Mark E. Geherin, 75, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed unexpectedly in Harrisonburg, Virginia, while visiting family. Born in Auburn, New York, Mark was son to the late John and Gloria (Gilbert) Geherin, affectionately known to many as "Jack and Glo". Mark was a Mount Carmel graduate and earned his Optician Degree from Erie Community College in Buffalo, New York. He was President and Owner of Mark E. Geherin Associates, Inc. representing innumerable optical companies, in the sale of optical equipment and supplies throughout the northeast and mid-Atlantic region and lower Canada for over fifty years.
Mark was also a lifelong sports enthusiast, standout football player at Mount Carmel, and avid Syracuse University fan, attending countless basketball and football games over the years. He was a longtime member of the Owasco Country Club, where he and his wife, Jennifer, formed friendships that spanned generations. Known for his social, friendly and outgoing nature, Mark loved good conversation and never passed up the opportunity to enjoy a great meal with family and friends at any one of his favorite local restaurants. His warmth, kindness and storytelling left an impression on everyone he met.
Mark lived a life filled with love, laughter, and adventure. He enjoyed traveling both for work and pleasure and was happiest when surrounded by family and friends. Whether at his cherished home on Owasco Lake or enjoying the sun in Palm Island, Florida, Mark found joy in life's simple pleasures. He was a passionate boater, who could often be found cruising with his wife, Jennifer, and soaking in the incredible Owasco Lake sunsets.
Above all, family meant everything to Mark. He loved Jennifer with all his being and doted on her at every opportunity. He was a proud and devoted father and grandfather, rarely missing his grandchildren's sporting events, and zealously cheering them on with pride and enthusiasm. In recent years, he became a faithful fan of James Madison University and beamed with pride about his grandson's Colgate University lacrosse future. Mark lit up every time any of his grandchildren entered a room, often followed by a bear hug and a whisper of what treat he'd brought for them.
He will be deeply missed by his loving wife, Jennifer (Corry) Geherin, whom he married 48 years ago this May; his son, Christiaan (Toni) Militello; daughters, Ali (Patrick) Carbonaro and Cortney (Michael) Fedyshyn; brothers, Christopher (Kathleen) Geherin and Thomas (Melissa) Geherin; a sister, Jean (Jack) Baraczek; a brother-in-law, John Scanlan; his beloved grandchildren, Alexa, Charlie, Isabella, Lyla and Christiaan; many nieces, nephews, friends and business associates. In addition to his parents, Mark was predeceased by his sister, Ann Scanlan.
Visiting hours will be Friday, April 25, from 3 to 6 p.m. at Sacred Heart Church. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, April 26, at 11 a.m. with Father Michael Brown officiating. A private family burial will follow in St. Joseph's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Mark's memory may be made to Breakthrough T1D (www.breakthrought1d.org), an organization dedicated to finding a cure for Type 1 Diabetes.
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