Mark Consuelos and Kelly Ripa are facing a period of mourning following the recent passing of Mark’s father, Saul Consuelos, who died last month after a prolonged illness. The couple shared their heartfelt memories during an emotional segment on the April 6 episode of ‘Live with Kelly and Mark’, prompting reflections on Saul’s profound impact on their lives and family.
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During the show, 55-year-old Ripa expressed her gratitude for Saul’s presence in her life and acknowledged the legacy he leaves behind. “You have been blessed more because you knew him your whole life,” she told Mark. “I only got to know my father-in-law for 31 years, but they were the best 31 years of my life. I can honestly say that I will miss him every day for the rest of my life.” Ripa’s sentiments highlighted not only her sadness at losing Saul but also a deep appreciation for the time they had together.
Mark, who is also 55, described his father as “a fantastic man,” attributing many of his own qualities to Saul’s influence. He recalled the lessons learned through countless projects they undertook together at home, saying, “If you asked him what time it was he would tell you how to build a watch.” This humorous anecdote reflects a common thread of loving admiration that Mark holds for his father, emphasising the significant role Saul played in shaping his character and values.
Saul’s journey began in Mexico, where he was born before moving to the United States during his teenage years. He served in the military for an impressive 30 years and was dedicated to continuous learning, earning a Master’s degree while juggling the responsibilities of family life. Mark described his father as “an example” of the opportunities that immigrants can achieve in the United States, revealing a deep respect for Saul’s hard work and dedication to the country.
Mark is one of three siblings, and during the show, Ripa mentioned their responsibility now to support Mark’s mother, Camilla, in the wake of Saul’s passing. “We’re trying to convince my mom to move to New York. She’s such a character. She’s very stubborn,” Mark said of their efforts to bring Camilla closer to family during this difficult time.
Ripa also took the opportunity to reflect on Saul’s involvement in the lives of her and Mark’s three children: Michael, 28, Lola, 24, and Joaquin, 23. She expressed her gratitude for the support Saul provided, especially when Mark’s work commitments took him away from home. “A lot of times you’d be away working and we would take the show on the road and your dad would come to take care of the kids so that I could go to work,” she recounted.
The couple noted that their children are grappling with the loss of their grandfather, which represents the first significant loss they have experienced. Ripa emphasised the unique opportunity their children had to form meaningful relationships with their grandparents, contrasting this with her own experience of losing her grandparents by a young age. “They took it particularly hard,” she acknowledged, pointing to the emotional weight this loss carries for their family.
Ripa lightened the mood with a humorous anecdote about moments of confusion among other parents at their children’s school. She revealed that Saul often accompanied her to school events when Mark was away, leading some parents to mistakenly believe he was her husband. “There was a long period of time where people thought that my father-in-law was my husband on back-to-school night,” she said, laughing. This amusing yet tender story serves as a testament to the strong bond between Ripa, Mark, and Saul.
In a poignant moment, Ripa fondly recalled the extended familial ties that Saul fostered within the family dynamic. She remarked on how this relationship provided a sense of continuity and support for the children, highlighting the important role grandparents play in family life. As the family begins to navigate their grief, Saul Consuelos’ legacy will undoubtedly continue to influence the lives of those he loved.
As they honour Saul’s memory, Mark and Ripa remind us of the importance of familial connections and the lasting impact that loved ones can have on our lives. Their heartfelt tributes showcase the deep affection they hold for Saul, celebrating a life rich with love, lessons, and cherished memories.