Mark J. Natale

New York City Police Department (NYPD) Police Officer Mark J. Natale of the 94th Precinct in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, succumbed to brain cancer on May 3, 2018. His illness was directly related to his assignment to the search and recovery efforts at the World Trade Center site following the 9/11 Terrorist attacks. He was 55 years old and had served in the NYPD for 22 years.

Natale was born in Brooklyn, New York, to Angela and Dominick Natale and raised in Huntington, Long Island. He was the firstborn and only son, with two younger sisters. From an early age, he was aware of the world around him. He was a natural athlete and sports played a major role in his life. He loved being part of a team. He graduated from Walt Whitman High School in South Huntington. He also worked there after retiring. Raised in the Catholic faith in a close-knit family, he had a strong sense of faith, family, tradition and community. He carried on the family tradition of service to our country by committing to serve his community in a law enforcement role. He joined the NYPD in 1985. His calm presence under pressure, keen observation skills and quick decisive thinking were qualities that made him well-suited for his role in law enforcement. After his passing, his street was renamed in his honor and a K-9 on the NYPD Emergency Services team was named “MJ”, honoring his legacy and service. In recognition of Natale as a mentor, advisor, and his guidance and support, a plaque in his honor was placed on the Wall of Fame at his High School.

Natale and his wife, Mayra, met in Manhattan, New York, when she accompanied a friend to file a police report after her purse was stolen on the subway. He took the report and she was immediately drawn to his smile, professionalism and respect. They exchanged numbers and the rest is history. They went on to have three children together, Dominick, Catherine and Lauren. He was deeply devoted to his family, and their lives were filled with gatherings, celebrations and traditions. He touched the lives of all who knew him in countless ways. He was loving, generous, confident, humble, calm and courageous.

New York City Police Department (NYPD) Police Officer Mark J. Natale is survived by his loving wife Mayra, his children, Dominick, Catherine and Lauren, his parents, Angela and the late Dominick, his sisters, Denise and Debra, and many cherished family members and friends.

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has paid off the mortgage of the Natale family home through the Fallen First Responder Home Program.