Mark Aylward

Mark Joseph Aylward died Nov. 29 after a long battle with cancer. He was 62. Mark, who was born in Akron in 1953, was a lifelong area resident. An alumnus of Archbishop Hoban High School and the University of Akron, Mark was a member of the Akron Police Department for 34 years. He was a sergeant for the department when he retired in 2011. Mark was an avid baseball fan - he played the game well into his 50s and loved to cheer (and criticize) the Cleveland Indians. Mark fought cancer with bravery and courage for the last seven years. He never complained about his illness and did not want others to dwell upon it. Throughout his life, Mark was humble, generous and kind to all. Mark will be missed by countless friends and acquaintances, including his partner, Brenda Moledor, and his loyal dog, Bam. Mark was preceded in death by his father, William. He is survived by his two sons, Joseph and Michael and their mother, Kris; mother, Dorothy; sisters, Aileen Nicolino (John), Maureen Barcic and Carolyn Henretta (Tom); brothers Timothy and Lawrence (Mindy); as well as several uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces and cousins. Calling hours will be Wednesday from 4 to 8 pm at the Hummel Funeral Home, 500 E. Exchange St. A Mass of Christian burial will be Thursday at 11 a.m. at St. Vincent Church, 164 W. Market St., Akron followed by interment at Holy Cross Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be sent to the Aylward Family Scholarship Fund at Archbishop Hoban High School, 1 Holy Cross Blvd., Akron, 44306. Please visit www.hummelcares.com to share memories or condolences.