Mark was born in San Diego, graduated from Kearny High School and San Diego State University. He married Arlene (Castleton) Breise on Jan. 25, 1980.

Mark found his passion for the natural world early in life and followed it in his education, career and personal interests. He began his career at Scripps Aquarium in La Jolla as a volunteer at age 14, eventually becoming head aquarist. He left San Diego to be one of the original biologists to join the Monterey Bay Aquarium before it opened in 1984. During his time at the Monterey aquarium, Mark developed new procedures for the care of animals and was instrumental in the displays of the Coastal Stream, Aviary and Rocky Shores exhibits. He was part of the first jellies team and the first to culture the upside-down jelly. He also added the successful surf grass addition to the Kelp Forest exhibit.

Those who worked with Mark remember him as someone who looked beyond the walls of the exhibit and into the essence of the habitat that he was interpreting. He inspired co-workers to look at exhibits in a very naturalistic way, to transcend the technical world of aquarium science and bring a fresh, organic perspective to the exhibits. His influence can be seen throughout the Aquarium and continues to live on.

He led many field trips for members to shoreline, wetland and terrestrial habitats. He taught classes on native plant propagation and was involved with the Dunes Coalition. After 20 years, he and his wife retired and returned to San Diego where Mark was consulted on a number of projects for the Birch Aquarium in La Jolla.

Mark was a very talented aquarist with an innate knowledge of the animals and plants he worked with. Early in his career he kept electric fish, recorded their sounds and created music. He did a live performance at UCSD collaborating with Dr. Walter Heiligenberg who studied neurobiology.

He was also a master of fresh water planted aquariums. He was active in the San Diego Tropical Fish Society and kept many aquariums at home. He cultured CA native plants for use around his home and ponds in both Monterey and San Diego, sharing many with friends and family. In San Diego he led field trips for the San Diego Tropical Fish Society and the CA Native Plant Society, sharing his vast knowledge of and passion for the natural world.

Throughout his life, Mark continued to explore the mountains, deserts, wetlands and oceans, ever increasing his knowledge and appreciation of the plants, animals and geology that form our world. He was intelligent, very kind, humble and always willing to share his knowledge with all. Mark is considered a mentor to many in these fields.

Mark died peacefully at home with his wife by his side. 

Mark is survived by his wife, Arlene, his parents William and Mary, his brother Steve, his sisters Sue (Delguidice) and Laurie (Woods), stepson Devin Breise, five grandchildren and three nieces.