Mark Powell

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mark Daniel Powell on April 2, 2025. Born in Oakland, California on August 6, 1958, Mark spent his early years in Oakland and Hayward before moving to DamNeck, Virginia, Charleston, South Carolina and Cape Canaveral, Florida. He finally settled in Bremerton, Washington, where he lived for 34 years. A loving, dedicated, and courageous husband, father and man, Mark's life was marked by deep commitment to his family, friends, and shipmates.

Mark held a distinguished career in the United States Navy as an ETCS, serving his country with honor for 26 years before retiring in 2005. His duty stations included POMFLANT Naval Weapons Station, Naval Ordnance Test Unit (NOTU) and Trident Basin and Wharf, USS Henry M. Jackson (Blue), USS Pennsylvania (Blue), USS Georgia (Blue), and Trident Refit Facility, Bangor, WA as a Central Navigation Computer (CNC) Technician, Ship’s 3-M System Coordinator, and Instructor. His dedication and courage were recognized through numerous awards and commendations, including Navy/Marine Corps Commendation and Achievement Medals, Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendations, Navy “E” ribbon, Good Conduct Awards, Sea Service Deployment ribbons, Submarine Insignia (Enlisted), sixteen SSBN Patrol Pins, and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. His retirement years were filled with hobbies that brought him immense joy with family and friends, including fantasy football, baseball, cooking, barbecues, camping, and road trips to new and old places. As a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States and the American Legion, Mark continued to serve his community and fellow veterans.

Mark was a man of many passions, but nothing mattered more to him than his family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Patricia, their daughter Felicia, his son David, brother, David Powell, and sisters Joan Powell and Judi Katz. His parents, Roberta and Jack Powell, preceded him in death. Mark was and always will be deeply loved and greatly missed. As the poet Rumi once wrote, "Goodbyes are only for those who love with their eyes. Because for those who love with heart and soul, there is no such thing as separation."

“Today, we are here to say, “The Watch Stands Relieved” by those you have led, guided, and trained. Shipmate, You stand relieved. We have the Watch.”

We invite you to leave your memories of Mark and upload photos to his memorial page. Your shared experiences and tributes will help us remember the remarkable life of a man who touched so many with his love, charisma, dedication, and courage. Mark Powell, you are forever in our hearts.