Mark James Reccek, 42, of Bath, died peacefully, surrounded by his loving family 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.

A 1994 graduate of Liberty High School, 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, from which he received a law degree, and Lehigh University, from which he earned his Master’s degree in political science.

A journalist and editorial assistant for the Lehigh Valley Press weekly newspapers, he was a freelance reporter for WFMZ and Saucon Source and earned several Professional Keystone awards for his writing in the Catasauqua Press.

He also worked for New Bethany Shelter and was active in the live Bethlehem Christmas Pageant, the Catasauqua community and the high school.

In his free time, he loved tutoring, photography and reading. In addition, 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.

His survivors include his sister Donna her husband, William Kukor, and their son Michael, of Bath; uncle, Geza Janzso and wife, Diane, and their daughters, Holly Hess and Carrie Janzso; best friend, Michael Stametz; and many other loving family members and friends.

He was predeceased by a sister, Brenda Reccek in 2003.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Catasauqua High School scholarship fund in his name. Mail to Attn: Beverly Druckenmiller, Catasauqua Area School District, Administration Office, 201 N. 14th St., Catasauqua, PA 18032.

His memorial service will be 11 a.m. Dec. 22 at Cantelmi Long Funeral Home, 500 Linden St., Bethlehem. Calling hours will be 6-8 p.m. Dec. 21 and 10 a.m. on Dec. 22 until service in the funeral home.

A memory tribute may be placed atcantelmifuneralhome.com