goes, one could always tell what kind of man you were, by how you treated your mother. He loved Mom and always tried to make her happy. Money was a means to an end for him. It burned a hole in his pocket and ours. Yet, he always came bearing gifts of love. In the past year, Mark had begun to settle down. Something we all had wished for him for a very long time. He found a soul mate. Someone who loved him-unconditionally. I don't think he ever had experienced that in his life. Sara didn't care how much money Mark had, or what he could buy her, she saw his soul. The soul was the gift. Mark always wanted children. He loved kids-He was a kid himself. He knew every toy store within five miles radius of where he lived. We are all better people for glimpsing the child heart that rested inside of him. We will see him again. He'll whisper sweet words into your ear, You'll hear the familiar laugh in an echoing breeze, a flash of a smile that tugs painfully at your memory of Mark. And if you look up into the sky-and notice an eagle (not a bald one-one with lots of hair) Wings spread to challenge the winds, you can hear his call- Aaah-aaah. Rest in peace, Markie.

Michealene Cristini

Mark is by brother in law, but from the day I met him it seemed as if he had always been my brother. I will always see his confident, lazy smile, picture his nonchalant ways, cherish his generosity and kindness as we have all seen it, whether it was the small beggar child on a street corner, or the rich sophisticated business man who felt he needed the next cab more than Mark did. Mark would give anyone all he had if they asked for it, or do all in his power to help you if you needed it. Not many people in this world are that good. To me, Mark is 10 feet tall, when Mark entered the room, the room stopped. My heart goes out to Sara, for she gave him the one thing he lacked---love. Sara loved Mark with her entire sole and being, and that made Mark complete. And everyone knows, Mark was not an easy one to love. Thank you Sara for making him so happy. You mean the world to me. I love you. To my children whom love their Uncle Mark very much, yes, I too am confused and saddened by his loss so early in life, he was a great man, he lived life to the fullest and was always full of life. I hope that one day one of you give me a grandson named Mark Anthony Cristini , a fine honor. Mark will always be with me in my heart and I can only hope that I can live up to his expectations of what he wanted for our family. I am thankful for the time I spent with him on earth, I can see him now, floating on a cloud, draped in white sheets and having grapes fed to him by angels smiling that smile of his. And so the story goes, God was in a dreadful legal battle with the devil and He needed the best lawyer there was, and so he borrowed Mark from us , cuz if anyone can beat the devil, Mark can! Mark, I' ll always love you -

Sandy Cristini

“What are you doing ?”, was always the question. “Sleeping , what normal people do at 3am,” was always the response. To many they call him friend . For me I call him “MY BROTHER”. Although Mark was only 11 months older then me, he was my protector and my nemeses. Most likely I was the first person to fall for one of his Big Deals. Like all brothers he had his mean streaks , From the garbage fish, the famous Alamo wall where Davie Crocket (me) was pushed to his death by Mexican soldiers, “Jump off the roof it‘s fun, ride your bike through the hedges you can make it, go punch that kid I’m right behind you [duh] , climb through the milk chute you won’t get stuck, throw the m80 in the fireplace no one will know”, the list goes on and on and on and on!... As we grew to our teen years the “Big Deals”got better . The teen club where we had dances that earned a $1,000.00 on any given week end and the special account where the money was kept, till the pastor found out. My hair still hurts. Where ever Mark got a job, I soon followed. From a Pizza joint to the infamous fruit market, “Put the fruit in this guys car. Don’t ask, he’ll pay me later”. Mark advanced to truck driver and purchaser at the farmers market, unfortunately for the owner, Mark sold more fruit than he did! I still can’t believe he did that to this day! He taught me how to drive, and I wrecked his car. I shared a room with him and he wrecked the room. My draft number was 124, when they were getting close I was going to join the service, Mark talked me out of it . He probably saved my life. I was going to Vietnam. When we were both in college, our colleges 300 miles apart, Mark invited me down for a weekend, I hitch hiked in 10 degree weather, snowing when I got there, he wasn’t . I slept outside his door. So, like any brother, I hot wired his car and drove back to my college. No matter what kind of trouble I got into, business, women, etc. I could always call my big-shot lawyer brother to bail me out. I could go on and on. Through all this, my brother and my family hold deep devotion to our Italian heritage. Honor and family and pride, deeply rooted in our souls. As for my brother’s untimely death, I have only sadness and anger. To those who bid him as their friend, remember him as a friend. To his enemies, remember revenge is served better on a cold plate. (You know who you are). I ask that everyone let my brother rest in peace, nothing will bring him back. I will miss him more than all of you could ever imagine because he was MY BROTHER. Sincerely...

Dominic Michael Cristini

"Mark Dearest,

You promised me 20 years. Our next announcement was supposed to be a wedding invitation. But I guess that some souls are just too brilliant for this world. They are - Too daring for the timid, Too generous for the ordinary, Too strong for the weak, Too simple for the sophisticated, Too unattached for the tangled, and Too free-spirit to be caged in a body. That is why I love you, Mark Anthony Cristini. Thank you for being my lover and soul-mate. I would not trade it for anything else in this world. Now you can fly with me wherever I go. I will celebrate everyday, with you deep in my heart. Yours & always, Sara"

Sara Cheng

What has he been doing? Where is he living? What the hell is he doing there? When will he be here? When is the last time you talked to him? ....................... These are all question that come up when I think of my Unlce Mark. I never knew what he was working on or where the hell he was but, I guess that's what I admired most about my uncle. The times I did spend with my uncle are unforgettable and will be with me forever. He lived his life the way he wanted to, and did the things that made him happy. It makes me sad to see him go but , one things for certain the CRISTINI name lives on with PRIDE and HONOR and he will always be RESPECTED and never forgotten.

