When Mark Kassab arrived in San Diego from Iraq in 1977, he had only $5 in his pocket and a dream for a better life. At 17 years old, he attended Patrick Henry High School and worked at a grocery store to help his family. Only three years later, at the age of 21, Mark co-purchased Murphy’s Market on Fairmount Avenue in City Heights. What began as a bold leap into business ownership soon became a lifelong commitment to giving back to his community.
In 2014, when Albertsons closed its City Heights location, many residents worried about losing access to essential bus passes and fresh groceries. Mark stepped up to help, partnering with MTS to sell bus passes at three of his locations and stocking his markets with additional produce, meat, and baby formula to serve families who had relied on Albertsons. He even opened his Fairmount and Dwight store an hour earlier to accommodate the community’s needs.
For more than four decades, Mark has been a familiar face in City Heights. Not just as a successful entrepreneur, but as a champion for local schools, families, and youth. From donating books and sponsoring sports teams to hosting community events, his businesses have always been more than places to shop; they’ve been pillars of support for the neighborhood. “Continuing our commitment to our elementary schools in City Heights is one of the projects that remains most meaningful to me today,” he said.
Education has been one of Mark’s greatest passions. In partnership with local schools, he has donated thousands of books, purchased new titles every year for Read Across America, and provided bicycles to students who excel academically and maintain strong attendance. His goal has always been to encourage children to stay in school and believe in their potential. In 2004, the San Diego Unified School District renamed the Cherokee Point Elementary School Auditorium to the Kassab Family Community Theater.
Mark’s generosity extends well beyond the classroom. He has sponsored soccer and Little League teams, provided refreshments at neighborhood events, and supported National Night Out crime-prevention rallies since 1995 — helping bring together more than 2,000 residents each year. He has also opened his businesses as resources for the community, raising funds for causes such as the 9/11 Victims Relief Fund.
Over the years, his service has not gone unnoticed. In 1999, Mark was honored by General Colin Powell and America’s Promise Foundation for his dedication to youth. The following year, San Diego Unified School District recognized his commitment to local schools. And in 2002, the City of San Diego proclaimed April 2 as Mark Kassab Day in recognition of his tireless contributions.
Despite these accolades, Mark remains humble. For him, the real reward is seeing families and young people in City Heights thrive. “I am grateful to have been chosen as a City Heights Hero,” he reflected. “It is an honor to serve our community and support our youth, and I hope this recognition inspires others to give back as well.”