Father Mark Peyton

The Reverend Mark J. PEYTON, age 75, Senior Priest-Retired, died Tuesday, 21 July 2026, after having received the prayerful support and consolation of the Sacraments.

Fr. Mark was born on 8 February 1951. His beloved parents were the late Clyde and Rosalie (nee Zichacek). His dear siblings are Michael and the late Patricia, Thomas, and John. He was the loving uncle of Rebecca Tousley (Jay) and Kyle. He was a dear great uncle to Paige, Kiana, Lily, Talula, Amelia, and Dexter. Dear cousin and friend to many.

He was educated at Holy Family Elementary School, Parma, St. Ignatius High School, Cleveland, Borromeo College, Wickliffe, and St. Mary Seminary, Cleveland. On 11 June 1977 in the Cathedral of Saint John the Evangelist, Bishop James A. Hickey ordained him to the priesthood for the service of the Diocese of Cleveland.

Father Peyton's first assignment was Parochial Vicar of lmmaculate Heart of Mary, Cuyahoga Falls. He was transferred on 24 June 1980 to Lake Catholic High School, Mentor to serve as Chaplain with residence at St. Mary Magdalene, Mentor. On 29 June 1981 he was appointed Parochial Vicar of St. Jude, Elyria. In addition to this assignment, he served as Chaplain Knights of Columbus Elyria Council #744 effective 8 November 1985. Fr. Peyton was transferred on 24 June 1986 to St. Vitus, Cleveland to serve as Parochial Vicar. On 23 June 1987 he was appointed Pastor of St. Procop, Cleveland. Fr. Peyton served as Chaplain Catholic Committee on scouting effective 13 October 1986. On 6 May 2002 he was appointed Pastor of St. Gregory the Great, South Euclid. Fr. Peyton was appointed Pastor of Assumption of Mary, Brook Park on 1 July 2004. On 31 August 2009 Fr. Peyton was appointed Pastor of St. Francis De Sales Parma where he served until retirement on 15 September 2025. Fr. Peyton served the people entrusted to his care with great compassion and dedication. His gentle presence, kind smile and pastoral heart touched the lives of many. He will be greatly missed.

The wake will begin on Wednesday, 29 July 2026, in St. Francis De Sales Church, 3434 George Ave., Parma, OH 44129 at 3:00 pm with Vespers and will continue until 5:00 pm. The Very Reverend Timothy Gareau will be the main celebrant and Reverend Stanley Klasinski will be the homilist. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday, 30 July 2026, in St. Francis De Sales Church at 11:00 am. Bishop Edward C. Malesic will be the main celebrant and the Reverend Philip Racca will be the homilist. Interment, Holy Cross Cemetery, Brook Park.

Memorial donations in Father Mark’s name may be made to St. Francis DeSales Church, St. Mary’s Seminary, or St. Ignatius High School. Arrangements by The Zabor Funeral Home, Parma.