Steven John Cristini
stevecr@gen-probe.com
San Diego, Ca

I have known Mark all of my adult life. I started dating Mark's youngest sister, AnnaMaria,my first year in college. In those early years he always let me know that she was his baby sister. At that point I have to honestly say I did not care for him much. Even after we were married and had started our family he would start off those late night phone calls with, " Let me talk to my sister." As the years went on and he realized that I loved his sister and that he could not scare me off we began to forge a friendship. I then began to jump up to answer the phone in the early morning because I knew who it was and knew he would make me laugh. The phone calls know started off with a boisterous," Whata Ya Doin Mother F*****!" I would then try to guess where he was and what he had up his sleeve. Often times he wouldn't even ask to speak to Anna. We had come a long ways and it saddens me that we will not have the chance to laugh and drink together any more. I have told Anna several times since we got the news that I will always laugh when I think of Mark. Rest Peacefully my Brother and my next "Makers" very neat will be for you.

David

Christopher Morley once said: ÒThere is only one success -- To be able to spend your life in your own way.Ó And from that perspective, Mark Anthony Cristini would have to be deemed the most successful man I have ever known. He was an extraordinary man who lived an extraordinary life. Mark was my cousin. He grew up nearby. I witnessed the charisma of his father and the warmth of his mother evolve into that dazzling smile that would ultimately charm the world. From an early age, Uncle Mario called him Marco Polo and I've often marveled at how very prophetic that early moniker proved to be. Nothing ever seemed impossible to Mark. He could always be counted on to come up with an outrageous idea that was sure to land us in hot water, but follow him I did. It was, after all, and in spite of the consequences, great fun to share in the adventure that was his life. To this day, I can't recall what he said to convince me to leave a perfectly good job with a respectable future to start my own firm without money or clients but I know he made it sound easy, an awfully ÒGood IdeaÓ at the time. He had that way about him. Mark was the guy who got to go to exotic places and meet glamorous people while the rest of us stayed home because we had to go to work the next day. Yet just knowing he was out there, somewhere in the world, Living Large and Having Fun somehow made the toils of our ordinary lives more bearable. He was Godfather to my youngest daughter. Searching for comfort in the face of this unexpected loss, I consoled her with the thought that now she had another Guardian Angel to watch over her. A wily lawyer who could charm the Devil himself, who would unflinchingly, no, make that eagerly, go where all other angels would sensibly fear to tread. An improbable combination to be sure, but one that I expect will keep her safe and bring her good fortune for the rest of her days. I will miss him. He was quite unique. I think it was Mark Twain who said ÒLet us endeavor so to live that when we come to die even the undertaker will be sorry.Ó I believe Mark was successful at that, too.

Anthony Bertoni
Beverly Hills, MI

I am the youngest of six children and proud to say that "My brother is Mark Anthony Cristini " Mark was the older brother that everyone wished that they had. Many of my childhood memories involved Mark. He taught me to love people as they are and to live each day as if it were your last. Mark would enter our house and everything would stop. He would shout my name ANNNNNNNNNNA weither I was two or thirty six. I remember his first car and his first prom date. I watched him graduated from Michigan State with honor and the University of Detroit Law School. I was amazed by his intelligence and devotion to teaching and learning. Mark's devilish smile and laughter was contagious. Mark was the "John Wayne"in our family. When my Father was ill and dying Mark was by his side until the end. I am sure that you and Dad are working a deal in heaven or he has you by the ear. The late night phone calls and the words of encouragement is what I will miss most ! Markie... you are my brother and my friend and will remain in my heart forever. Your life was to short for all of us ... but long enough to have such wonderful memories. Lets all toast to the adventures of Mark. Lets eat, dance and laugh as Mark loved to do. I will miss brother dear... May God hold you close in the palm of his hand. I love you !

AnnaMaria Hudson (Cristini)

I unfortunaly, had not seen my cousin Mark in many years but, I will never forget him and the memories that I shared with them all. He was close to my brother who passed away 29 years ago, almost to the day. I was so saddened by the news of his death. I appreciated reading every one's memories of a him and how he touched their lives. Thank you.

Gina Carter (Pitrucelli)

I remember the first day I met Mark Anthony Cristini. I wanted to hire the infamous Patrick Adams ("Push, Push In The Bush") to produce the music for one of my ad campaigns. Mark was his attorney, confidant, babysitter and shield against the outside world at the time. But as far as I was concerned, he was this preppy little wise ass standing between me and my music tracks. "I want to hire Patrick to do my music" I told him as he stood in the doorway of Patrick's apartment in his socks. "You and everybody else in New York", he quipped and promptly slammed the door in my face. I knocked again. He opened the door and shoved a card at me. On the card was scrawled the number 8,000,001. "Take a number and stand in line" he cracked, with that Colgate smile of his and once again slammed the door in my face. The next day I called the number on his card and to my surprise Mark answered his own phone. "I'm calling from New York Magazine", I lied. "We want to do a cover story on Patrick Adams." I continued. Mark turned on the charm and promised to deliver Patrick at the time and location of my choosing. Of course when the two of them showed up 45 minutes late, he realized he'd been had. "A lie told well enough becomes history" he chuckled and we sat down to lunch and made the deal. That was 21 years ago but it seems like just the other day.

Harry Webber ,
Los Angeles, CA

August 28, 2001

Mark married us, spoke at my father's funeral and made the best spaghetti sauce we'll all crave forever.

Monica Webber, LA, CA

August 28, 2001

The last time I talked to Mark was about 2-3 weeks ago. He called to let me know that there may be a chance that he would be in LA for a very short time before heading to Asia. I told him to call me if that would be the case since I did not get to see him and Sara when they were here about a month before then. Before hanging up the phone, He asked me if I would be available to attend their wedding in Italy next year. I told him I would be honored to. Then, I called him back the next day. He was at a hotel in NY . I asked him if was serious about that and if he had proposed to Sara yet. He told me that he has not asked her yet. But in his voice I could feel the hope and confidence. He proceeded to tell me about how happy he was being with Sara. How loving and caring she was to him. How he could just be "Mark" instead of always having to "act or pretend" to be like someone else. I know that Mark has always longed for having the sense of "family" and "wholesomeness". Being a born Italian that he was. I told him that he did the right thing. Even though, we did not get to see each other often this year. However, I always try to keep in touch with Mark and Sara. Mark was always concerned about my well-being and my career in the past few years.

