Mark Lewis Kost Grosz

Mark Lewis Kost Grosz

Humorous, Helpful, and Kind -

Mark Lewis Kost Grosz, age 94, of Carlisle , and formerly of Mechanicsburg , died peacefully at Carlisle Regional Medical Center on Friday, January 2, 2015.  Mark was born on Wednesday, January 21, 1920 in Middlesex to the late John Grosz and Laura A. (Kost) Grosz.  Mark was the widower of Ruth (White) Grosz whom he married on April 5, 1942 and who died on August 7, 2014.  In addition to his parents and wife, Mark is preceded in death by his daughter, Alice Perekovic, and his brothers: Wayne, Ernest, Freeman, and Burnett.

Mark’s survivors include his children: Mark L. Grosz and his wife, Jeanne, of Mechanicsburg, Ruth J. Mersky and her husband, Michael, of Maryland; his four grandchildren: Michael, Laura, Kristin, Thomas; his three great-grandchildren: Eric, Justin, Brooke; and his sister, Jane Keller.

Mark graduated from Carlisle High School as part of the class of 1937.  He was a proud U.S. Navy veteran who served during World War II.  Mark was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Mechanicsburg. He enjoyed playing pool, fishing, and golfing.  Being a body builder and holder of a world record, he liked to exercise and lift weights.  Before entering the Navy, he worked at the Martin Marietta plant, where they manufactured bombers.  During WWII, Mark operated radar onboard the USS Antietam (1944-1946).  He retired from the U.S. Postal Service .  After retirement, he volunteered with organizations, such as AARP, to help people prepare their taxes, and he served his church through teaching, tape ministry, visiting shut-ins, and other kindnesses.  Mark loved traveling and seeing new things.  Ruth and Mark would take driving trips with and without their camper hitched to their car, sometimes visiting family and sometimes just enjoying the ride to new places; crisscrossing the USA a number of times.  Some of their favorite places were Boiling Springs Lake, Fuller Lake, Pine Grove Furnace State Park, The Skyline Drive and Blue Ridge Parkway. M ark loved to help his children and especially to be around his grandchildren.  His biggest smiles could be found while sitting on the floor with, or holding, one of his grandchildren.  Mark had a great sense of humor and would kid his wife, children, and especially his grandchildren.  He even made sure to make his great-grandchildren giggle at his tricks.  Most of all, Mark loved his family.

All are welcome to join Mark’s family at his viewing on Wednesday, January 7, 2015, from 1:00 p.m. until time of service at 2:00 p.m. at Myers - Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory , 37 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055; with Pastor Michael V. Minnix officiating.  Burial will follow in Letort Cemetery in Carlisle, where military honors will be presented by the Cumberland County Honor Guard .  Honored to be pallbearers are: Mark Grosz, Tom Grosz, Michael Mersky, Michael Mersky, Jr., Scott Westrick, and Alex Yokley.

Mark’s family has entrusted his care to Myers – Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Mark’s full obituary, view his memorial video and portrait, and sign his official guest book at www.Myers-Buhrig.com .