Mark Laurine

Harold “Mark” Laurine, 71, of Brilliant, OH, passed away Saturday March 9, 2024 at Trinity Medical Center West in Steubenville, OH.

He was born September 5, 1952, in Steubenville, OH, son of the late Philip and Doreen (Snutch) Laurine. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Arlene Dale (McAtee) Laurine on June 15, 2007; a sister Rosalind “Roz” (Pete) Giglio; and a nephew, Matthew Moore.

Mark worked in the window blind business for 47 years starting out as a janitor for Levolor Blinds and worked all the way up to Plant Manager first in Weirton, then in Brilliant. After Levolor Blinds closed, Mark opened Optimum Blinds in October of 1990 having locations throughout the years in Steubenville, Martins Ferry and finally Brilliant. For 34 years he proudly operated the shop continuing to work up until a few days before his passing. He took great pride in his work, and he enjoyed being inside customers’ windows. Mark was an avid drag racer in years past and owned a 1970 Mustang “The Devastator”. He enjoyed building motors and cars to “see how fast we can make this thing go” as he would say to his boys as they were growing up. Mark enjoyed helping his small community of Brilliant, which earned him the title “Mr. Brilliant”, which he wore proudly. He especially enjoyed seeing the smiles on the kids faces when they came by Optimum Blinds to see the decorations he proudly displayed for each holiday and the Brilliant Alumni weekend each year. Mark was a hardworking pillar of the community and he will truly be missed by many.

He is survived by two sons, Marcus (Dawn) Laurine of Cumming, GA and Eric Laurine of Brilliant, OH; two brothers, Tony (Karen) Laurine of Weirton, WV and Jim (Jacki) Laurine of Wheeling, WV; a sister, Denise (Jim) Klug of Proctor, WV; a granddaughter, Taylor Simonne Laurine (aka “My Princess”); and his “right hand” at the blind shop, Bette Westling of New Alexandria, OH.

Friends will be received to celebrate Mark's life on Saturday March 23 at Wheeler Funeral Home, 712 Third St., Brilliant from 1:00 p.m. until the time of his memorial service at 4:00 p.m. with Pastor Bill Fulton, officiating.

Memorial contributions may be directed in Mark’s memory to the Brilliant Hall of Fame and can be mailed c/o Joyce Barr, Treasurer, 1631 Hill St., Brilliant, OH 43913.

Offer condolences at www.wheelerfuneralhomes.com.

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