Mark Consuelos Breaks Down on Live TV After Heartbreaking Loss of Father Saul — Kelly Ripa Calls Him ‘The Greatest Person I’ve Ever Known’ 💔

In an emotional moment that left everyone in the studio silent, Live with Kelly and Mark co-host Mark Consuelos shared the devastating news of his father’s passing. With a trembling voice, he revealed that his father, Saul Consuelos, had “passed away peacefully” on March 23, following a long illness. As Mark spoke, Kelly Ripa, his wife and co-host, was unable to hold back her tears, describing Saul as “the greatest person I’ve ever known.”

This raw moment on live television was more than just a sad announcement — it was a display of love, loss, and the strength of a family dealing with profound grief. Saul, an immigrant from Mexico, dedicated 30 years of his life to serving in the U.S. Navy and was known for his unrelenting generosity and tough-love guidance.

A Legacy of Strength and Love: Mark Reflects on Father’s Impact

Mark, 55, reflected on the many lessons he learned from his father, recalling how Saul’s hands-on teaching style shaped his life. “If you asked my dad what time it was, he’d tell you how to build a watch,” Mark said, sharing that his father would often make him watch and learn while fixing things around the house. “I learned the most by just watching him.”

Mark also spoke about Saul’s inspiring journey to the United States from Mexico, where he became a U.S. Navy serviceman and earned his Masters while raising his family. “If you’re going to put a face to an immigrant, he would be the prime example of what this country promises people,” Mark said with pride.

Kelly Ripa’s Heartfelt Tribute and the Family’s Struggles

Kelly Ripa, 55, added that Saul wasn’t just a father-in-law but an integral part of their family, often stepping in to help while Mark was busy with work. “He was so involved in our lives, people even mistook him for Mark,” Kelly recalled. “He was the average age of all the dads in New York. It was common for us, and for me, Saul was my husband in many ways.”

The couple’s three children — Michael, 28, Lola, 24, and Joaquin, 23 — are especially struggling with the loss. Kelly shared that this is their first experience with death, adding, “I didn’t have any grandparents by the time I was 8. They got to have deep, meaningful conversations with him. That’s something I’ll always be grateful for.”

A Family United in Grief and Love

Despite the deep sadness, the Consuelos family is focusing on supporting Mark’s mother, Camilla Consuelos, during this challenging time. “We gotta take care of mom,” Mark said, joking about convincing his mother to move to New York. The family’s ability to find humor amid the sorrow shows their strength and resilience.

As they move forward, the Consuelos family continues to honor Saul’s legacy — not only as a loving father but also as a mentor, protector, and a symbol of the American dream. Mark and Kelly’s heartfelt tributes serve as a reminder that in moments of grief, the love that binds a family together remains the strongest force of all.