Mark 'Bud' Lovato

September 1, 1950 - June 12, 2022

Mark “Bud” Lovato, passed away peacefully with his family surrounding him on June 12, 2022 after a long battle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP).  Mark was born September 1, 1950 in Grand Junction, Colorado, the second of seven children to Johnnie and Mary Lovato.  Bud grew up in Clearfield, Utah excelling in sports and earning a scholarship to the University of Utah for wrestling after becoming the state champion for Clearfield High.  It was also in high school that he met the love of his life Anne Duplantis.  They were married August 1, 1970, she was his loyal lifelong companion, and was his loving caretaker during his final years.   Together they had four children, whom their lives revolved around, as well as their grandchildren.  Mark worked as an educator for over thirty years in the Granite School District as a teacher, coach, guidance counselor and career coordinator.  He loved his “kids”, and was always a tireless advocate for the importance of education.  Mark also worked for the Juvenile Detention Center and Valley Mental Health, anyone would tell you he was a great listener.  Mark was an avid reader, always carrying a book with him.  He was an even larger sports fan, any and all sports could always be found on the television.  He had an incredible memory especially for sports stats, and he could amaze most people with his trivia knowledge.  He was a relentless fan of the University of Utah’s football team as well as the Raiders.  Mark had such a great sense of humor that he maintained to the very end, everyone that knew him had a funny story about him to tell you, they would also tell you that he made you feel like you were the most special person around. 

Bud is preceded in death by his parents Mary and Johnnie, Ryan Call (nephew), Cameron Davis (nephew), and Stephanie Lovato (niece).  He is survived by his wife and his children; John (Stefanee), Rachel, Ashley (Cory Town), and Sarah Wood (Colin).  He will be fondly remembered as Papa Bud to Alysia Cook-Lovato (Alley), Brianna Mendoza, Lauren (Brian Suarez), James, Zander Fitch, Devaney “Tiny” Cerezo, and Oliver Wood.  He also had a special bond with his great grandson, Aesyn Cook-Lovato.  He also leaves behind his six siblings; Esther Davis (Tony), Shirley Herman (Jim), Pat (Ivy), Jeanette Gravette (Ross), David, and Lorraine Robins (Ben).  He was a great husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother, friend, neighbor and mentor.  He leaves behind a great legacy.

A celebration of Bud's life will on Friday, June 24, 2022 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. Guests are encouraged to park on the north side of the building.