Founder and guitarist of RIOT, Mark Reale, passed away last week (Jan. 25), from complications stemming from Crohn's disease in a San Antonio hospital. Realse was only 56 years old.

Reale had been in a coma since Jan. 11th due to a subarachnoid hemorrhage. For most of his life, Reale had battled Crohn's disease, even during his time of performing and working. In roughly every performance, Reale endured constant pain and the side effects of treatments of his illness.

A statement on his official website reads:

“Our brother Mark Reale went home to be with our Lord this day January 25th, 2012 after a long battle and complications from Crohns disease. He is survived by his father Anthony Reale and was precede in death by his mother Frances Reale. Mark was born June 7th, 1955 in Brooklyn New York at a time when rock and roll was flourishing with many new sounds. Early in his life, his first interest had been the movies. ever so curiously, he had shown an interest in films. But then, songs he heard on the radio began to change that. He quickly began to love music from THE BEATLES and CREAM. Mark lists GEORGE HARRISON and ERIC CLAPTON as great influences. When he was seven years old his grandfather bought him his first basic guitar to practice on and later his father bought him a new guitar and amp, his passion had begun.

In the early to mid ’70′s his influences included the likes of EDGAR WINTER, RONNIE MONTROSE and RICK DERRINGER. He also loved a range of bands and artists from AL DI MEOLA to DEEP PURPLE. In 1975 Mark formed his band Riot, then at a block party Mark’s father found vocalist Guy Speranza. Mark’s guitar style and his passion for writing songs that told stories that were so deep and moving had made a real connection with those who would become life long fans. The fans felt so connected to Mark because the lyrics in Riot’s songs were extremely close to the stories of their own lives. His song writing style could weave tales of anything from old lore to battle fields and warriors, personal loss and triumph. And heavy metal anthems that will be with us for decades to come.

The brethren of brothers that Mark spent his life long career in music with and whom he leaves behind or joins in heaven are, Guy Speranza, L.A. Kouvaris, Kip Leming, Peter Bitelli, Rhett Forrester, Rick Ventura, Jimmy Iommi, Sandy Slavin, Tony Moore, Don Van Stavern, Mike Flyntz, Pete Perez, Bobby Jarzombek, Mike Dimeo, John Macaluso, Bobby Rondinelli, Mike Tirelli, Frank Gilchriest and Damon Di Bari who was always like the “6th” member of the band being Riot’s lighting director / production manager / tour manager and Mark’s personal assistant. Mark’s final days were spent with Damon at his hospital bedside, sharing the fans thoughts, well wishes and prayers. Even though Mark began his career in New York, San Antonio was a special place he loved and not only lived here for a while but had planned on moving back here to make San Antonio his permanent home.

With heart felt thanks to the fans around the world, the United States, Japan, Europe and all points in between. The Riot army meant everything in the world to Mark., it’s what kept him going. The loyalty and love of the fans fueled his passion and desire to continue making music for as long as possible.

Please keep the Mighty Tior in your hearts and the memory of Mark alive within you.

Shine on, Mark shine on!”

Heavy metal and hard rock fans the world over are saddened by this news, especially with RIOT being one of the most fan-favorite bands in the last thirty years. Reale was a brave and determined individual to endure the pain and misery of his disease while doing what he loved, and it is an example we should all follow. Rock Almanac is saddened by this loss, and we can only hope that Reale is playing his classic tracks among the legends of rock in rock heaven.