Mark Fialkow

Mark Fialkow, 74, of Clayton, NC, passed away peacefully on May 10, 2026 after several years of battling a rare cancer. He was born on July 17, 1951 in Brooklyn, NY, son of the late Shirley & David Fialkow. In 1955, the family, now including sister Debra (m. Eli Nassim), moved to Farmingdale, Long Island, NY. It was a wonderful place to grow up with good schools, good friends, and nearby family. Ten years later, they were excited to complete their family, adding sister June (m. Brad Scharf).

Mark is survived by his wonderful wife and life partner, Gail Drouillard Fialkow. They were happily married for over 40 years and together raised two amazing daughters, Lauren & Tara. The family lived 33 years in Burke, VA where they all enjoyed the community, schools, and local activities. Mark & Gail were very happy to live long enough to see their daughters married to two wonderful men, Americo Woolard (m. Lauren) and Michael Jernigan (m. Tara). They were also thrilled to welcome their first granddaughter, Noa Woolard, born November 25, 2025.

Mark grew up playing sports and enjoying weekend fishing trips with his father Dave, Uncle Howie, and Cousin Paul. He loved music from the 60's and 70's and attended Woodstock in the summer of 1969. He continued playing sports and instilled a love for sports in his daughters. Mark was devoted to his family and an active volunteer in the community. He coached soccer teams, judged dive meets, built sets for theater performances, coached Odessey of the Mind teams, led the neighborhood homeowner's association, and was a founding member of Burke Athletic Club, serving as the club's first scheduler. His Microsoft Excel skills were legendary. He kept track of every purchase and every bill for the family. He was truly an accountant at heart and obtained his CPA license in 1998.

In 1996, Mark & Gail took their daughters on a yearlong 'Trip Around the Country'. While traveling to over 40 states in their beloved RV, Buggy 1, they experienced the USA's greatest cities, national parks, and museums. He loved making history and Star Trek themed jokes and puns with his wife.

He also enjoyed the theater, especially going to see Les Misérables.

No matter where Mark was, he played his annual role in the family Passover Seder as the Simple Cousin, but if you knew him, you knew he was anything but simple. Mark retired from a career as CFO in telecommunications in 2018 where he was beloved by his coworkers. Mark's retirement included traveling the world with his wife, and playing tennis and pickleball, while still volunteering in his new community in Florida. Mark spent much of his life working hard to ensure that his family would always be well provided for. He often said that the best times of his life were when he & Gail attended all the girls' events as they grew up. Whether the many sporting events or the many other school activities, Mark always expressed, those where the best of times.

In lieu of flowers, please honor him through donations to Hillel at Virginia Tech, where he served on the Board of Governors (www.hillelatvirginiatech.com, 710 Toms Creek Road Blacksburg, VA 24060). A celebration of life will be held at the family house in Clayton, NC on May 16 th & 17 th , 2026.