Mark Bacilla died on March 1st, 2021 in San Diego from complications of treatment for cancer. He was a devoted husband and father for 27 years to Marianna Bacilla and their four children, Francesca, Daniel, Giovanni, and Alexandra; loving brother to sister Chris and brother Rick. He we was a loving grandfather to Rebekah, Rachel, Gavin, and Reneé, and loving uncle to Erica, Daniel, Alora, and Sarah.

Mark was the guitarist of the critically acclaimed fusion group Speed of Sound, composing all the material for five albums during the band’s 43 years together. He also led the Bacilla|Stephenson Guitar Duo, arranging and composing a mix of South American, Spanish, and original material for classical guitar, while also playing contemporary jazz and standards with the acoustic trio Hat Trick.  

He earned Bachelor of Arts and Master of Music degrees from San Diego State University where he studied music composition with David Ward-Steinman. Mark taught many generations of guitarists in San Diego starting in the mid-seventies, continuing up until the week of his death. He also taught many subjects in liberal arts and computer sciences over the years.

Mark’s Memorial Celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 10th at his home in Poway. Due to Covid-19 safety guidelines, in-person attendance of the service will be limited to family members and presenters. The service will be live streamed on the internet. A URL will be posted both here and on Mark’s Facebook Page prior to the service. To be notified with updates about the service, please submit your information here: https://bit.ly/3rFqAQw 

If you would like to contribute comments to be read at the service, or have a special request for the service, please submit your comments using the same form: https://bit.ly/3rFqAQw

Flowers or condolences for the family can be mailed to 12747 Tustin Street, Poway, CA 92064.