Kevin Do, MD
Los Angeles,CA
August 29,2001

This Gem involved days years back when I had a friend in South America looking to get hitched for purposes of citizenship and "romance" . Mark had a friend in Buffalo, a judge, of course, who facilitated matters, and we married a 22 beautiful South American women with a friend of Mark's and mine, Herman Fink. Bedridden in a VA hospital, Herman fell in love, and the short skirt and two joints on the way to the courthouse didn't hurt either. Herman showed off his new bride to the boys at the hospital after the service, and Mark and I flew back so that I could have my afternoon in the office. What a friend to Herman, and what a good friend to us all. I miss him, big time...specially the laugh, and the irrepressible nature of the man. Reach out...

Robert P.
August 29,2001

A barber gave a haircut to a priest one day. The priest tried to pay for the haircut but the barber refused saying, "I cannot accept money from you, for you are a good man - you do God's work." The next morning the barber found a dozen bibles at the door to his shop. A policeman came to the barber for a haircut, and again the barber refused payment saying, "I cannot accept money from you, for you are a good man - you protect the public." The next morning the barber found a dozen doughnuts at the door to his shop. A lawyer came to the barber for a haircut, and again the barber refused payment saying, "I cannot accept money from you, for you are a good man - you serve the justice system." The next morning the barber found a dozen more lawyers waiting for a haircut.

Did you hear that the Post Office just recalled their latest stamps? Ê They had pictures of lawyers on them ... and people couldn't figure out which side to spit on.

How can a pregnant woman tell that she's carrying a future lawyer? Ê She has an uncontrollable craving for baloney.

How does an attorney sleep? Ê First he lies on one side, then he lies on the other.

How many lawyer jokes are there? Ê Only three. The rest are true stories.

How many lawyers does it take to change a light bulb? How many can you afford? Ê

How many lawyers does it take to screw in a light bulb? Ê Three. One to climb the ladder. One to shake it. And one to sue the ladder company.

What do you call a lawyer gone bad? Ê Senator.

What do you call a lawyer with an IQ of 50? Ê Your Honor.

What do you get when you cross a bad politician with a crooked lawyer? Ê Chelsea Clinton.

What's the difference between a lawyer and a vulture? The lawyer gets frequent flyer miles.

What's the difference between God and a lawyer? Ê God doesn't think he's a lawyer.

Mark Anthony Cristini was so much more than a lawyer.

P.A.G
Geneva, Switzerland

August 29, 2001

I have been a friend with Mr. Cristini for 19 years. He is the only guy that after 19 years I still called him Mr. Cristini I have learned many lessons from Mark. I will ad as I think of more to say.

Tom Beaulieu
Marina del Rey

August 29, 2001

I am shocked to hear about Mark Christini's unexpected death. I enjoyed my frequent conversations with him while at WebVision and I will miss him. My prayers are with him and with his family.

Arshad Waheed
Glendora, CA

August 29,2001

I met mark years ago 1982 in fact. The events were unusual but the account accurate. I had finished law school the prior year and was completing an MBA at the time. I was looking for space in a brownstone in the old neighborhood, around 83d near central park west. These buildings were just renovated. In fact, there were 4 buildings being done, and COINCIDENTALLY Mark and I were looking for space in number 22 west. After a while looking at configurations, I decided to take a jump over the rear balcony into another building, specifically number 20. The apartment on the 3d floor looked vacant and the rear door ajar. Low and behold, there is Mark rummaging through some brick a brac including machetes, guns, etc. His first line to me. "hey man, you want this?" while extending a machete? The apartment was that clearly of a drug dealer gone bust, a guy on the run, and mark and I just happened upon the abandoned apt ...We moved into 22 west about a month later along with 5 other attorneys and immediately went on a rent strike for the next 24 months. A few days later, the Feds busted the drug apartment, stripped it, and taped it shut. The landlord, of course, plucked the choice furnishings, yet Mark and I struck a wonderful friendship. More to follow,

Robert S. Paris

A big, bright, larger-than-life ingeniously entertaining personality. That radiant grin will always be imprinted on our brains. A bit quirky at times, unreliable at times, but that smile always righted everything eventually. Always soaring beyond the heavens, and occasionally bring back a star as a memento of his journey. Now, when I see a star twinkling in the celestial sky, I'll know that it's Mark winking back at us... I perceived the struggles with his devils and his misalliances. Perhaps the two children he adored knew and understood him best - DADDIO... Then he met Sara. The last time I saw him, we dined at Il Pastaio, his favorite. From the intimacies they exchanged, I concluded that our next sojourn would be in Italy at their wedding. Unfortunately, life is never what we expect it to be. My heart goes out to Sara...

Crystal Salapatas
Los Angeles

August 29, 2001

I am shocked to hear of this news. I have known Mark for 12 years and we have been very close and traveled all over the world together. There was never a time that he showed any sign of heart problems. Mark was one of the most generous men I have ever known. This is very strange that no one has been able to see the body or give any information of what really happened to him. Mark, wherever you are, I will always love you.

Felix

August 29, 2001

In death as in life, ambiguous. An enigma, wrapped in a conundrum, surrounded by a mystery with that smile that turned night into day.

Bobby S.
Honolulu

August 29, 2001

...I still cannot believe it....I am still in shock.

Andy Frances,
Los Angeles

August 30, 2001

Mark Cristini a brother, a friend, a godfather, and truly someone you could count on if it was in his power. He had no love for money only the things and the people he could help with it. This sometimes got him into trouble but he was always just a call away. Mark showed me life, he always gave me an education and the strength to go on when I wanted to give up. He was an optimist and that was his fire. He was advisor that was his calling and in his own style he was an angel. Now it may take a minute for some to understand that, but ask yourself, how often are saints misunderstood while on earth? My prayer to my heavenly father is please return his spirit to the earth soon, we need love here............ Even if it is in the form of a lawyer. God Bless you all, because today the world is a little colder without my bother.

Lavaba Mallison,
August 30, 2001

LARGER THAN LIFE.... There are so few people that we meet in out lives that are "truly free spirits", Mark embodied and lived as a free spirit.... His presence was always felt, and remembered and he will be greatly missed, especially by me. I have so many pieces of memories, they are consuming my consciousness at present...

