Neil Mark, 73, a member of the Northern Virginia Bridge Association, passed away on February 26, 2020 at the Virginia Hospital Center due to complications from cancer. He was buried in a family tomb near his beloved grandmother at Wellwood Cemetery in West Babylon, New York.

Neil was born November 29, 1946 in New York City. He grew up in Brooklyn as well as New Jersey where he received an undergraduate degree from Rutgers University. He later received a law degree from American University in 1971 and an MBA from the Asian Institute of Management in the Philippines in 1988.

After graduating from Rutgers, Neil began his career in publishing in New York and after law school, he worked for the federal government as a patent attorney until his retirement.

In addition to his passion for bridge, Neil loved crosswords and going to the movies. He also enjoyed a number of sports including golf, softball and tennis in particular — playing doubles weekly.

Through his long-term friend Cecilia Kennedy, Neil became a proficient dancer in Swing but also delighted in Salsa, Argentine Tango, and more recently Ballroom dancing.

Neil had a zest for travel that took him all over the world, visiting every continent except Antarctica. His other great love was animals — he volunteered for the Animal Welfare League of Arlington, contributed to many animal rescue charities and was the official cat-sitter for his vacationing neighbors.

In addition to Cecilia Kennedy of Arlington, Neil is survived by his sister, Linda Gordon of Boston, two nephews, and his cousins, Gary and Daniel Squire, who also live in the Washington area.