Father Mark J. Peyton, senior priest-retired

The wake for Father Mark J. Peyton, senior priest-retired, will begin with vespers at 3 p.m. July 29 in St. Francis de Sales Church, 3434 George Ave., Parma. Father Timothy Gareau will be the main celebrant and Father Stanley Klasinski will be the homilist. Visitation will continue until 5 p.m.

Bishop Edward Malesic will be the main celebrant for Father Peyton’s funeral Mass at 11 a.m. July 30 in St. Francis de Sales Church. Father Philip Racco will be the homilist.

Father Peyton, 75, died on July 21.

He was born on Feb. 8, 1951 to the late Clyde and Rosalie (Zichacek) Peyton.

Father Peyton was educated at Holy Family School in Parma, Saint Ignatius High School in Cleveland, Borromeo College in Wickliffe and Saint Mary Seminary in Cleveland.

Bishop James Hickey ordained him to the priesthood for service in the Diocese of Cleveland on June 11, 1977 in the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist.

Father Peyton’s first assignment was as parochial vicar of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Cuyahoga Falls. He was transferred on June 24, 1980 to Lake Catholic High School in Mentor to serve as chaplain with residence at St. Mary Magdalene Parish in Mentor. On June 29, 1981, he was appointed parochial vicar of St. Jude Parish in Elyria. In addition to this assignment, he served as chaplain for the Knights of Columbus Elyria Council 744, effective Nov. 8, 1985. Father Peyton was transferred on June 24, 1986 to serve as parochial vicar of St. Vitus Parish in Cleveland.

On June 23, 1987, he was appointed pastor of St. Procop Parish in Cleveland. Father Peyton also served as chaplain for the Catholic Committee on Scouting, effective Oct. 13, 1986.

Father Peyton was appointed pastor of St. Gregory the Great Parish in South Euclid on May 6, 2002.

He was appointed pastor of Assumption of Mary Parish in Brook Park on July 1, 2004.

And on Aug. 31, 2009, Father Peyton was appointed pastor of St. Francis de Sales Parish in Parma, where he served until his retirement on Sept. 15, 2025.

Those who knew him said Father Peyton served the people entrusted to his care with great compassion and dedication. They said his gentle presence, kind smile and pastoral heart touched the lives of many and he will be greatly missed.

Interment will be at Holy Cross Cemetery in Brook Park.