Mark is the only guy who drove up on my front yard in his Jeep with Italian music blaring, honked the horn and yelled "Ready to go Blondie?"

Mark is the only guy who would break in my house and cook for 20 people....

Mark is the only guy who took my 9 yr old and her best friend to the Beverly Hills Hotel pool and told them to "order anything you want" and they did...

Mark is the only guy who could destroy my kitchen in 20 minutes and it would take me 2 hours to clean, and I did not care because the food and good time was worth it....

Mark is the only guy who I could count on to sleep on my front lawn....

Mark is the only guy who invited me to his friends wedding (who I did not know at the time) in Italy. I showed up but he did not, his explanation " I knew you would have a good time"...

Mark is the only guy who could make any party really happen, make sure the photographer was there and see to it that the photos were published....

Mark is the only guy who planted flowers, in fact a whole yard full, for me....

Mark is the only guy who wrapped up a fish in an Italian newspaper and actually delivered it.....to my business partner...

Mark is the only guy who could take me to a heavy Midtown business meeting then go straight to Harlem to pick up chicken....

Mark is the only guy who would call in the middle of the night as if it were the middle of the business day, with no apologies....

Mark is...... No I can not say Mark WAS.... Because Mark always will be in the present with me.... Mark actually taught me an invaluable lesson in death. I had not talked to Mark for a few months, as we had a business disagreement, that only adds to my grief and difficulty, I will not let this happen in life again,

Marcia Allen "Blondie" to Mark
Los Angeles/New York

August 30, 2001

Friends, Romans, Countrymen lend me your ears;
I come to bury Mark Anthony, not to praise him.
The evil that lawyers do may live after them,
The good is only remembered by their friends.
So let it be with Mark Anthony.
Others may tell you that he was an ambitious man.
If it were so, it were serious fault.
And so has he sufferd for it seriously.

Here under leave of all those who would find fault,
for certainly are they all honorable men.
We come to grieve at Mark Anthony's pire.

He was our friend, faithful and just to us all.
But they have called him unscrupulous.
And they are all honorable men.

Mark Anthony has brought us many treasures of Rome
Our hearts and minds have these treasures filled.
Did this in Mark Anthony seem ambitious?

When our souls have cried, Mark Anthony hath wept.
Ambition should be made of stearner stuff.

Yet they have said he was duplicitious.
And they are honorable men.
We all have seen him, on days in Beverly Hills or nights along Central Park South.
Many had presented him with princely riches.
Many had he presented with the fruits of his good fortune.
Was this duplicity?

I speak not to disprove what others have spoken.
But I am here to speak what I do know.

You all did love him once, and not without cause.
Let nothing give you cause to not morn for him now.
Oh reason, thou art fled to brutish times.
And we have lost our light.

Bear with me; gentle souls
For each of our hearts are in the pire with Mark Anthony.

And never shall they return to us.

As each of the mourners passed by my grave site, my heart broke a little more.
Each of them felt my loss in a different way. Some felt it as a dagger through the
heart, others as the last candle on their l6th birthday cake. But how could I remain
alive and tell you my story. How could anyone remain alive once they revealed
the secrets I have sworn to keep. So like I have, so many times in my life before...
I faked it. And so now all can be told.

From Chapter 1 of "Friends, Romans and Countrymen"
the Unfinished Biography of Mark Anthony Cristini

I am in disbelief and shocked to hear the news of Mark Cristini. He was engaged to my mother a five or six years ago. I was fifteen or sixteen years old then. I remember him cooking for my mother and I all the time. I especially liked his pasta sauce and his sauteed onions. So he made it for me all the time until I got sick of eating it. I remember when his mother flew into New York and we were in his central park south apartment. He cooked so much food by the time we were done eating I felt like I could float out his window. Ever since I met Mark he tried to help further me with anything and everything I wanted to do. He took me to a book store and bought me SAT books and helped me study. He always tried to educate me and point me in the right direction. He told me that I was beautiful but with intelligence there was no stopping me. He wanted me to study in Paris or Italy, he said it would broaden my horizons. Although Mark and my mother did not get married, he always stayed in touch with me. Even when I found out I had Lupus he pulled out one of his many connection his out his sleeve and took me to Beth Israel Hospital and I was treated like royalty. He was truly there for me at my all time low. He reassured me everything was going to be just fine. I just keep replaying an image in my head over and over. He would say "chuey I love you" and I can see him smiling at me with his big teeth. When he found out that I wanted to be an actress he took me to his friends house, a publicists, and introduce me to his prominent friends....Then we went to a restaurant called Loraine's and met his friend and I remember his friend saying "with Mark by your side you can do it, you can do anything." Mark always called me his daughter and believe it or not he was like the father I never had. He did more for me than my real dead beat dad could do for me in a lifetime. Mark told me I will get you into the best acting school and I will do anything to help you succeed. All he asked was for me to call him everyday and I didn't because I was too wrapped up in my life and I will regret that for as long as I live....Im sorry.....I miss you. and I love you..and even though I never said it before I appreciate everything you have done for me. Mark had the biggest heart for those he cared about...even though he could be the biggest asshole to people and anyone who knew him would agree. I love you and will never forget you..I still have the gold record plaque you gave me hanging in my room. You will always be remembered by my mother and I. We love you..... If you have any information or just want to write contact me at chynnaNY@aol.com

"Chuey",
New York

August 31, 2001

I have known Mark since 1994. In that time, even from the beginning, Mark has always been sincere and compassionate, even if it was a bit much at times. His laughter was contagious, his smile beautiful. I worked with Mark for the last 6 months of his life. He will be missed not only as a co-worker but also as a friend. I would always laugh when I would hear him tell someone that he was MARK ANTHONY CRISTINI, instead of just Mark Cristini. I will miss hearing him say that. In the last few days, after reading the memorials, I figured out why he would say his full name in that manner, it suited him, his personality and his life in general and I'll miss that also. May peace be with you Mark Anthony Cristini while God holds you in his hand.

