Mark A. Friel

Mark A. Friel, 63, of Derry, died Thursday, April 8, 2021 at his home, surrounded by his family. He was born June 3, 1957, in Williamsport, a son of the late William V. and Florence C. (McGinnis) Friel. Prior to retirement Mark worked for Conemaugh Power Plant for 37 years. He was a member of the St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church in Derry, IBEW Local 459, White House Club, and Cooperstown Club. Mark enjoyed detailing his truck, doing projects around the house, helping friends and family with their projects, golfing, NASCAR, Steelers, Pizza, wings, Barkley’s strawberry sundaes, going to “Dinery” Pastry, and most importantly spending time with his friends and family. Besides his parents Mark is preceded in death by his daughter Danielle M. Friel and his in-laws William “Beany” and Marie Gessler, and brother-in-law David Gessler. Mark is survived by his loving wife of 40 years Joanne E. (Gessler) of Derry; one daughter Karleigh E. Palek and husband William of Loyalhanna; one son Garrett “Gus” Friel and wife Brittany of Livermore; cherished granddaughters Presleigh, Harlynn, and Willa; grand doggies Abby and Riggs; family Donna and Ralph Scalise, Joyce and Frank Shafran, Beki Gessler, Bill and Cathy Friel, Kathy and Tim Kraynak and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and friends. Family will receive friends for Mark’s LIFE CELEBRATON 2-4 and 6-8 PM Monday April 12, 2021 in the Matthew X. Merlin Funeral Home, Inc. 529 N. Chestnut St. Derry 724-694-8331. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Mark at 10:00 AM Tuesday April 13, 2021 in the St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church Derry with Rev. Salvatore R. Lamendola as celebrant. Interment will follow in the St. Joseph Cemetery, Derry. In lieu of flowers memorial contribution can be made in Mark’s name to Make-A-Wish Greater Pennsylvania and West Virginia, Inc, The Gulf Tower 707 Grant Street, 37th Floor, Pittsburgh PA 15219-1938, in memo line DAHS-Friel Family. The Family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to everyone whom supported Mark and his family throughout his battle with pancreatic cancer. Online condolences may be made to www.merlinfuneralhome.com.

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