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Mark H. Seidler
Mark Seidler of Hampton Bays died on February 22 while under hospice care at his friends’ home in Colorado. He was 65.
Born April 26, 1945, to Ned and Rosalie Goldstone Seidler, he was raised in Brooklyn and earned a bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York at Binghamton and a master’s from George Mason University. Abandoning a career as an illustrator and graphic artist for National Geographic Magazine, he became a facilitator and trainer for UNICEF, working in Bangladesh, Nigeria, Kenya, China, Burma and Thailand. Later, he became an internationally recognized trainer and leader in the field of restorative justice. Mark was a major contributor to the creation and development of the Longmont [Colorado] Community Justice Partnership, and after relocating to Hampton Bays in 2002 to care for his aging parents, he became a strong part of the East End community. He devoted much of his time and energy to finding grants for restorative justice programs for adults and children having difficulty dealing with others. He wanted to educate and change the attitudes of those in trouble by giving alternative solutions without punishment. As part of the Southampton Anti-Bias Task Force, Mr. Seidler fought to ensure equal rights for everyone in the Town of Southampton.
He had an ability to create community and facilitate respectful, contemplative human interaction, friends said. He could see and encourage the potential within people and had a warm and giving heart. Friends say it was his winsome smile, culinary skills and open heart that brought people together.
After his mother, Rosalie, died, Mr. Seidler was diagnosed with colon cancer. In his search for treatment, he traveled the U.S. and eventually ended up back in his beloved Colorado. He will long be remembered and sorely missed by all those he touched so deeply, survivors said.
Mr. Seidler is survived by his ex-wife and good friend Linda Seidler; companion, Nancy Holweger; two cousins; and many close friends.
An environmentally friendly green burial, free of embalming chemicals, took place Saturday, February 26, at Crestone Cemetery in Crestone, Colorado. A memorial service will be held by his Long Island friends on Sunday, March 27, at 3 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church meetinghouse in Bridgehampton.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Mr. Seidler’s name may be made to The Center for Playback Theater/LTLI, 59 Mulford St., Patchogue, NY 11772.
on Mar 9, 2011