Mark Lewis Payton

Mark Lewis Payton (Philadelphia, PA), date of birth, November 8, 1970, returned to the Lord unexpectedly on June 20, 2020. Mark was adopted by Martin J. Payton Jr. and Carolyn Marie Graham from the Casa de la Madre y El Niño orphanage, in Bogota, Colombia and moved to Gwynedd Valley, Pennsylvania, in 1975.

Mark was an alumni of Gwynedd Mercy Academy and Notre Dame High School where he excelled in football, basketball and tennis. Mark graduated from Northeastern University in 1994 where he studied Communications. Mark worked with Precision Metals Services, Inc. for 22 years and most recently, Goya Foods, the largest Hispanic-owned food company in the USA. An avid fan of all Philadelphia sports teams, he enthusiastically cheered on the Eagles, Sixers, Flyers and Phillies. Mark's true passion was freelancing as a statistician for Philadelphia sporting events ranging from the college to professional level.

Mark was loved by a large extended family and circle of friends. He is survived by his adoptive father, whom he adored, Martin J. Payton Jr and his wife Cathy Payton and his adoptive mother Carolyn Graham, as well as his older brother, Martin J. Payton III, and older sisters, Lorilynn Payton Mantella and Cheralyn Payton Leeby. He was preceded in death by his cherished brother Matthew, also adopted from the Casa de la Madre orphanage. Mark was a proud uncle to 9 nieces and nephews and some of his greatest joy came from being front row at their various events. He also leaves his dear aunt Joan Plaziak, his uncle, David Payton, and many relatives and cousins with whom he grew up and shared wonderful memories.

Mark graced us all with his radiant smiles, infectious laughter, and heartwarming hugs. His light burned brightly and he will be greatly missed. We will hold his kindness, generosity, loyalty and love in our hearts…until we meet again. Strong in his Christian faith, Mark always found the good in others and never missed an opportunity to help anyone in need. May we all find comfort in knowing that our Brother Mark was welcomed Home by a team of Angels.

Services are private at request of the family. Mark will be buried alongside his beloved brother Matthew, in Princeton, New Jersey. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to The Casa de la Madre y el Nino orphanage  in Mark's birth name, Luis Alberto Gonzales  ( https://la-casa.org/en/home/ ) or P.A.W.S- The Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society, to honor his love of animals ( https://phillypaws.org , 100 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, 215-238-9901).