Gilbert M. "Mark" Jenei

Gilbert Mark “Mark” Jenei, 65, of New Philadelphia, passed away on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at Ohio’s Hospice Truman House in New Philadelphia, Ohio, after a courageous battle with cancer. He faced his illness with the same strength, humor, and grit that marked the rest of his life.

Mark was born in Massillon on October 7, 1960, the son of the late Robert Jenei and Karen (Limbacher) Jenei of Columbus. He grew up a Boy Scout in a close-knit family, learned the value of hard work early on, and graduated from New Philadelphia High School with the class of 1979.

He spent his working life doing jobs that required both skill and dependability. Mark worked alongside his father at Jenei Drilling Co. and, for the last 20 years, drove for Berner Trucking of Dover. He took pride in doing things the right way and was honored with the Driver of the Year Award in 2017 for reaching one million miles without an accident. Being out on the road gave him the freedom he craved and the weight of responsibility he demanded.

Mark was also the proprietor of Kelly Street Tavern, where his outgoing personality and easy sociability were on full display. He was a passionate Cleveland Browns fan, a walking encyclopedia of trivia, and a born storyteller who could turn an ordinary day into an entertaining tale. Many will remember him at home on game day, cheering on the Browns or a NASCAR race, trading good-natured banter, and making strangers feel like old friends within minutes.

Away from work, Mark loved being outside. He was an avid fisherman on Lake Erie, happiest in a boat with a line in the water, good company nearby, and a story or two to share. He enjoyed the rumble of his Harley-Davidson and the satisfaction of the open road, whether it was a Sunday ride or a long road-trip adventure. He was also known for firing up the grill and barbecuing for large groups, turning simple gatherings into long, laughter-filled evenings where everyone was well fed and felt welcome.

Blessed with many friends, Mark had a way of staying “good,” even when life was not. He met challenges with stubborn resilience, a wide smile, and a determination to live life on his own terms. He valued loyalty, laughter, and simple time spent with the people he loved.

He leaves behind a loving legacy carried forward by his wife, Kristy Jenei; his children, Kristen Jenei, Eric Littlepage and Aaron Gauvey; his mother, Karen Jenei; and his siblings, Stephen (Letecia) Jenei and Monica (Jay) Lavelle. He was “Grandpa” to his grandchildren Mason Schrump, Cameron Perez, Guinevere Schrump, Landon Gauvey, Isabella Gauvey, and Remington Gauvey, and great-grandchild Bentley Schrump. He is also survived by his former wife, Dana (Littlepage) Sexton.

In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his infant brother, Calvin.

Above all, Mark will be remembered for his big heart, his stories, and the countless hours he spent in the company of family and friends. His presence will be deeply missed and warmly remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know him.

A service celebrating Mark’s life will be held on Sunday, November 30th starting at 1:00 pm in the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home and Crematory at Dover with Pastor David Wing officiating. The family will be greeting friends at the funeral home on Sunday from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Ohio’s Hospice Truman House at 716 Commercial Ave. SW, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.