Michele Brown,
Louisville, KY

August 31, 2001

I remember it so clearly, a lunch in New York organized by mutual friends. He was generous with his time and his friendship offering to introduce me to all those he knew. We laughed together. We took pride in being the black sheep in the family preferring to follow our own path and enjoying our impish sense of humor and proud to be rogues in the nicest possible way. I knew him for too short a time and shall miss him. He truly was the noblest Roman and took pride in his name. Please let me know when you will be holding the celebration.

Rasool Verjee
Miami , New York , Toronto

August 31, 2001

Even though we never officially worked together, I always felt that once I got my #!%$ together I would have enjoyed working with Mark. I send my condolences to the Cristini family. Sincerely...

George Crayton
Los Angeles

August 31, 2001

Mark came into my life in 1990 in NYC and I can honestly say my life has never been the same. Mark was the most complex man I have ever met. I say that with admiration and respect. He possessed more knowledge on the most diverse subjects than was ordinary. He was charismatic beyond belief, loving, deeply religious and quite ambitious. He was a man of mystery. From the Mob to Music to the Vatican, he knew it all. Mark wanted everyone he came in contact with to be someone..to be successful ..to enjoy life... to understand life, to not be afraid of life. Mark was no ordinary man,we all know that. We loved to hate Mark. He would piss us off...I mean really piss us off and we wouldn't have Mark in our lives for some extended period, sometimes for years. But he always found his way back and why , I don't know, we would always let him in. He knew how to get us back. I'm laughing right now with tears in my eyes remembering on how many times this has happened to me and the ways he would maneuver and slide back. And before you know it, he would be sleeping on my couch, wearing my shoes and my shirts and then he would cook the most AMAZING RAGU . I mean with the sausage, the veal, lamb and the beef, cooking slowly for hours and hours. You didn't need the macaroni, just the mouth watering pieces of meat, in a bowl ,sprinkled with a little parmaseana and a little hot pepper..come on ...HOW COULD YOU BE MAD!!!! Mark, you were a teacher and a brother, you always looked out for me and you always wanted me to be great...Mark, I wont forget ....I MISS YOU MARK...I LOVE YOU, BROTHER.

George Vetrano, <gvetrano1@yahoo.com>
Beverly Hills

August 31,2001

Hey Mac...I miss you so.

Somehow, on this LONELY friday nite in new york, i miss you more than ever, and can conjure the words "i loved that man" to my 2 , 9 and 14 year old kids. I lost two friends in the last two weeks. Cheuey, I think i may have met you when mark drove you up to my house in rye, ny A FEW YEARS AGO. ... GIVE ME A SHOUT! your questions are my questions...I spoke to your family during the week, and advised them as to limmited news that i had heard. Whenever Mark was at a party, or gathering, he'd rarely say goodbye to the crowd, as most of us do. You know, one by one, thanking folks for having you etc etc. But mark just moved along, slipping out the door...ready for more, never uttering a word, figuring he'd see everyone soon anyway, or it simply didn't matter. Is this how he is leaving us now? QUIETLY!!! somehow, that just doesn't get it. I miss you Mark. We had unbelieveably great times, ...times to laugh about and i have over the years. I want to meet Sara, and i want to talk to many of you who knew the man. He was special. Selfless, yet always looking for that one big deal!! I am gonna wrap this thing for now doc, but i hope any of you who cared who know more feel confortable enough to give a shout to me. 914 309 9044. A friend of Marks is a friend of mine. Mark often said a line when saying goodbye to me. It was nonsense to me and to us all. He said "if i don't see you in the future i'll see you in the pasture". Anyone else heard that one?

robert P.
Rye, New York

August 31,2001

"Let's eat. I'm starved!" he says. Nothing about where the___he's been for two days. I head for the hotel restaurant, but he's going the other way. Out the front door. That's when I notice he's not wearing any shoes. This guy is heading across this main drag in his socks. Of course I follow him. What else can you do with this lunatic? He ducks into some joint called Fatburger. Now it's late at night and I figure I've already missed the last flight back to new york. The joint is full of this rough looking crowd and there's only 2 seats at the counter. Mark moves right in like he owns the place and yells across at me "How many pounds of coke do you think are in this dump?" Suddenly, you could have heard a french fry drop. These two rough brothers give Mark that look. You know the look. Like, I hope my Blue Cross is paid up. The guy sitting next to Mark tells him "I'd chill if I was you. These are all Crips up in here." Mark looks at the guy and yells out, "Does that mean I'm supposed to be wearing blue?" Then he stands up and digs out the elastic in his underwear and asks the two braid wearing dudes. "Is this blue enough for you?" I don't know whether to go for it or drag Marko out of there by his hair. A very long minute passes. Then the one with the gold tooth cracks a graveyard smile and says "That blue will do."

C.T.

January 31, 2001

We met in NY, Central Park South, 1983 at Chipp's place. "This is my neighbor, Mark." Mark with his fabulous suit, big smile and shock of hair just filled the room. "He's a lawyer but try not to hold it against him." I really didn't give it much thought. We talked about TV commercials, advertising, my growing up in an Italian restaurant, food, women, singing and music. Several days later, Cristini calls me. I called him Cristini. "I was thinking of you and there's this guy you ought to meet. Like you, he's in advertising, loves music, a lyricist, a writer, an art director but he's got this idea for a musical. I think you guys would hit it off." Three days later, Harry Webber is sitting in my living room delivered there by Cristini. "See you guys later" like some parent dropping off their kid for a play date. We wrote our musical, then another, and became brothers. We are to this day. All on a hunch from Cristini. He did it for no other reason then to bring us together. About 6 months later, Marcus calls me up. I used to call him Marcus, too. "Hey, you like Marilyn Monroe?" What? "Well, I know Milton Greene." Two days later, 2 photographs of Marilyn arrive in the mail from the "seating session" of Milton Greene. He had been given copies. I remember him saying, "You like Marilyn? Great." He gave them to me for absolutely no reason other than he thought I'd like them. They hang in my bedroom. Everyday I see Marilyn and think of Mark. Sometimes I called him Mark, as well.

