Mark J. Whittaker, Sr.

Mark J. Whittaker, Sr., 72, passed away on Thursday, January 23, 2025 surrounded by loved ones after a courageous 11 year battle with Alzheimers. Born in Philadelphia on August 12, 1952, he was a son to Richard V. Whittaker, Sr. and the late Shirley Ann (Yost) Whittaker. He was the loving husband of 46 years to Patricia E. (Blucas) Whittaker.

Mark enjoyed doing home projects, landscaping, decorating the outside of the house for the Christmas season, playing his favorite video and card games, and was an avid Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies fan. He worked for McCormick Spice Company for many years as a crew leader and retired from there in 2015. Above all, Mark was a family man and loved spending time with his grandchildren.

He is remembered by his father Richard; wife Pat; three children, Dena Childress (Rob), Amanda Whittaker (Dave Barron), Mark Whittaker, Jr. (Alex); five grandchildren, Kaylee Childress (Rhett Krieger), Kara Childress, Abby Childress, Mark Whittaker, III (Trace), Theo Whittaker; four brothers, William Whittaker (Kim), Paul Whittaker (Carol), John Whittaker (Wendy), Vernon Whittaker (Karen); and two sisters, Diane Whittaker (Jack), Carol Tralies (Rick). In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by his brother, Richard V. Whittaker, Jr.

The family would like to recognize the staff at Inners Creek Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center especially Nurse Dan, Nurse Sherae, Winnie, Malena, Kathy, Heather, and Denise for their compassionate care over the years.

Family and friends are invited to a viewing on Tuesday, January 28, 2025 from 3-5 PM at Hartenstein Funeral & Cremation Care, Inc., 19 S. Main St., Stewartstown, PA 17363. A funeral service will begin at 5 PM at the funeral home. Directly following the service, family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life at Great American Saloon at 20 Dairyland Square, Red Lion, PA 17356. Interment will be at the convenience of the family. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, by mail: 2595 Interstate Drive, Suite 100, Harrisburg, PA 17110 or follow the link attached: https://www.alz.org/.