Mark David Duplissis

Dr. Mark David Duplissis, 56, passed away peacefully on September 3, 2026, at his home, surrounded by the people he loved most: his wife, his children and their spouses, his granddaughter, his siblings, and extended family.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 28 years, Heather; his children, Hannah, Abigail, and Samuel; his sons-in-law, Nathanael and Gunnar; his granddaughter, Sunday; his siblings, Gail, Gary, and Steve; and the many family members, friends, colleagues, students, and community members whose lives were touched by his.

Mark was born on January 20, 1970, in Lewiston, Maine, to John and Rita Duplissis. He grew up alongside his siblings, Gail, Gary, and Steve. After his mother’s passing, Mark’s father moved the family to Arizona in 1982. Throughout his life, Mark carried with him a deep love for family, community, and learning.

Mark was a loving, faithful, and devoted husband and father. He showed his love in thoughtful ways, from sentimental gifts chosen with care and the everyday ways he helped at home, to planning adventures and creating memories with his children. He was a steady protector of his family, always looking out for them, providing for them, and making sure they knew how deeply they were loved.

Mark spent his life pouring into people - within the walls of his own home, around his table, in classrooms, and in his community. He always cooked more food than was needed so there was always room for one more person. He loved gathering people together, hosting friends and family, and creating a home where people felt welcomed and known. He loved his neighbor and those in need by serving at City Hope, a ministry of Christ Church. He taught with his words, but even more through the way he lived: love your family fiercely, make room for people, never stop learning, serve wherever God places you, and keep your faith in Jesus Christ.

Education was not simply Mark’s career; it was one of his great callings. He earned his bachelor’s degree in History, secondary education certification, master’s degree in Education Administration, and ultimately his Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, all from Arizona State University. Mark devoted more than three decades to education, serving students and educators at nearly every level: as a teacher, principal, school administrator, university professor, executive director, and mentor to future educational leaders. His career included many years in K–12 education and leadership and nearly two decades at Grand Canyon University, where he served as a Senior Doctoral Chair and adjunct faculty member. Most recently, he served at Arizona Christian University as an Assistant Professor and Executive Director of Continuing and Adult Education.

His professional titles and accomplishments were many, but Mark was most proud of the people he had the opportunity to teach, lead, mentor, and invest in along the way. He never stopped learning, and he never stopped teaching, even up until the day he was called home to be with his Savior.

Outside of work, Mark found joy in simple and beautiful things. He loved gardening and nature, cooking for the people he loved, camping, watching UFC, spending time at the beach and in the mountains, and being surrounded by family and friends. He was happiest when people were gathered around him, preferably with good food involved!

Above every title Mark carried - Dr. Duplissis, educator, teacher, leader, son, brother, uncle, husband, dad, and Pop - the most important part of his life was his faith in Jesus Christ. His faith shaped the way he loved and cared for his family, his strong work ethic, and his servant heart. Throughout his battle with cancer, it was also the source of a deep and enduring hope that carried him through the most difficult days of his illness and ultimately into eternity.

Mark’s legacy lives on not only through the positions he held or the work he accomplished, but through the people he touched. It lives in the students he taught, the educators he encouraged, the communities he served, the friends he welcomed into his home, and, most of all, in the family he loved so dearly.

Those who loved Mark will deeply miss his presence, but the lessons of his life will continue to be carried forward by the people he loved and the countless lives he helped shape.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
2 Timothy 4:7

Mark was passionate about serving others through City Hope, a ministry of Christ Church. In lieu of flowers, we invite you to honor Mark’s memory by supporting City Hope through giving, serving, or donating needed items. https://www.cityhopeaz.org (link above)

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.