Mark Douglas McCormick

It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Mark Douglas McCormick. Mark, 62, of Orwigsburg, Pennsylvania, passed away unexpectedly on Easter Sunday, April 5th, a victim of a wrong way vehicle collision near Columbia, South Carolina.

Mark was born on January 18, 1964, in Columbus, Ohio, a son of the late Patrick Clifford McCormick & Myra Lee (Layne) McCormick. Mark lived a life defined by passion, humility, and excellence. He was a devoted husband to Carol Marie (Kulikosky) for 27 years and a loving father to their sons, Kyle Patrick (16) and Preston Michael (15). He is also survived by his sister, Audrey Bruce; and nieces & nephews on both sides who dearly loved him.

Mark lived each day to the fullest and brought immense talent and drive to everything he undertook. Despite his many accomplishments, he remained humble, warm, generous, and kind. A devout Catholic, Mark always made his family his greatest priority and the heart of his life. He was a member of St. John the Baptist Church, Pottsville, and Mary, Mother of the Light Maronite Catholic Church, Tequesta, Florida.

A natural athlete and gifted student, Mark earned a full scholarship for diving to the University of Pittsburgh, where he graduated with a BS in Chemical Engineering. He later received a full scholarship to the University of Illinois, where he coached the women's diving team and earned an MBA in Finance and Marketing. During his college years, he also performed internationally as a stunt diver for the USA Diving Team.

Professionally, Mark was a respected leader in the activated carbon industry. At the time of his passing, he served as the Senior Vice President for Puragen Activated Carbon, following senior leadership roles at Oxbow, MeadWestvaco, and Westvaco. He also worked as a Marketing professor for Villanova University.

Beyond his career, Mark was a talented craftsman. He studied furniture making under Pru of Winterthur and filled his home with hand-carved eighteenth-century reproductions. He took great pride in knowing that two of his chairs are located near the altar at Mary, Mother of the Light Maronite Church in Tequesta, Florida.

Mark was also an excellent chef who found great joy in entertaining and hosting gatherings for family and friends. His memory will be cherished by all who knew him.

A Viewing will be held at Geschwindt Stabingas Ebling Funeral Home, Inc., 25 E. Main St., Schuylkill Haven on Monday, April 27 th from 5-7 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 AM on Tuesday, April 28th at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, Hamburg with Father Gary George & Father Kevin Bobbin co-officiating. Interment will follow at St. John the Baptist Cemetery, Pottsville.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Mark’s name may be made to the Nativity Preservation Support Foundation - PO Box 82, Pottsville, PA 17901 to support Nativity BVM Catholic High School.

Geschwindt Stabingas Ebling Funeral Home, Inc., Schuylkill Haven has been entrusted with arrangements.