New York-based data center builder, Nova Mission Critical, has announced that its chairman emeritus Mark J. DiStefano has passed away yesterday after a courageous battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Mark was well known to DatacenterDynamics and the rest of the Industry as an energetic and inspiring visionary, involved in countless successful projects which helped create standards for how Data Centers are built to this day. 

mark distefano nova lead
Mark DiStefano  – Nova

Generous and likeable

Tributes have been paid by friends and colleagues. Peter Gross, vice president of mission critical systems at Bloom Energy said: ”Mark was one of the greatest contributors to the data center industry that I have ever known. Mark was the most honest, most generous and most likeable guy I ever knew. Mark DiStefano was truly one-of-a-kind, and our Industry has suffered a great loss. I will miss my friend.”

Mark was also a mariner. Tom Furlong, vice president of infrastructure at Facebook, said, “Mark was one of the most upstanding and enthusiastic individuals that I have ever met. My professional relationship with Mark began when the data center industry was initially taking shape, during the rapid growth of Exodus Communications. Our friendship grew beyond our professional respect for each other and toward our shared passion for sailing. It was an honor to race to Bermuda with Mark on multiple occasions. Our Industry lost a great man today, and I lost a good friend. Fair winds, my friend.”

Mark is survived by his wife Maggie, his daughters, Alexis and Caitlin, and his grandchildren, Riley, Parker, Rhys and Penn.

Earlier this year, Mark took the honorary position of Chairman Emeritus, with his son-in-law and previous president, Edward Stewart, becoming CEO, while Kirk Offel was named President.

Mark’s memorial service will be held today, Tuesday, November 22nd at Gaustavino’s, which is located at 409 E 59th St, New York, NY 10022 from 11am - 2pm EST.