We have a very sad update to a story we brought you some time ago. Mark Novelli – a man known for helping others, for giving of himself whenever possible and for being a friend to everyone – has died.
A benefit was held a few months ago for the Falls man – and he was incredibly touched by the support and outpouring of love. He wrote this to his friends and the community:
“It took me all day to be composed enough to write this. The outpouring of love and generosity I experienced Sunday night was impossible too describe. If I name people I’m afraid I’ll forget someone, so you know who you are. To see that many human beings working that hard for ME, was a humbling experience. From the crew, to the musicians that insisted on playing for zero compensation to all the volunteers…I thank and love you. I know how much work it is. The crowd was absolutely amazing. From my 88 year old mother,to people that started the conversation with “ you don’t know me, but”, to my coworkers, dentist, doctor, grocers, cousins that flew in for one day and a multitude of friends, I love you. The big one…my family. I have the best one on earth. To my fiancé Nori Bucci: Wow. I love you. To my brother Mike Novelli, thanks for showing me how to live. I love you.
Everyone that I talked to said the same thing…one common word…LOVE. So keep loving. The homeless guy at 7-11 needs love just like us; if not more. To everyone suffering: hang on, it’s worth it. If this was 20 yrs ago they could have held that thing in a phone booth. My diagnosis taught me something. The only thing that matters is people…and the relationships you have with them. Bill Gates may have all the money, but I’m the richest guy in the world.”
Rest in Peace, Mark.
Mark has always been a champion for those in need of the kind of life-saving assistance that not everyone can give. Mark was a long time manager at Joe Cecconi’s Chrysler Complex and had planned a run for Niagara Falls Mayor – but withdrew after his cancer diagnosis.
Friends did whatever they could to help – including raising money to allow Mark to focus on his health. They posted a touching message on a Gofundme Page where they raised nearly $40,000.
“Our friend, Mark Novelli has cancer. Mark is a fighter and has faced great challenges in his life before, but nothing like this. He would never ask for your help, but his friends who love him are asking.
We want to do whatever we can to help Mark Novelli beat this cancer. We are urgently asking for your help so he can get whatever medical is treatment needed.
If you live in Niagara Falls, chances are, you know Mark Novelli. Since accepting sobriety 16 years ago, Mark has made it his life’s work to help others whether they are down on their luck or dealing with alcohol and drug abuse. Mark has saved lives and helped countless individuals and their families struggling with the same demons he faced and beat.
He’s also brought joy to many others by supporting and participating in the Western New York music scene, showing and telling anyone who would listen that the best musicians in the world come from right in his backyard. He is a beacon of joy to all who know him.
If you want to help Mark in his fight against cancer, please join us as we raise money to help pay for his treatment.
Anyone who has been sick, or had a family member dealing with serious illness, knows that private insurance doesn’t come close to covering the cost of quality medical care, let alone allow a patient to afford alternative treatments. Mark’s insurance carrier has already denied his doctor’s request for tests vital in planning his treatment regimen.
That is simply unacceptable and our goal is to raise $25,000 so Mark and his family never have to make decisions regarding his care based on cost alone. Please join us today by supporting Mark and his family today.
THANK YOU
Friends of Mark Novelli”
Photo credit: Joseph Falsetti
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