Mark Josephs

Mark Josephs, 69, of Potsdam NY, passed away on Saturday, May 17th. Mark was born on March 22, 1956 in St. Mary’s, PA to the late Clarence and Phyllis (Vig) Josephs. He spent most of his childhood in Seneca Falls NY where, in 1974, Mark graduated from Mynderse Academy. He was proud boy scout reaching the highest level of Eagle Scout, which invoked a life long love of camping. He went on to earn a chemical engineering degree from Clarkson College of Technology in 1978. During this time at CCT, he met his beloved wife Jill.

Mark and Jill (Davis) were married on June 2, 1979. They lived in Seneca Falls, where he worked in the engineering field for 11 years. In 1989, they returned to the North Country where Mark earned a MST from SUNY Potsdam. While they raised a family, he taught chemistry at Massena High School for 25 years.

Mark enjoyed playing trombone in NHBNNY, playing guitar, and just being active. Always looking for a fun way to exercise, Mark ran, walked, hiked, biked, gardened, and shoveled the driveway- neighbors expressed driveway envy! An avid cyclist, Mark rode his bike almost daily and completed several centuries. He also loved camping and hiking- when the family was young, there were many outdoor adventures together.

A major highlight of Mark's life was being received into the Roman Catholic Church on June 29, 2023.

He is survived by his wife, Jill, of 46 years, his children Keith (Kelly) of Munnsville NY; Ryan (Destiny) of Mililani HI; Cheryl Tousant of Copenhagen NY; Anna (Thomas Bales) of Fergus Falls MN; Bethany Moser (Justin) of Mt. Juliet TN; Nathan (Ashley) of Columbia PA; David (Melinda) of Chicago IL; a brother Steve (Jane) of San Diego CA; sisters Kay Webster (Bob) of Flagler Beach FL and Elaine Schreiber (Fred) of Aliquippa PA; as well as 15 grandchildren. Mark was predeceased by Benjamin, Timothy, Rose (children born into eternity); and his brother John Josephs.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Church in Potsdam NY on Friday, May 23rd at 10 AM officiated by Rev Joseph Giroux with Committal immediately after at St. Mary’s Cemetery. A reception will follow at St. Patrick’s Church in Colton NY.

Mark loved music and his Catholic faith. Donations in Mark's memory can be made toward the restoration of the pipe organ at St Mary's Church, which has been deemed St. Mary’s Organ Restoration Project (SMORP), at http://gofund.me/dd43a60c

Arrangements are in the care of Garner Funeral Service, Potsdam. Condolences online can be shared @www.garnerfh.com.