Last week on Monday, August 26th, I flew to San Francisco on business. I hadn't seen Mark for quite a while but all of a sudden, I flashed on him and decided to call him when I return. I hadn't seem him in years but had been keeping up with Mark's adventures through Harry. Just a passing thought of a old friend whom I hadn't seen for awhile. It brought me right back to him introducing me to Harry, giving me the photos and an innocent time long ago when friends lived across the hall and the chance meeting with a lawyer goomba changed my life. On Thursday, I got the news. What a remarkable loss. I remember Mark as a sweet, generous, loving guy. A man who gave for the pleasure of giving asking for nothing in return. Who gave just because others might like it. Brilliant but never abrasive. Clever, honest and straight to the point wearing that huge Italian smile like a badge of honor. . .small in comparison to his heart. Keep smiling Marcus.

Frank Coppola
New York, NY

September 1, 2001

Dear Mark, Please listen before you hang up, you called me. Thanks for always checking in, thanks for letting me know that you would always be there no matter what. Thanks for always believing in me, for cherishing me for who i am and have become, for never losing sight of me once in 20 years. I never had to look for Mark, he was always near. Our last time together was grand, all afternoon martinis at The Four Seasons, NYC. Marcia, the last communication before we met on that day was a battle, but when we saw each other, it was like none of our recent history mattered, just that we loved each other very much, and that we should celebrate that we were there together yet another time. I know it would have been the same for you. Because that is how Mark was. He could forgive and forget and so he expected all of us to do the same and we did so for Mark because he gave something very special to each one of us that will never be forgotten. I can’t put our story on the internet, if anyone wants to hear it they can call me. It’s a story about a handsome man who saw the light in me, even though it had gone out. He wouldn’t let go until he was certain that I was sporting an everlasting flame. His kindness, thoughtfulness and assistance persisted for decades. Mark’s love is inside me until the day I die. Mark did more for me than I did for him. When he came to me in need, and I thought I had done the right thing, like a mansion and a red cadillac, he turned to me and said, I owe him. He slept on Alex’s couch the entire summer he had the mansion, because he wanted to be in a place where he was loved, unimpressed by the grandeur of the accomodations. The car he also trashed, left $2500 dollars in parking tickets and ez pass illegal usage behind, deserted the towed car in the pound downtown and vanished. The woman whose car he abandoned has been crying for days, she misses him so. Somehow I think Mark knew he would die at a young age. He lived like there was no tomorrow, and for Mark there was no tomorrow, just today, no time day or night, just here and now. There were no consequences for his actions because he left the aftermath behind. Now it is just all of us without Mark. His legacy will be all our stories that will have us hysterical laughing and him and his snorting laughter, leaving the room to go to the bathroom, and calling from China the next day telling us he would be back in time for dinner. Thanks for the keys to Central Park South. Hope you enjoyed my beach house and my wine collection. The local restaurant bar has never forgotten the guy that drank and ate more in one sitting than anyone else ever. The lady at the table next to you hasn’t forgotten you either. She recommended the Sea Bass, offered you a taste and you ate her entire plate quickly. My 11 year old daughter and her 4 friends will always remember Marco Anthony throwing 40 dollar bills and a bag of candy at them in the parking lot at the Beach Club. When my girls were younger and they would spend time with Mark in NYC, they would dress in the clothes that had the most pockets, because they would always come home stuffed with goodies. He took them out in a limo to a recording studio at ages 8&10 and returned them happy at 2am. I of course didn’t know where they were. Thanks for the intro to so many wonderful people that have become my friends; Andy, Kenny, Steve C., Alex, and those whom I have met and admired for their diversity and intelligence in their field like George, Chip, Sophie, Rasool, Sara, Anthony, Michael F, Felix,. All Mark’s friends have at least one thing in common, they know how to have a good time. I will never forget the night you made me feel beautiful. You spun me around the dance floor at The China Club when I was 9 months + 2 weeks pregnant and my husband refused. You wanted me to leave him that night and years later it was you who convinced me to trade bottles of wine for my divorce. Oh that beautiful smile, and thank you Harry for this wonderful tribute to Mark. Mark, I can never say goodbye to you. You will always be with me because I can’t live without you. .

Mady Madeline Sara Wasserman

September 3, 2001

I remember when I met Mr. Cristini. He seemed larger than life itself. He had a winning smile that would make you forget all your troubles. I will always remember the smile and his generosity. Thanks for the memories.

Denise L. Clinton
September 4, 2001

There will be a Memorial Service for Mark Anthony Cristini September 10th at 1:00 pm at St. Malachai's in New York City. The address is 239 West 49th Street between 8th and 7th Avenues. My friend Father Shakon will have the Mass. All are invited to attend to honor a remarkable man and celebrate his life here with us. Father Shakon will be baptising my baby next month and I know Mark will be there in spirit as it will be in the same church. Mark was one of the first friends to visit and see my baby just days after she was born. He loved that baby so much and wanted a child so badly. He was so happy for us. I really got to know him in the last couple of years. He stayed with us so frequently and it was always a pleasure, an adventure as well as a surprise. I think about him every day. Felix and I miss you Mark! But we know you are happy toasting with angels!

