The community of Little Silver, New Jersey, and the entire DCH Auto Group family are mourning the unexpected passing of Mark Clifton, a longtime and highly respected leader whose career, character, and compassion left a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

Mark’s passing has sent shockwaves through the automotive community, particularly among his colleagues at DCH Ford of Eatontown, where he served as General Manager. Known for his integrity, leadership, and unwavering dedication to his work, Mark’s absence is deeply felt by his team and the countless people he mentored throughout his career.

For over two decades, Mark was a cornerstone of the Lithia & DCH family, beginning his journey with the DCH Auto Group in the late 1990s at Saturn. From his earliest days, it was clear that Mark possessed a rare blend of drive, determination, and people-centered leadership. His career quickly flourished, and he went on to lead several DCH dealerships — including DCH Kay Honda, DCH Academy Honda, and ultimately DCH Ford of Eatontown.

Under Mark’s guidance, these stores consistently earned top honors for both customer satisfaction and sales performance, a reflection of his high standards and commitment to excellence. Yet beyond the metrics and milestones, Mark’s greatest success was the loyalty and respect he inspired in his teams.

Those who worked alongside him describe Mark as firm but fair, a leader who expected the best from his people because he always gave his best in return. He was known for celebrating the hard work of others — never missing a chance to recognize achievement, offer encouragement, or share in a team member’s success.

“Mark had a way of bringing out the best in you,” shared one longtime colleague who began working with him during his early years at Saturn. “He was tough when he needed to be, but always with purpose and heart. He cared deeply about his people and made sure we knew it. His loyalty and passion were unmatched.”

Outside of his professional life, Mark was equally admired for his kindness, sense of humor, and devotion to his family and friends. Those close to him say he had a rare ability to connect with people — to make everyone, from employees to customers, feel valued and respected.

As news of his passing spreads, the DCH and Lithia communities have come together to share stories, memories, and tributes to a man whose leadership left an indelible mark on the culture and success of the organization. The outpouring of love and support is a testament to how many lives Mark touched through his mentorship, generosity, and friendship.

The DCH Ford of Eatontown team released a heartfelt statement following the news:

“Today, we honor the memory of Mark Clifton — a true leader, mentor, and friend. Mark’s commitment to his team and his customers set the standard for all of us. His legacy of excellence, fairness, and compassion will continue to guide us in all that we do. Rest in peace, Mark — your spirit will always drive us forward.”

Funeral and memorial arrangements will be announced by the family in the coming days. In the meantime, colleagues and friends are encouraged to honor Mark’s memory by embodying the principles he lived by — hard work, integrity, and care for others.

Mark Clifton’s passing leaves an immeasurable void in the DCH family and beyond, but his influence and example will endure. He will forever be remembered as a leader who led with heart, a mentor who believed in others, and a friend who made every life he touched a little brighter.

Rest in peace, Mark. Your legacy will continue to inspire and guide those who were lucky enough to know you.