Mark J. Moisey

Mark John Moisey, 60, passed away Tuesday, December 22nd. As a shooting star burns for a brief and brilliant span across our sky, so did Mark’s glorious life glow, leaving sparks in the hearts of all that knew and loved him. It is impossible to sum up so great a man, so before we can gather together and share stories as friends, here are few words to hold on to -- ‘till then.

Mark John Moisey was born on The Feast of the Assumption, August 15th, 1960 to joyful parents Michael and Mary Moisey (née Prysiazny). Michael worked in the coal mines, and Mary in a clothing factory. For Mark, growing up in McAdoo, PA was always an adventure. He could be found hiking, exploring the strippin’ holes and the railroad tracks, and occasionally bouncing a rock off of a friend's head. Oops! Mark schemed endlessly to keep his family and friends entertained. A natural planner, he devised his own board games, and hosted carnivals for his family. Proud of his Ukrainian heritage, he was a devoted member of St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church in McAdoo, and a passionate Ukrainian dancer, which later earned him two knee replacements as trophies. After attending Hazleton High School, he went on to get his Bachelor’s in Food Science from the University of Scranton, minoring in fun. 

On October 21st, 1989, this handsome guy got hitched to his upstate sweetheart, the beautiful Janet Murtin. Her sweetness, patience and angelic demeanor perfectly complimented his boisterous, up-tempo, and somewhat uncontainable persona. What a pair.

Their two children, Matthew James and Kristen Marie, were their greatest gifts to one another. As a father, Mark made them belly-laugh, rushed them to countless activities, showed them the world – an African safari! – and supported them all the way to success (Matthew, emulating his father’s showmanship all the way to Broadway, and Kristen, with his sociability and drive, following his foodie-footsteps at McCormick & Co). In their 31 years of marriage, Mark and Janet made a happy home for them, filled with abundant love.

Inspired by an ad in the paper featuring a salesman boarding a plane and holding a briefcase, Mark began a lifelong career in food sales. This proved a perfect match for his extroversion, seeing as the man “could sell water to a fish.” For the past few years, he worked at Prime Ingredients. In addition to his work, Mark was an avid skier, a doting neighbor, a silly soccer coach, an amateur weatherman (and nemesis to TV remotes), an enthusiastic Sunday school teacher, a beach bum, an amusement park junkie, a friend to nuns, and an all-around do-gooder. The king of catch-phrases, he often exclaimed, "Let me know how THAT works out for you!" With Mark around, things always seemed to work out just fine.

His backyard was a Center Valley Oasis. His crystal-clean pool was heated to molten degrees, and it featured homemade escape routes for overconfident chipmunks. Amidst his tropical flowers, this tanned bartender served Long Island Iced Teas and Coors Light to his guests. And the food! A true comfort-cook, Mark prepared and delivered heaps of food to all people on their holidays, their hardships, and sometimes for no reason at all. His prize dish? Those pierogis. If you’ve had them, you just know.

In addition to his mother and father, Mark is preceded in death by sister Anastasia Garzio and her husband Joseph Garzio. Mark’s light shines on through his wife Janet Moisey of Center Valley; son Matthew Moisey of Brooklyn, NY; daughter Kristen Moisey of Baltimore, MD; brother Michael Moisey and companion Velma Kline of Bethany Beach, DE; nephews Joseph Garzio of Wayne, and Keith Garzio of Berwyn; nieces Noreen McGarry of Perkasie, PA, Jennifer Vojacsek of Elkton, MD, and Michele Talty of Atlanta, GA; extended family; and friends spanning multiple continents. 

Mark was, to put it mildly, one of a kind. To know him was to be driven crazy with love, and to be his friend was a priceless honor. Though the echo of his laughter may dim, it rings on in the voices of his loved ones, happily sharing the wonderful story of Mark’s life. May his well-known energy, generosity, and goodness spark love and hope for generations to come. 

A private funeral liturgy will be celebrated in St. Mary’s U.C. Church, McAdoo. Interment will follow in the parish cemetery. Rev. D. George Worschak will be the celebrant.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, a Celebration of Life Service will be held at a future date.

In lieu of flowers or gifts to family, donations can be made in Mark’s name to Covid-19 Emergency Fund at https://give.lvhn.org, or to his beloved St. Mary’s U.C. Church, 210 W. Blaine St., McAdoo, PA 18237.

The Damiano Funeral Home, Inc., McAdoo, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Condolences may be entered, and information is available at www.damianofhinc.com.

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