Mark Colton Bockes

Mark Bockes, of Carlisle, passed away at home. Mark was an amazing father, husband, brother, soldier and friend. Mark was born to Joan (Searing) and Stanley Bockes in Syracuse, NY. After attending Cornell University, he served 21 years in the US Army starting as a private. His dedication and leadership skills resulted in many promotions and then admission to Officer Candidate School at Ft. Benning, Georgia. Upon graduation, Mark was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Signal Corps. He served in many positions of leadership and authority including CESO, Communications-Electronics Staff Officer, Company Commander, Battalion Intelligence officer and many more until he completed his service to our country as Inspector General for Fort Ritchie, Maryland. Mark's unique ability to connect with people and manage complex operations made him a valuable leader. He knew how to find the best way to accomplish the mission. He enjoyed training people and helping them find their potential and move up through their careers. Following his military career Mark embarked on a second career with Pennsylvania Department of Transportation for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. At PENNDOT, he was fortunate to establish several long-lasting connections and friendships. Mark used his talents to bring groups of people together to complete complex projects with professionalism and positivity. He enjoyed working with teams to get things accomplished. Mark taught Information Technology courses at Palomar College in San Marcos, California. His students benefited from his many years of knowledge and experience when attending his classes. Later he owned the Packaging Store in Oceanside, CA with wife, Theresa. He went from college professor to crate builder, creating impressive shipping crates and other containers to pack priceless antiques, business equipment and household goods. Mark enjoyed working with people, power tools and problem solving until he and Theresa sold the business in 2007. Returning to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Mark embarked on a new career as the owner of Senior Helpers In Home Care Providers with wife Theresa. They began the business on the corner of Division and Front Street in Harrisburg and built it into a large enterprise serving Dauphin, Cumberland, Perry and York counties. After selling Senior Helpers, Mark entered the non-profit sector helping homeless dogs find homes at Animal House Rescue. He worked with the dogs and with the adopters to match the right dog to the right home. When he finished with Animal House, Mark was able to keep a very special dog named Buddy who became his lifelong companion. Mark is survived by his wife of 29 years, Theresa Bockes; sister, Karen Edick (George); daughter, Heidi Brou (John); daughters, Julie Bockes, Kayla Bockes; and son, Kyle Bockes; grandchildren, Chloe Belota, Zachary Brou and Adam Bockes. Full military burial service will be held at 11:00 AM Thursday, November 18, 2021, at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.