SARATOGA SPRINGS — Mark Edward Banovic, a Farnsworth Middle School teacher and coach, died on Friday, Aug. 21, 2020. He was 41.

“Mark was diagnosed with leukemia (AML) on May 30, 2020. His treatment for the disease was unforgiving and he valiantly battled the disease until his passing,” his family wrote in a tribute.

“For nearly 17 years, Mr. Banovic was a teacher and coach at Farnsworth Middle School,” the Guilderland School District wrote in a letter to the school community. “His love for his work with students both in the classroom and on the field was obvious to all who spent time with him. He had a gift for forming meaningful relationships with both students and colleagues; his kindness and compassion made a difference in countless lives. He will be fondly remembered and profoundly missed.”

Mr. Banovic was born on May 11, 1979 to Edward and Karen Banovic of Ballston Spa, New York. He was a graduate of Ballston Spa High School in 1997, where he was a standout student and soccer player. He attended Hobart and William Smith College, where he earned his undergraduate degree.

“Mark cherished his time at Hobart and was a proud member of the Delta Chi fraternity and co-captain of the Rugby team,” his family wrote.

Mr. Banovic went on to earn his master’s degree from Union College. “Following the completion of his own education, Mark followed in the footsteps of his proud parents,” his family wrote. “Mark was not only a teacher at Farnsworth Middle School for 16 years, but also a committed soccer coach, friend, colleague, mentor and leader. Mark contributed his success as a teacher as a result of his core value, to treat each and every student equally and fair.”

Mr. Banovic met his wife, Christin, on a ski trip to Austria in 2008, which changed both of their paths for life. They were united in marriage on Sept. 12, 2014. On Dec. 31, 2015 they welcomed Ella Jean Banovic, the true love of both of their lives. 

“Mark held a strong passion for anything outdoors such as hunting, fishing, hiking, and skiing,” his family wrote. “He was a faithful member of The Good Fellows Club, and cherished much time there.

“Mark’s celebrations in his younger years were shared with his grandparents, parents, sister, aunts, uncles, cousins and close friends. After marriage, his extended family meant as much to him and all were included in the moments he treasured.”

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Mark Edward Banovic is survived by his wife, Christin Banovic; his daughter, Ella Jean Banovic; his parents, Edward and Karen Banovic; his sister, Kimberly Banovic (Allison Salke); his mother-in-law, Jean Boeckman, brothers-in-law Jeff (Mandy) Boeckman, and David (Liz) Boeckman; his sister-in-law Amy Boeckman; and several aunts, uncles and cousins. 

His paternal grandparents, Daniel and Helen Banovic, died before him, as did his maternal grandparents, George and Ella Baker, and his father-in-law, Larry (Fred) Boeckman.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Tuesday, Aug. 25, at St. Mary’s Church in Ballston Spa by Reverend Francis Vivacqua, pastor. Burial was private.

Memorial messages may be left at www.altamontenterprise.com/milestones.