by Robin Drago, Sr. Analyst Relations Manager, Dell Storage — October 07, 2010
I was shocked and deeply saddened by the news that longtime storage journalist, Mark Ferelli, passed away yesterday. It was so hard to believe – especially since I had just given him a big hug at VMworld last month. He seemed like his usual jovial self, and was off to one of many briefings with his partner in crime, Yuri Spiro.
I first met Mark at Comdex back in 2000 when I was working for a small PR agency in Orange County, CA that handled the Fibre Channel Industry Association account. This was back in the day when no one knew what Fibre Channel technology was, let alone could they spell it correctly. I recall 80 percent of booth visitors asked “what’s Fibre Channel and why is it spelled wrong.” Then, along came Mark. I believe he was one of two, or perhaps the only reporter remotely interested in covering Fibre Channel-based storage back in those days. But, his technology acumen and his eagerness to learn prevailed. His tenure at CTR helped educate thousands, if not, millions, on the in’s and out’s of the storage industry.
The conversations I enjoyed most with Mark weren’t focused on technology (for those of you who know me, you’re not surprised), but it was the stories he told about his wife and family, whom he adored. I remember a conversation a couple of years ago, which happened to be right before his wedding anniversary. I seem to recall it was 40+ years. That sums up Mark completely. He was a tremendously dedicated, committed man, both to his family and career.
He will truly be missed.
The Mark Ferelli Memorial Fund has been set up to help Mark’s family through this difficult time. If you would like to contribute, visit the following link: http://tinyurl.com/35zmwp8.
Jon Toigo over at DrunkenData also shares his thoughts on Mark.
Here’s a glimpse of the tributes from the storage community via Twitter:
- storageio: Sadend by news of longtime #it #storage industry journalist and friend Mark Ferelli who passed away yesterday.
- dconnor: Mark Ferelli, friend and storage journalist for Computer Technology Review dies today. Sad RIP.
- JonToigo: At Half Mast: DrunkenData.com is flying its flag at half mast today.
- jspiro: Mark Ferelli, who I knew since a little kid, who worked for my dad, passed away today; a sweet, smart, patient man.