Mark James Reccek, 42, of Bath: Journalist, Saucon Source Writer (Obituary)

Publisher’s Note: Saucon Source extends our deep condolences to Mark Reccek’s family during this difficult time. We hope they will find comfort in the legacy of kindness, compassion and exceptional journalism he leaves behind, such as his Aug. 6, 2017 op-ed: Keep Smiling, Through the Good and Bad Times. To read more of Mark’s work on Saucon Source, please click here. We’ll miss you, Mark. -Josh Popichak, Publisher

Mark James Reccek, 42, of Bath, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017, while in the care of Lehigh Valley Hospice. Born in Fountain Hill, he was the son of Violet (Janzso) Reccek. He was raised by his grandparents, Violet and Geza Janzso. He was a graduate of Liberty High School, Class of 1994. He honorably served his country in the U.S. Marines from 1996-2000, where he also served as a Big Brother. He graduated from the University of Detroit, where he received his law degree, and later Lehigh University, where he received his master’s degree in political science. Mark worked as a journalist and the editorial assistant for the Press Weekly newspapers. He was also a freelance reporter for the Press, WFMZ and Saucon Source. He received several Keystone awards for his writings in the Catasauqua Press. He also worked for the New Bethany Shelter. Mark was active in the Live Bethlehem Christmas Pageant, the Catasauqua community and at the high school. In his free time he loved tutoring, photography and reading. He loved nature, walking along the Monocacy Creek, the ocean, sunrises and sunsets. He was a member of Promised Land Church of the Nazarene, Bethlehem.

Survivors: He will be lovingly remembered by his sister Donna Kukor and husband William and their son Michael of Bath; uncle Geza Janzso and wife Diane and their daughters Holly Hess and Carrie Janzso. He is also survived by his best friend Mike Stametz and many other loving family members and friends. He was predeceased by his sister Brenda Reccek in 2003.

Services: A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 22, 2017 at Cantelmi Long Funeral Home, 500 Linden St., Bethlehem, PA 18018. Calling hours will be held Thursday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. and Friday morning from 10 a.m. until the time of the service in the funeral home. A memory tribute may be placed at www.cantelmifuneralhome.com.

Contributions: In lieu of flowers, contributions in his name may be made to Catasauqua High School (Scholarship Fund), 2500 W. Bullshead Road, Northampton, PA 18067.