Mark A. Moretti, 58, computer software consultant active in theater

October 24, 1963 – December 28, 2021

It was his smile that drew people to Mark Moretti.

“He had the most radiant smile,” said Richard Lambert, founder of the New Phoenix Theater on the Park. When he saw Mr. Moretti smile in a nightclub in the 1990s, it was the start of a lasting relationship.

They bought a bungalow together in Buffalo’s Allentown neighborhood and turned it into a showcase that was featured on the Secrets of Allentown home tour. They made a similar transformation when they moved to a larger house near Kleinhans Music Hall which they shared with Mr Moretti’s aging parents.

A computer software consultant, Mr. Moretti died suddenly Dec. 28 at Buffalo General Medical Center. He was 58 years old.

Buffalo-born Mark Anthony Moretti graduated in 1981 from Sweet Home Central High School in Amherst and earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Rochester Institute of Technology in 1986.

He had been an IT consultant for Iridium Technology since last summer. Previously, he was a senior consultant at Emburse Chrome River and director of client services for Decision Pace Inc. from 2013 to 2018.

Before starting a career in information technology, he worked as a server in restaurants and became general manager of Fanny’s Restaurant on Sheridan Drive in Amherst.

“He always had a passion for cooking,” Lambert said. “Not only was it delicious, but the presentation looked like Martha Stewart’s. It just looked so upscale.

Mr. Moretti joined Lambert in his affection for dogs and they owned several basset hounds and a mixed breed named Josh Allen.

They married on July 26, 2011, the day after same-sex marriage was legalized in New York State, in a ceremony overlooking Niagara Falls.

Mr. Moretti had been chairman of the board of the New Phoenix Theater on the Park for about 15 years.

Survivors also include a brother, Scott; and several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of his life will take place at a time to be set in the spring.