Mark William Heyl

Celebrating the Life of Mark William Heyl

Mark William Heyl, a man whose infectious laugh could fill a room and whose heart was as vast as the oceans he navigated, passed away peacefully on March 4, 2026.

A beloved husband, father, and veteran, Mark was known for his infectious laugh and a career in sales management (cars, yachts, and RVs). Mark was a true sports and boating enthusiast. He and his wife Sylvia famously completed the "Great Loop" aboard their boat, Heavenly Ours.

He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Sylvia; his siblings Guy (Alice) and Jenny, his blended family including Sharon Foley, Beth Ahrens, Rhonda Pimentel, Rob Sethares and 11 grandchildren. He is reunited in peace with his son, Stephen, and parents Ann and Leo.

A Life of Movement and Connection

Mark spent his career in sales management, a role perfectly suited for his charismatic personality. Whether he was helping someone find the perfect car, a luxury motor yacht, or an RV, Mark wasn’t just selling a vehicle—he was selling a dream of freedom and exploration. His colleagues and clients knew him as a man of integrity, quick wit, and unparalleled energy.

"Heavenly Ours": The Adventure of a Lifetime

Mark’s love for the water was a way of life. The pinnacle of his boating years was an eight-month odyssey with his wife, Sylvia, aboard their boat, Heavenly Ours. Together, they completed the "Great Loop," a journey that took them from the pristine waters of Florida through the winding Intracoastal Waterways.

They shared breakfast with the Statue of Liberty in the morning mist and toasted to the New York City skyline under a canopy of lights that evening. From the Hudson River into the wilds of Canada, across the Great Lakes, and down the mighty Mississippi to the Gulf of Mexico, Mark was in his element. He often joked that over eight months of close quarters, they only faced "two small mutinies"—a testament to his spirit of adventure and the enduring strength of his and Sylvia’s bond.

A Legacy of Love and Service

A proud veteran, Mark’s commitment to his country was a cornerstone of his character. Above all his travels, his greatest pride was his family. He shared thirty beautiful years of marriage with his devoted wife, Sylvia.

Mark held a deep love and respect for his siblings, sharing a special bond with his brother, Guy, and his wife, Alice, as well as his sister, Jenny. His legacy lives on through his blended family including children Sharon Foley, Beth Ahrens, Rhonda Pimentel and Rob Sethares. With 11 grandchildren, Mark’s "infectious laugh" and stories of the open water will be cherished and retold for generations. He was a sports enthusiast, a tennis player, and a captain who always knew that the best part of any journey was the people you shared it with.

Mark is now reunited with his beloved parents, Ann and Leo Heyl, and his son, Stephen Heyl, who passed away at the age of 35.

Services | Friday, April 10, 2026

• Memorial Mass: 11:00 AM at Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church.

• Interment: Burial to follow at Sarasota National Cemetery, commemorating his honorable service to the United States.

• Celebration of Life: 4:00 PM (Location to be provided by family).

These tracks celebrate his 8-month journey on Heavenly Ours.

• "Sailing" – Christopher Cross (The ultimate smooth-sailing anthem).

• "Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes" – Jimmy Buffett (A must for any yacht/boating enthusiast).

• "Son of a Son of a Sailor" – Jimmy Buffett (Perfectly honors his connection to the water).

• "The Downeaster 'Alexa'" – Billy Joel (A nod to the Eastern US waterways and the Hudson).

• "Southern Cross" – Crosby, Stills & Nash.

The "Infectious Laugh" & High Energy Set

Classic, feel-good hits that match Mark's charisma and sales-pro energy.

• "Lovely Day" – Bill Withers (Matches his positive spirit).

• "Take It Easy" – Eagles (Captures that RV/road-trip freedom).

• "You Can Call Me Al" – Paul Simon (A fun, upbeat track with great rhythm).

• "Sweet Caroline" – Neil Diamond (A sports enthusiast classic).

• "Brown Eyed Girl" – Van Morrison (Always a crowd-pleaser).

The "Legacy of Love" Set

Slower, heartfelt songs for his 30 years with Sylvia and his bond with his children and siblings.

• "The Way You Look Tonight" – Frank Sinatra (Timeless and classy, like a fine motor yacht).

• "Through the Years" – Kenny Rogers (A beautiful tribute to his 30-year marriage).

• "What a Wonderful World" – Louis Armstrong.

• "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother" – The Hollies (A subtle nod to his respect for Guy).

• "Over the Rainbow" – Israel Kamakawiwo'ole (A peaceful tribute for Stephen, Anne, and Leo).

The "Final Port" (Closing Songs)

• "Beyond the Sea" – Bobby Darin (A joyful, swinging send-off).

• "Victory" – (Theme from Chariots of Fire) or "Centerfield" – John Fogerty (To honor his sports enthusiasm).

• "My Way" – Frank Sinatra (For a man who lived life on his own terms).

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