Published on April 16, 2026 | Staten Island Advance | Written by Carol Ann Benanti
Sundog Theatre team members, from the left, Isabella Lucia, Melissa Holland, Susan Fenley, Julie Cadunzi, Elyssa Paige, Victoria Colella and Ellen Petillo, are shown along with
veteran John Stephen Mark.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — A quiet hero finally received the applause he deserves as Sundog Theatre presented John Stephen Mark with the “Quilt of Valor” for an extraordinary 27 years of selfless military service, his continued dedication to the community of Staten Island, and for his support of Sundog Theatre.
In partnership with the Quilts of Valor Foundation, a heartwarming Quilt of Valor wrapping ceremony recognized Mark — who is affectionately known as “Jack” — at the office of Sundog Theatre in West Brighton.
From the left, Julie Cadunzi, Susan Fenley, Ellen Petillo and Victoria Colella, of Sundog Theatre, wrap veteran John Stephen Mark with a Quilt of Valor.
The “Quilt of Valor” was presented by members of the Legacy Quilts of Valor group from Townsend, Del., including Tina and Andy Cella and Theresa and Andrew DeSimone.
Quilt of Valor members, from the left, Theresa DeSimone, Tina Cella, Andy Cella and Andrew DeSimone are shown with Veteran John Stephen Mark, center.
Tina Cella, of the Delaware Legacy Quilts of Valor chapter, addresses guests.
From the left are Elizabeth Bianco, of the office of Richmond County District Attorney Michael McMahon; Susan Fenley, executive director of Sundog Theatre; Council members Frank Morano, and David Carr; Assembly member Michael Reilly, veteran John Stephan Mark, Assembly member Sam Pirozollo, Hanane Dbajat, of the office of Assembly member Michael Tannousis; Vincent Lipani, of the office of State Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, and Nicholas Thompson, of the office of Borough President Vito Fossella.
The ceremony brought together elected officials, community leaders and members of the Sundog Theatre family to celebrate Mark’s service in both the U.S. Army and U.S. Navy.
During the ceremony, Mark was formally “wrapped” in the handmade quilt, a symbolic gesture representing comfort, healing, and appreciation. Visibly moved by the experience, he shared: “Being wrapped with this quilt brought a calmness over me. It brought me peace.”
A huge part of the theater ‘family’
“Jack is a huge part of the Sundog Theatre family,” said Julie Cadunzi, general manager of the theatre. “He takes great pride in his service and in our country, and truly exemplifies what it means to be an American. It was my honor to nominate him for this recognition.”
Among those in attendance were City Council member Frank Morano, chair of the Committee on Veterans; his chief of staff, Frank Rapacciuolo, Council member David Carr, Assembly member Michael Reilly, Assembly member Sam Pirozzolo and NYPD Military Liaison Nancy Beetstra.
Morano echoed Canduzi’s sentiments, stating: “After serving in both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Navy, with decades in uniform and deployments around the world, Jack represents the very best of what it means to serve.
“And like so many veterans, his service didn’t end when he took off the uniform — it continues in the way he shows up every day for his community. Moments like this matter.”
Honoree Veteran John Stephen Mark, left, poses with Nancy Beetstra, NYPD military Liaison.
Representatives also attended on behalf of Borough President Vito Fossella, Richmond County District Attorney Michael McMahon, State Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, and Assembly member Michael Tannousis.
A celebratory cake with patriotic trim was presented to John Stephen Mark.
More about Mark
Mark enlisted in the U.S. Army at 17 in 1973, completing nearly a year of rigorous infantry training before serving in Vietnam.
Following his Army service, he continued his military career in the U.S. Navy, where he rose to the rank of boatswain’s mate first class and petty officer first class.
Over the course of his career, he completed six Mediterranean cruises, served aboard an aircraft carrier, and traveled extensively around the world before his honorable discharge in 2000.
Today, Mark is an integral part of the Sundog Theatre team through his work at Moravian Florist, where he supports facility operations and maintains the organization’s space.
Quilts of Valor Foundation
Founded in 2003, the Quilts of Valor Foundation is dedicated to covering service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing quilts.
The handmade quilts are awarded as tangible expressions of gratitude and respect, symbolizing the nation’s appreciation for those who have served.
The award is not based on rank, length of service or combat experience, but rather on the courage and commitment demonstrated by those who take an oath to protect and serve the country.
For further information about the Quilts of Valor Foundation, or to nominate a veteran, visit QOVF.org.