Kristina O'Neal Limardo
New York City

September 5, 2001

Mark and I met over a deal almost 20 years ago. We were both young music lawyers looking to make some noise, and some money, and have some fun.. True to form, as I later discovered was his way, Mark and I became fast friends from that first encounter. We eventually shared an office, and did many more deals on the same side of the table. The stories I can tell of our exploits are far too numerous to mention. Needles to say, Mark brought so much joy, adventure, memories and life experiences into my life, which is why it is so hard for me to accept that he's gone. Although we lost touch over the years, he always managed to make a call at the oddest times just to say hello and catch up. He is the reason I met my wife and have three beautiful daughters, having introduced me to a circle of people which, eventually, led to my meeting her. I can't even remember how many people that are a part of my life now because of Mark. He had that gift of weaving lives together, just to see what would happen, and always for the simple reason of wanting to do something nice for someone. He was, from time to time, a royal paid in the ass, but that was part and parcel of who he was. We must have lent each other the same $500 for over five years, we would forget who owed who what. It never seemed to matter. We were in Antigua once with another friend and two beautiful lesbian friends. Mark and I rented two retired race horses. He thought he got the faster one, and would yell "Hiaah!" but while his horse stood still, mine took off like a bolt of lighting (my first time on a horse. It wasn't fun). I could hear Mark's side splitting laughter from behind me. Of course, Mark must have done that at least a dozen more times, just to see the look of terror on my face no doubt. Too many stories. You always managed to forgive him for his transgressions though. They were never intended to harm anyone. He just couldn't help himself. Last night, I was up most of the night thinking about his passing, and memories of our bad old days kept flooding into my mind. The Dance of the Pepper mills, which he invented one night when we would hang at the Cafe Americano in Tribeca (now Nobu), performed by anyone left standing after a night of feasting and imbibing. Don't even ask what it was. So many pranks and antics, designed only to amuse Mark and his friends. Simply because he lived life with so much gusto. He helped me in many ways over the years, and I him. Mark was the kind of friend and business man, at least with me, where a handshake sealed the deal. I never felt uncomfortable with it, Mark being who is was, in a world of sharks where written contracts are too often not worth the paper they're written on. Mark was from another world really and I loved him for it. It is amazing to see so many people I've never even head of coming forward with their stories and memories, from all walks of life, from all over the world. Amazing to most perhaps, but just another days work for Mark. Mark, you will be sorely missed. My deepest sympathies go to Mark's Mom, his brothers and sisters, and to Sara.

Robert Meloni
New York City

September 5, 2001

Some of my fondest childhood memories are of the times spent at the Cristini home or out at the cottage! There was always plenty of teasing, laughter and good food! Mark and I shared the same birthday and I remember him saying, "Shelly, I'll buy you a drink on your 21st." The 9 year age difference seemed huge at the time! I'll always remember his fabulous smile - Mark will be missed by so many. My prayers go out to the Cristini family and all who loved him!

Shelly (Perry) Green,
Birmingham, Michigan

September 5, 2001

The memories are unbelievable. He was a guy that people loved.His presence was magnetic his genorisity was unquestioning and his loyalty to his friends was never to be questioned.Marcs intelligence cut thru any situation whether on the street or in the boardroom.He was a born teacher .Many times we have cut deals even cash deals walked into his favourite ristorante emptied our pockets on the bar,split the cash in two then he would spend his cut on both of us.It was only money to Marc and that means nothing he just liked the challenge of getting the deal.His charisma was enchanting and in one second he was gone,he knew how to go missing. But I tell you this when my time comes I look forward to sharing a whisky with him and telling stories of times gone by. My brother I miss you. Love...

Andrew Palmer
London UK

September 5, 2001

I know I have written to my brother but after reading all of his friends wonderful words I finally found the answer to a question that was asked of me. Someone who has been a friend to me for years asked me one day "after all that has happen between the two of you why are you so close him" I answered her but she never understood because she didn't really know him. So today I am sending her this site address and she will discover as I have from all that knew him WHY. Thank you all for your words and your memories and know that we are now all family. I love each and everyone of you. So no matter what time day or night call me let's talk I am here (201) 832-9543

Lavaba Mallison,
New Jersey

September 5, 2001

Mark and I started out in law school together in 1973 at the University of Detroit School of Law. We formed a partnership in 1976 which eventually led into a loosely knit association in the practice of criminal law. Mark was voted "most likely to be found in the trunk of a car" by the law school class of 1975-76. He was the golden boy who, even then, lived out of a suitcase, albeit the trunk of a Pontiac Tempist. We had some times together, now and then. We were to meet up this last weekend for dove hunting in Louisville and Mark left a message on my recorder to that effect the day before his demise. I wish I had kept it. I will miss you Mr. Potato Head. Always your friend,

Richard J. Amberg Jr.

September 5, 2001

"Crisitini......where ya been?" "Hey, Oriolo......how are ya.....did we make a million today? Don't be so Italian!" "Mark....which one of these numbers do I reach you on....where are you?" "I'm in Greenland (or Iceland, or Gibraltar, or Rome, pick one) I'll be back Tuesday.....we'll meet for Linguini and Martinis" That's kind of how it went with our conversations over the many years that I knew Mark. I met Mark some time in the 1970s, although it feels like I knew him my whole life. We shared offices together, went to barbecues, fished in the Ocean (I'll never forget the fish he caught s**t all over the boat), met in the most obscure places all over the world....and above all....we laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed. Nothing was impossible for Mark......you could share a problem with him and he had an immediate response....good, bad, or indifferent.....he had an answer. Mark was truly an original....I can safely say, I've never (and probably never will) met anyone like him....bigger than life...a characature of himself....an amazing man. I have fond memories of Mark, his mother and my mother and I having dinner together at Benihana's in Stuart Florida.....I think we pretty much cleaned the restaurant out of it's sake supply for the whole week......before the end of the dinner, I thought we would wind up dancing on the hibachi. So went an evening with Dr. Cristini. I last spoke to Mark the day he was leaving for Indonesia......I asked him...."Mark......why Jakarta?......can't you do it by fax, or e-mail?" He replied......"Have to go.....but I'm coming out to your studio on my way back.....I'll cook pasta......oh sorry I missed the Memorial Day party......but I did call....." Of course, in between, we shared some of the more private moments of the recent past, as only good friends could do......and oh yeah....we laughed, and laughed, and laughed........I will miss my pal, Mark for the rest of my life......he is one of the few people I have met on this earthly journey that has made such a lasting Mark. My love and best wishes are with the entire Cristini family.

