Mark Jude Pettenati

Mark Jude Pettenati, Ph D. of Dandridge TN passed away September 8th, 2023 at his home after a long hard fought six year battle with cancer.  Mark was born July 14, 1956 in Olean, he was the son of the late Waldo V. and Camilla J. Pettenati, long term residents of Olean NY.  Mark was a graduate of Olean Senior High School (1974). He received his Bachelor’s of Science degree from St. Bonaventure (1978), his P.hD. in Genetics from West Virginia University (1983), completed a postdoctoral at Indiana University in Indianapolis IN in Cytogenetics/Medical Genetics (1985), and a second postdoctoral at the University of Chicago in Cancer Cytogenetics (1986). He was boarded in Medical Genetics by the American Board of Medical Genetics (ABMG).  He then worked at Wake Forest University Medical Center in Medical Genetics/Pathology and Medical Genetics/Pediatrics for 35 years. He published 269 papers, 5 book chapters and had 50 million in grants. He published several papers with Nobel prize winners. He directed the Cytogenetics and Molecular Cytogenetics laboratory as well as the Genetic labs (biochemical, molecular and MSAFP/Neural Tube program) in Medical Genetics at various times. Mark served on national committees and presented at numerous national meetings. He retired as Professor Emeritus in Medical Genetics/Pathology.  In his leisure Mark trained in martial arts for 45 years and eventually with his children all of whom are black belts. He obtained his 7th degree black belt at the Master's level from Karate International where his friends called him "Doc". He enjoyed playing poker, fishing, writing children's stories and detailing the Pettenati family history.  Mark was a member of the Holy Trinity Catholic where he taught Sunday School for the 5- 6 year olds  and also was a member the Knights of Columbus.  He is survived by his beloved wife Mari, his brothers and sister Steve, John, and Lissa, his four children Matthew, Dustin and his wife Mary Byrd, Nicholas and his fiancée Debi, and Nicole and her husband Scott, his uncle Louie, and his many cousins, nieces and nephews. He loved them all dearly.  Mark was cremated. His ashes were sent to St Bonaventure cemetery for burial. In lieu of donations or flowers Mark requested prayers for children and others with cancer. 

ARRANGEMENTS BY FARRAR FUNERAL HOME, DANDRIDGE, TN