Mark Dagostino

Mark Robert Dagostino, M.D., 61, of Duluth, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday June 28, 2020 after a lengthy battle with thyroid cancer.  Mark was born in Red Bank, NJ on November 12, 1958 to Frank and Victoria Dagostino. He graduated from Cornell University and UMDNJ New Jersey Medical School.  He completed his residency training at the University of Virginia and his cardiology training at the University of Pittsburgh. He worked as an interventional cardiologist for 25 years, most recently at St. Luke’s Hospital from 2003-2015 and abruptly ended when he was diagnosed with Thyroid cancer in 2014.

Mark married the love of his life, Erin Behling, on August 15, 2015.  He enjoyed traveling, photography, hiking (especially the Grand Canyon), reading, and politics. You could often find him talking politics in the doctors’ dining room. When he was at home, he enjoyed Star Trek, Fox News, The Weather Channel, and Jeopardy, and he could answer nearly every question!

. Even after his diagnosis he continued to travel domestically & internationally. He organized the trips to great detail and was often heard to say, “I want to drag Erin around the world!” He did.  Since his diagnosis - 51 countries on twelve international trips, and twenty domestic trips. His quick wit and intellect made him the most interesting man. He was kind, generous, and yet direct. He came to faith in Jesus within hours of his passing. A special thank you to Dr. Kleinschmidt at St. Luke’s & Dr. Morris at Mayo Clinic for their exceptional care. Special friends & colleagues who have always been there & made time for him: Dr. Elmer, Dr. Monte, Dr. Tekler, Dr. Somasundaram, Dr. Meyers, Dr. Avello & Dr. Coffin & many others.

He was preceded in death by his father Frank, his uncle Al Covino and cousin Ed Ruggiero.

He is survived by his wife Erin Behling, mother Victoria Dagostino, his mother and father-in-law Cheryl and Donald Behling, sisters Roselle (Mark) Mesmer and Lisa Dagostino, brother-in-law Chad (Kate) Behling, nieces and nephew Katie and Michael Mesmer, and Anniston and Saylor Behling, his aunt, Carmela Covino, and cousins Renee (Marc) Rynn, Kyle Covino, Rich and (Brenda) Ruggiero and Lindy Ruggiero.

Visitation will be held Graveside at Forest Hill Cemetery on Sunday July 5, 2020 from 10AM until the 11AM Funeral Service.  In lieu of flowers memorials in Marks name may be made to the donor’s choice.  Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home. 600 E. 2nd St. Duluth, MN. 55805. 218-727-3555.