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Mark Alan Rister, 61, passed suddenly on May 14, 2026, at home in Alamogordo, NM. On July 21, 1964, Mark was the fifth of five children born to Paul and Alice Rister of Delaware, OH.
Mark was a 1982 graduate of Delaware Hayes High School. In 1984, he picked up and moved to Clearwater Beach, FL and soon became known as Sparky. Mark lived the full beach life for several years and followed many passions. He helped orchestrate, and played in many weekend beach volleyball tournaments. He was built for the sport at 6 foot 6 with the wingspan of a condor. Playing in the local pub leagues, he was fondly known as one half of the ‘Twin Towers’ net line. He later owned and operated Sparkling Rose Collectibles, a busy beach front gitcha shop in Clearwater. Disney figurines and the artwork of Red Skelton were his specialties.
Always a huge sports fan (O-H!!), and his love of being at any rock-n-roll concert, Sparky found the ultimate career to put him in all the right venues in the Tampa area... “ Hey Beer Man!! “ While at a Rays game with Robyn and some friends, they noticed their section was being ignored in the worst way, no beer man. Being a responsible citizen, Mark sought out the manager, for the good of his section. The beer man, he was told, quit before the first pitch. It was the beginning of a new venture; he strapped up and finished the game selling “ICE COLD BEER HERE!” The legend was born. Spring baseball fans, Buccaneers, his beloved Devil Rays, Lightning fans, and rockers all over Central Florida were kept happy and hydrated by Sparky the Happy Beer Man!
The last ten plus years were spent lovingly at the side of Robyn York, truly his companion for life. They relocated from the Gulf coast across Florida to the Space coast for a few years. Very cool. The next move was to southern New Mexico. Turns out they liked desert heat over the beach after all.
Along with Robyn, Mark is survived by his sister, Margee Heintzelman (Tom) of Delaware; brothers, Dan Rister (Anita) of St Louis and Don (DeeDee) Rister of Radnor; countless cousins, nieces, and nephews.
In lieu of holding a wake or service, we believe Mark would appreciate a virtual gathering on July 21, 2026, his 62nd birthday. This will take some work on your part….
Please mark your calendars. Invite your friends, Mark’s friends, and friends of friends to gather and raise a glass at an appropriate hour in memory of Mark, the Happy Beer Man!
