East Pembroke - Mark A. Newton, 57, of East Pembroke died peacefully at his home surrounded by his family after a yearlong battle with cancer.
Mark was born on March 28, 1955 in Batavia, a son of Margaret (Bartlett) Newton and the late Norman Newton. He was preceded in death by his brother Robert Newton.
Mr. Newton was Vice President of Ron & Newt's in East Pembroke, where he worked since his early teenage years. Mark took pride in his mechanical work and was known to have had great relationships with his customers. Throughout the early-mid 1980’s Mark and his brother Bob built and operated Genesee Speedway in Batavia (currently Raceway 5). Mark was well known for driving his orange #55- double nickel-orange blossom special. He had a successful racing career driving asphalt modifieds at Lancaster and Spencer Speedways. He also raced in special events at race tracks in Holland, Martinsville, Va., Poconos, Pa., Stafford Springs and Thompson Speedways in Ct. from 1972 into the mid-80s. He loved his family and enjoyed restoring old cars, especially corvettes and was a diehard Dale Earnhardt fan.
Mark is survived by his mother, Margaret "Peg" Newton of East Pembroke; his devoted wife of 32 years, Marjorie (Esten) Newton; daughters Michelle (David) Purcell of Hamlin, Amanda Kopper of Batavia, and Kristen (Jeffrey) Maxwell of Batavia; grandchildren Macy Purcell (8), Anthony Kopper (5), Aiden Kopper (4), Michael Barry (2), and Josiah Wright (1); brothers, Larry (Brooke) Newton of Longwood, Fla., Don (Elaine) Newton of Batavia, and Wayne (Robin) Newton of Auburndale, Fla., mother-in-law Harriet (late Roger) Esten of Oakfield; brother-in-law Ralph (late Laurie) Esten of Oakfield, Doug Esten of Oakfield, and Roger (Lisa) Esten of Elba; sister-in-law Carol Esten of Oakfield; and many nieces and nephews.
Family and friends may call Monday 7-9 p.m. and Tuesday 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc. 4-6 Main Street, Corfu. Funeral services will be held Wednesday 11 a.m at the Cornerstone Church 2583 Main Road, East Pembroke, with burial to follow at Hillside Cemetery, Angling Road, East Pembroke.
Memorials may be made to Genesee Cancer Assistance, 16 Bank St. Batavia, NY 14020 or to the Newton family.