Don Oriolo
New Jersey

September 5, 2001

whether it was diamond mines in Africa, Sugar deals in SWITZERLAND, OFFPSHORE OILdeals in Mongolia, golf club ipos, finding the bruce sprinsteen of russia, the female billy joel in china, or just living each day to the fullest. mark did it all.. his smile could light you up until the next adventure..thanks for introducing me to thai food...you will be missed....your brother

"Ricky" Smith
September 6, 2001

This past January, Sara introduced me to the man she had been taking about so much. Sara and I worked at Teletech. That same week I was laid off. When I went to tell Sara, Mark suggested we go out to lunch. We talked about past lives, destiny and a healer in Brazil. Mark was planning to go in March of this year. I told him that maybe I would go as well and I did in April. Mark suggested that I take this time and make it an adventure and a journey to where ever it will lead me next ! I truly believe that Sara and Mark are soul mates. Sara once said that in the Chinese culture you are attracted to those who have similar features. She said this as she was showing me a picture of her and Mark during the holidays. I looked at the picture and understood what she meant as I saw the big smiles on their faces and the glitter in their eyes and even their foreheads appeared to be the same size and shape. My condolences to Mark's family but my heart goes out to Sara; who has lost her love of her life. May Mark's love guide her in her new journey.

Adriana D' La Rotta
A soul briefly touched by Mark's adventure for life!

September 6, 2001

I met Mark Cristini sometime in the late 70's. Id just been admitted to the "Bar" in NY and CA and my then gal pal, Deborah Skell, told me about this guy entertainment lawyer she knew who was in Boston....but wanted to come down to NYC....and could be have lunch. I said..."Sure. Why the Hell not?". So me and Deb met Cristini....and he charmed me. Totally. Instantly. That was that. Years later when I met up with Bobby Meloni...and he took an office in my suite in NYC...it turned out that he, too, was connected to Mark C. Cristini used to show up occasionally.....we would catch up. He was always off on some far flung deal, adventure, whatever. He was amazing. Melone told me two days ago...that Mark was in Indonesia (I don't even want to know for what reason!!!) and had died. I couldn't believe it. Still can't. Will miss his smiling face forever.

Marc Bailin
405 Park Ave.
NYC

September 6, 2001

Mark Thank you for just being you. You have touched my soul. I am very sad that you are gone but somehow know you have found peace. I'll cherish your smile every time I think of you and the special memories you have left behind. You are still teaching us lessons and will never be forgotten a true legend - Mr. Mark Anthony Cristini

Lori Brown

September 7, 2001

My sympathy to Marks family.

Paul Taylor
Englewood, Co

September 7, 2001

There is something to be said about people that we share the same time and place in this realm that we call life. Mark Cristini and I became friends and business acquaintances over 16 years ago. There is not enough time and space here to describe Mark. I remember the day we met. Somehow, we hit it off instantly when he realized that his sister and I shared the same birth date. That's when the rollercoaster ride began. As his security consultant and PI, I can remember getting involved in the craziest of situations that not-even-Hollywood could produce. Before an assignment I would always ask Mark...as I do my clients..."Is this low risk or high?" Mark would always smile and say "piece of cake". Most of the times they weren't. There just wasn't enough adrenaline at times. But that's what made life with Mark so interesting. Whetherit was protecting a former dictator's daughter or sitting in a safehouse, baby sitting and ex-Israeli intelligence officer so that he wouldn't get kidnapped, it was always a rush because Markie was somehow behind the scenes. As a friend, we thoroughly exhausted ourselves in late-night Manhattan as only bachelors in New York could in the 80's and 90's. Whether it was steak dinners at Gallaghers, late drinks at Cafe Americano (now Nobu) or just sitting in his apartment on Central Park South, somehow the sun would catch up to us while the city awakened. But I guess one of the things that made Mark so interesting is that he always traveled in different circles. One month it would be rap artists. The next month it would be an aero-lite obsessed entrepreneur who had met Mark under the most bizarre circumstances. In short...the term "never a dull moment" should have been tatooed to his person somewhere. By all accounts, and what little information that I've learned, it is ironic that it was Mark's heart that failed him. Because it was a heart that was bigger than life. He enjoyed introducing people, socially and professionally, like no one that I've ever known. Of course, many times Mark would exaggerate in his description of the individuals that he was introducing. He gave honor to everyone regardless of where they were in life at that time. Still, Mark's eye would twinkle after orchestrating such an engagement. I last saw Mark in New York about a year ago. He called and I met him. He handed me Cuban cigars and we chatted a bit. Of course he was late for something so the event was shortlived. And "shortlived" is what I am feeling now. Not enough can be said. Not enough can be defined. In this time when my friend is gone and his spirit...which was a unique enthusiasm that he always carried with him...seems so distant, I know that he's not far from my heart. Although the glow has diminished, the candle still burns. Markie, the rollercoaster may have come to a stop but I'll never forget the ride. I am sure that I'll be posting more thoughts in the near future.

JosephB ....
josephb@rcn.com late night Manhattan, NYC

September 8, 2001

Mac was a fuckup. But, what a wonderful fuckup he was. I have very fond memories of us getting involved in the most inane of situations together. We always had a lot of laughs through the years and even shared a few tears together. He'll be greatly missed. But he'll always have a very warm spot in my heart.

John Wonderling
Woodstock,NY

September 8, 2001

Marc was a friend of ours at Michigan State University for 4 years of undergrad in the early 1970s. He'd show up every now and then, wherever the 5 of us girls were living, and liven up our lives. Whether it was bringing 4 different brands of Scotch to drink in order to test which was the smoothest (he knew that none of us had ever tasted scotch whiskey before) or inviting us over to meet his friends, or debating for hours the moral issues of abortion, he was a seeker of truth and a friend we'll never forget. Once, shortly after the Kent State incident, I was studying in the library and noticed out the window that a group of students were gathered in front of the Administration building. When I saw the National Guard march in full uniform, I went down to join. Just as I arrived, a boy was being hurled by a soldier back into the crowd. He got up and started yelling back with clenched fist. I yelled, "Marc". I probably hadn't seen him for months, but he turned, quickly shed his anger, gave me that big Marc Cristini smile and when the group dispersed, we went for coffee to discuss the status of the war. My roomates and I will always remember how Marc touched our lives.

Jan, Sue, Laura, Paula, and Kathy -
Birmingham, Michigan

September 10, 2001

To the entire Cristini Family. Know that you are in our prayers. Love,

The Urbanik Family
Royal Oak, MI.

September 11, 2001