Henry “Mark” Housen
February 21, 1955 - June 17, 2024
Henry Mark Housen, age 69, of Newark, Del., died on Monday, June 17, 2024. Mark was a kind and generous man, with an unparalleled sense of wit and humor who loved his family, cars and woodworking.
Mark grew up in Newark, the only son of Henry and Mary Housen. He discovered his love of woodworking in shop class at Shue Middle School and carried that love and natural talent into a successful custom cabinetry business. When he was 18 years old, he owned his own Getty gas station. Not only was he the youngest gas station owner in the country, he had the smallest station but pumped the highest volume of gas, earning him a spot on the cover of Getty Magazine. After leaving the gas station, Mark worked at the Getty (and then Texaco) refinery in Delaware City, where he made many life-long friends.
He was most proud of the family and life he built with his wife of nearly 44 years, Sherry. Together they raised their two daughters, who credit their determination, success and ability to land a punchline to Mark. They truly are their father’s daughters.
Mark loved spending his days with Sherry, whether they were traveling to Florida and relaxing in the pool all day, driving up the East Coast to Maine and enjoying Nubble Light or simply driving to Lancaster and having breakfast at their favorite diner.
A car aficionado with a wealth of automotive knowledge, Mark was also known to have a bit of a lead foot (which his daughters also inherited). Recently, he started driving performance cars on racetracks where he could really put the pedal to the metal.
And in the day-to-day moments that make up a life, Mark was the dependable friend or family member that everyone knew they could count on. If you needed a ride to the airport or there was a squeak in your car — you called Mark. Anything you needed, he knew about and could fix. He might tease you a little, with a twinkle in his eye as he fixed your problem, but he was always happy to help.
Mark spent the last day of his life surrounded by his family on the beach in Ocean City, N.J., having an epic squirt gun fight with his grandchildren and then relaxing with a view of the ocean playing the family’s much-loved game, “What’s Your Favorite?”
Mark is survived by his wife Sherry; his daughters, Kelly Housen DeAngelis and Katy Housen Muti, their husbands, Steven DeAngelis and David Muti; and his beloved grandchildren, Penny Kathleen DeAngelis and Elliott Housen Muti.
As per his wishes to not “make a fuss,” all services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in honor of Mark can be made to your favorite charity or the Henry Ford Museum, at www.thehenryford.org.honor-memorial-gifts.
Kelley Kajdasz (Gibson)
Sherry, Kelly, Katy and family,
Stan, Don and I send our deepest condolences on the loss of Mark. We are keeping you in our thoughts during this very difficult time and are here to help in any way that we can.
Our many memories of time spent with Mark will remain with us, always.
He was one of a kind and will be sorely missed.
Sending love to you all.
Todd McCormick
Very few people in my life have impacted my life in such a positive way than Mark. We met casually having coffee by the fireplace at Panera one morning many years ago. He has helped me more than anyone else in my life other than my family and in so many different ways that are way too many to enumerate. I swear I never asked him a question and came away empty, regardless of the subject. He was truly a kind, devoted and honorable man whom I will dearly miss. My consolation is the treasure trove of memories I have. My sincerest condolences to Sherry, Kelly Katy and their families.
Pat & Ridge Amos
Pat and I want to express our condolences on the Loss of our good friend and neighbor Mark. He was a very kind-hearted man and helped us in many ways through the years. We enjoyed many Sunday morning breakfasts in their kitchen with lots of good conversation. You will be missed terribly Mark.
Truly one of a kind!
Harry Alinkoff
My heartfelt thoughts are with Sherry Kelly Katy and family. What a great guy and friend! Mark will be truly missed.
Bill and Julie Marrs
Sherry Kelly and Katy and families our deepest condolences for the loss of a long time friend. Mark was surely a good friend for a long time. Mark and I had a lot of laughs while work
Madalyn Schultz Petit
Dear Sherry, Kelly and Katy, I am very sorry to read of the loss of Mark. He passed too young. I fondly remember his humor and positivity. Memories of being together at Maple Valley, Disney World, and Space Camp abound. He was a good man and fun to spend time with. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Frank & Denise
Katie we are both very sorry to hear about your dad passing away especially so suddenly . We know that feeling . The unexpected grief can be all consuming . We pray for your Mom, you and your family . It is a beautiful article about his life 🙏
Bill BUTTERWORTH
So sorry to hear about Mark. We knew each other since Newark High. I was one of his auto parts suppliers.
I remember his wit and that he always had his dog with him. Again so sorry.
Barbara Kacmarcik
Dear Sherry, Kelly and Katy,
I am so very sorry to hear this sad news, my prayers are with you all that you will hold dear all the wonderful memories and moments you have shared with your husband and dad. He was such a loving man that always held his family first and so very proud of all of you. I know he will be missed by many friends and they will be there for you during this most difficult time. Sending you all our prayers and love.
David Taylor
Mark and I lived across the street from each other in elementary school, on West Stephens Drive in Chestnut hills. We were usually together playing, collecting bottles for deposits to buy candy, etc. I moved away after a few years, and we lost touch. I was hired at the Delaware refinery (Getty) and soon after Mark was hired as well. We worked different units, but occasionally saw each other and reminisced. I left before Mark, and we lost touch for good . So sorry to hear of his passing, he was a good friend and a good person . My condolences to the family .
Tom & Pattie Farley
Sherry, we are very sorry to hear of Mark’s passing. He was a fixture in the neighborhood. I’m sure you and the girls and grand kids will miss him but cherish the memories!!
The Farley’s
Shanti Sarthi
Dear Sherry,
Very saddened to hear about the loss of your dear husband, Mark. You and your family are in my prayers at this time. May God grant you the strength to get through this period.
Take care,
Shanti