Mark J. Drabik

Mark J. Drabik

June 29, 1964 – January 18, 2022

Mark J. Drabik was born on June 29, 1964, in Holyoke, Massachusetts. Mark graduated from the US Merchant Marine Academy and entered the US Army in 1986. His first tour of duty was the “Hardship Tour” of O’ahu, Hawaii as a platoon leader of Bravo Company of the 214th Aviation Regiment.
He met his devoted wife, Barbara Thomas, in 1988 during their deployment to Japan for the US Army. They wed in 1991 and Mark lost the coin toss which resulted in Barbara leaving the US Army to take on the role of mother.
They had their first child, Matthias Drabik, on November 5, 1993, in Fort Irwin, California.
Mark became a member of the 3rd/160th, Special Operations Aviation Regiment, the Night Stalkers. Here, he commanded Bravo Company. During his special forces tour, their daughter, Guinevere Drabik, was born on February 16, 1996, in Savannah, Georgia.
Mark left Aviation to become a strategist and found himself at Offutt Airforce Base on the National Airborne Operations Center (NAOC). Mark had several deployments, including Operation Desert Storm and Afghanistan.
Mark spent his life devoted to his military service, where he retired as a Lt. Colonel for the US Army, and to his family. Once retired, Mark spent the remainder of his life focused on community outreach and giving back to those around him.
To him, the greatest achievement was the life he made with his wife and children, who were the root of his happiness.  Including his biological family, Mark had multitudes of loved ones that stemmed from his military and civilian life. He cherished everyone he encountered, and some of these became wonderful additions to his family.
The Drabik family would like to extend their gratitude to all his friends and the roles they have played in his life. Your love and generosity have not gone unnoticed, and Mark was deeply touched by every interaction, no matter how small.
Mark, Barbara, and the kids have returned to Hawaii throughout their lives, and the family will be taking him home to the Big Island in March.
Mark is survived by his wife, Barbara Drabik; children, Matthias and Guinevere Drabik; brother, Michael Drabik; and honorary daughter, Alex Snodgrass.

VISITATION: Sunday, January 23^rd from 6pm to 7pm at the West Center Chapel, followed by ROSARY at 7pm.  FUNERAL SERVICE: Monday, January 24^th at 2pm, Mary Our Queen Catholic Church, 3405 S. 118^th St.  Memorials will be directed by the family.

To view live broadcasts of the Rosary and Funeral Service, please go to www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “View Live Cast” button on the home page.