Mark Richard Minichelli

Dr. Mark Richard Minichelli was born on September 30, 1963, in Erie, Pennsylvania, the son of the late Frank D. and Constance A. Minichelli. After a courageous year-and-a-half battle with cancer, Mark passed away peacefully at his residence on Friday, May 22, 2026, surrounded by the people he loved most.

Mark graduated from McDowell High School and attended Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, where he received his Bachelor of Science in Biology. He furthered his education at The University of Pittsburgh Dental School and graduated with his Doctorate in Dental Medicine.

Returning to Erie, Mark operated a successful dental practice in Millcreek. He was a member of the Ninth District Dental Society of Pennsylvania and upon retirement in 2025, was honored for 35 years of ethical and exemplary dental practice. Mark believed deeply in treating his patients like family. His passion for helping others often led him to provide care beyond regular office hours, ensuring his patients received not only the best treatment, but also comfort and compassion. Mark was able to retire knowing that his patients would be able to continue to receive the highest quality of dental care; as he was leaving his practice in the great hands of Dr. Michael Moore.

Mark's work ethic and generous heart never went unnoticed by those around him. Mark happily volunteered his time and service mentoring young dental students, sharing both his clinical expertise and his extensive knowledge of business and family practice success. He also took great pride in supporting many charitable foundations, athletic teams, youth sports, local programs, and various schools. Giving back and helping his community brought him immense joy.

An athlete throughout his life, Mark developed a love for tennis at a young age, inspired by his father, Frank. Mark played competitively in both high school and collegiate levels and was a member of several successful teams. Mark and his father played various doubles matches together and won many regional tournaments. The duo made their way to play in the US Open in the father and son doubles tournament while Mark was still in high school. Mark also found joy in golf, embracing both the sport and the camaraderie it fostered. Whether he had known someone for a lifetime or had just met them that day, Mark could strike up a conversation that lasted for hours. He was a proud member of Lake Shore Country Club for more than 34 years, where he spent countless hours on the course with family and friends. He was a lifetime member, and also served two separate terms on the Lake Shore Country Club Board of Directors.

Mark also loved to cook, a passion he inherited from his mother, Constance, and many appreciated his talent in the kitchen. His love for others came through in every dish he prepared. The large portions he was known for making reflected the abundance of love he had for those around him. He truly believed in "the more, the merrier" and regularly hosted dinners for family and friends. A firm believer in the idea that "I'd rather make too much than not have enough," he ensured that no one ever left hungry-and that the leftovers never went to waste. Mark not only had a way for making connections with friends, but also had a true knack for inviting them into his life.

In addition to his parents, Frank and Constance, Mark was preceded in death by his sister, Jane Marie; two very special uncles; his Godfather Uncle Richard Minichelli; and his great uncle, Edward Czerwinski. Mark was also preceded in death by his uncle, Daniel Wisniewski; his uncle, Egidio Minichelli; and his cousin, Jim Wisniewski.

Mark is survived by his beloved wife and soulmate of 30 years, Julie (Tarbell) Minichelli, their children; who they considered to be their greatest gifts, Julian Edward, Olivia Grace, and Maria Rose, and his sister, Karen Ann (Vincent) DiMichele. Mark is further survived by his uncle, Robert (Lillian) Minichelli; his aunt, Janet Wisniewski; and several cousins.

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday at the Lakeshore Country Club, 5950 Lake Shore Drive, from 1:00 until 3:00 p.m. where a memorial service will follow. Dr. Minichelli's entombment will be private, with immediate family only. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Dylan Matz Foundation, https://www.dylanmatzfoundation.org/donate, or to Children's Advocacy Center of Erie County, https://cacerie.org/ or to UPMC Hillman Cancer Center-Erie, https://hillman.upmc.com/difference.