It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of a remarkable young man, Mark Wood III. Born on July 21, 2003, Mark departed from us too soon on March 15, 2025.

Mark lived his life with an energetic spirit and a contagious love for life. He was an empathetic, fun-loving individual who found great joy in simple pleasures. He loved to spend his free time fishing, playing basketball, and softball. Known for his love of video games, Mark could often be found immersed in his Xbox games. His favorite colors, pink and red, reflected his vibrant spirit.

Mark was a recent high school graduate, a milestone he saw as one of his greatest accomplishments. His legacy, as he wished it to be, was simplistically profound: “Be kind to everyone.” Mark truly lived his life enamored by this belief, and we will always remember him for his consistent effort to practice kindness and love for all.

Mark is survived by his mother, Christina Maldonado; his father, Mark Wood Junior; and his siblings Mercedes-Jessie Martinez, Delilah Maldonado-Vigil, Dominic Landis, Christian Santillian, and Miiracle Gonzales. His grandmother Kathy Lucero, his grandfather Chris Maldonado, his cousins Nisha Gallegos, Julian Gallegos Junior, Marissa Gallegos, Alyssa Gallegos, Jimmy Gallegos and his uncle Joseph Maldonado will fondly remember Mark’s loving nature and youthful exuberance.

Mark was predeceased by his grandfathers Mark Wood Senior and Frank Maldonado, his aunts Carroll LeRoux and Margie Lucero, his uncles Andrew Maldonado and Paul Maldonado. Their memories and love live on in Mark’s life and the lives of those he has left behind.

Mark’s passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. But in spite of our grief, we choose to remember Mark as he was—a vibrant, loving, and kind young man who made a lasting impact on those around him. ‘To love one another’ was Mark’s advice to us all, a lesson that will continue to be his enduring legacy. Mark will be loved and missed forever.