Mark A. Whitaker

Mark A. Whitaker, a lifelong resident of Alliance, passed away on Monday, November 24th, 2025 at the age of 71. Born January 10, 1954, Mark was a proud and supportive graduate of Alliance(72), Mount Union College (76) and Toledo Law School (79). After a 9 month stint working in NYC Mark decided home was where his heart was and returned to Alliance to practice law for over 4 decades, first with Steve Stone and later opening his own office.

Mark was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Maxine Reynolds Whitaker, sisters in law, Connie (Jim) Titak and Rose (John) Titak and aunt Karen Miller.

He is survived by his wife, Karen Titak Whitaker; his children John (Alexis Giua) Whitaker, Luca Whitaker (grandson) of Brooklyn, New York; Caroline (Matt Rhyan) Whitaker of Columbus, Ohio; and Michael Whitaker (Morgan Patman) of Columbus, Ohio; his brothers, Jack (Charlene) Whitaker of Spanaway, Washington, Robert (Nancy) Whitaker of Wintersville, NC; uncle Harold, “Butch” (Judy) Bennett of Chesapeake, Virginia; and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

Mark loved the Alliance community and during his lifetime served as president of the Alliance Exchange Club and Sleepy Hollow Country Club, and member of the Alliance Elks House Committee. While at Mount Union, Mark was a member of Alpha Tau Omega and continued to represent them for many years as Chapter advisor.

An avid sports fan who enjoyed watching local teams, Cleveland Sports and The Ohio State Buckeyes, Mark loved recapping the details of the games with his children, children in laws and close friends. He was past president of the Alliance Adult Booster Club and the founder of the Greater Alliance Youth Baseball Association through which he had a great impact on many area young athletes.

Mark will also be remembered for knowing something about almost everything and the many family and friend conversations enjoyed around the kitchen table. He was a lifelong learner and keeper of random facts who loved reading, solving crossword puzzles and watching Jeopardy and giving you the answers.

As an attorney Mark was a fierce advocate for his clients and was especially thoughtful of the work he did when appointed Guardian ad Litem for the youth in Stark County.

Mark absolutely loved his family. He took great pride in watching his three children during their athletic careers and grow into young adults. Mark’s happiest days were when he was surrounded by his kids, their wonderful spouses who he loved, their dogs, and most recently his grandson, Luca.

The family will receive friends on Monday, December 1st, 2025 with friends of the family leading a prayer at 3:30 pm followed by calling hours 4-7 pm at Cassaday-Turkle Christian Funeral Home in Alliance.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to Alliance YMCA Youth Programs 205 S. Union Ave., Alliance, OH 44601 (https://www.ymcastark.org/give) or Stark Co. Humane Society 5100 Peach St NE, Louisville, OH 44641 https://www.starkhumane.org/home/support/humane-society-donations).