It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the unexpected passing of Mark Andol, the respected and visionary founder of the Made in America Store and owner of General Welding & Fabricating, Inc., who died by suicide in July 2025. A proud son of Buffalo, New York, Mark’s untimely departure has left an immeasurable void in the hearts of his loved ones, employees, customers, and the community he championed for decades.
Mark was not only a successful businessman — he was a patriot, father, mentor, and community leader, whose life’s work inspired a national conversation about the value of American labor and manufacturing. His death comes as a shocking and heartbreaking loss for countless people who admired his leadership, vision, and deep devotion to the American working class.
A Legacy Built on Patriotism and Purpose
In 2010, at a time when outsourcing and job loss plagued local economies, Mark Andol took a bold stand. From a place of personal loss — after seeing one of his own companies suffer due to offshore manufacturing — he founded the Made in America Store in Elma, New York, with a mission that was clear and unwavering: “100% American Made.”
His idea wasn’t just about selling products — it was about restoring pride in the American worker, revitalizing local economies, and reminding the country that quality, resilience, and dignity were still alive and well in the hands of American craftsmen and women. What began as a humble storefront quickly evolved into a national symbol of hope, especially in blue-collar communities that had long been overlooked.
Under his leadership, the store became a movement — one rooted in integrity, grit, and love for country. Thousands of visitors came to Elma each year not just to shop, but to support something larger than themselves. Mark reminded us all that patriotism isn’t just about symbols — it’s about supporting the people who build, weld, sew, and grind.
A Man of Vision, Compassion, and Grit
Beyond his business ventures, Mark was deeply invested in the people around him. He believed in lifting others up, mentoring young entrepreneurs, supporting local veterans, and giving back to the community at every opportunity. His commitment to mental health, employment stability, and economic fairness was evident in both word and deed.
Those who knew Mark best describe him as generous, passionate, and relentlessly optimistic. Even in the face of adversity, he believed in solutions. Even when he encountered skepticism, he responded with hard work. He gave his time, his heart, and his energy to causes he believed in — often behind the scenes and without fanfare.
Mark was also a family man, known for being a proud and devoted father, a loyal son and brother, and a dependable friend. He loved deeply, worked tirelessly, and lived with purpose.
A Nation Mourns
The news of Mark’s passing has rippled far beyond Western New York. Messages of sorrow and remembrance are pouring in from across the country — from customers, employees, veterans, fellow business owners, and everyday Americans whose lives were touched by his mission.
His death is a stark and painful reminder of the often-invisible struggles faced even by those who appear strong, successful, and confident. In honoring Mark’s legacy, we also reaffirm the urgent need for compassion, support, and awareness surrounding mental health — especially among entrepreneurs, veterans, and community leaders who carry immense burdens behind closed doors.
The Andol family has requested privacy as they grieve this unimaginable loss. They are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support and will share details about memorial services in the days ahead.
Honoring His Legacy
Mark Andol’s life was one of courage, conviction, and care. He proved that one person can make a difference — not just with money or status, but with values, integrity, and an unwavering belief in people. His story will live on in the businesses he built, the jobs he created, and the lives he changed.
As we mourn, let us also honor his legacy by continuing to believe in the things Mark held dear: American labor, strong communities, honest work, and human dignity.
In his memory, may we recommit ourselves to building a better, stronger, and more compassionate America — the kind of country Mark Andol believed in, fought for, and gave everything to uplift.
For those wishing to share messages of condolence or support, please contact 716-652-0033.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out. Help is available through the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.
Rest in peace, Mark Andol. Your mission lives on.
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