Mark Van Aelstyn Sr. a Poway resident since 1991 died on April 22, 2020 at the age of 75.

Mark is survived by his wife; Claire; his children, Mark Jr. and Ed; his daughter-in-law, Dana; and his grandchildren, Jake, Ian, Paige, and Ty. He is also survived by his sister Kathy Bules of Colorado, brothers Robert Van Aelstyn of Wyoming and Dale Van Aelstyn of Colorado, and lastly, his sister-in-law Marcella Perez. He is predeceased by his mother and father, Mildred and Edward Van Aelstyn.

Mark was born in Omaha, Nebraska on October 19, 1944. His parents were Mildred and Edward Van Aelstyn. As soon as he was old enough he left home to join the Navy and proudly served for 20-plus years. During his time in the Philippines, he met his wife of 52 years, Claire. He and Claire had two sons, Ed and Mark Jr. who brought much mischief and fun into his life. While juggling the complexities of work and raising a family, Mark went to night school and graduated from Chapman College in 1982. He also earned his Masters in Finance from National University in 1992.

Not only was Mark an avid family man who adored his grandchildren, but at heart he was a people person. He liked to spend hours at the gym and the military commissary talking to those who would listen. He could be your best friend after only meeting you five minutes earlier. Lastly, Mark had a soft spot for both cats and dogs.

A funeral service will be held at Poway-Bernardo Mortuary on May 7 ^th and he will be laid to rest at Miramar National Cemetery.