Mark D. Speece, 38, of Lebanon, passed from this life into the Lord’s care on April 19, 2025, at the Penn State Hershey Medical Center. At the time of his passing, he was surrounded by many family members and friends who deeply loved him.
Mark was born at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware on Feb. 10, 1987, son of Stephen D. and Geraldine E. Speece. In addition to his parents, Mark is survived by his daughter, Ellyanna Speece; son, Boston Speece; grandparents, Harry D. and Patricia A. Speece; sisters, Amanda Speece, fiancé of Scott Hill, and Brandy Russo, spouse of Anthony Russo; nieces and nephews, Mikayla Speece, Jayson Russo, Chloe Hill, and Khaleesi Russo; aunt, Ann Jorfi, spouse of Mitch Clawson; and stepsons, Lennix and Cassius Vargas. Mark was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Joan Shupp; and uncle, Vernon Speece.
Mark was a graduate of Eastern Lebanon County High School, class of 2005, where he excelled in both baseball and football. He attended Mount Aloysius College in Cresson, PA, majoring in criminal justice, and played for the Mounties Baseball Team. He was most recently employed by the Bayer Corporation in Myerstown, PA, as an associate technician. He was previously employed by the State of Pennsylvania at the Indiantown Gap Military Installation in Jonestown, PA. He also served as an assistant baseball coach for Northern Lebanon High School, where he worked with head coach and friend, Travis Thome, committing himself to the development of young men through the sport he loved.
Mark grew up in a military family and moved frequently in his early years. These shared experiences forged a strong bond between Mark and his sisters, who remained major influences throughout his life. In addition to his family and friends, the one constant in Mark’s life was baseball. He loved baseball and played at multiple levels in Ohio, North Carolina, Virginia, Florida, and Pennsylvania while growing up. He believed baseball was a microcosm of life and often cited his friendships from baseball as something that shaped him throughout his life. He recalled with special fondness his teammates from Little League, ELCO High School, Mount Aloysius College, and especially his experiences with his Richland American Legion baseball teammates.
Mark was a dedicated Boston Sports fan, a passion he inherited from his grandfather and passed on to his son. He considered Red Sox baseball a rite of passage. Mark loved dogs and was very protective of his two Shar Peis, Bear and Hami. He enjoyed collecting sneakers, hats, and sunglasses and sported extensive collections. Mark had a huge heart, and his favorite times were spent at family gatherings, where he loved to eat his fill and laugh as often as he could!
A Funeral Mass will be conducted at Mary Gate of Heaven Catholic Church in Myerstown, PA, on April 28, 2025. Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. in the church ante room followed by Catholic Mass at 11 a.m. This will be followed by a short graveside service at Holy Cross Cemetery. All are invited to join the family at a reception at Mary Gate of Heaven’s Madonna Hall after the mass to celebrate Mark’s life.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting you send donations to the Penn State Health Cancer Institute to assist in the eradication and treatment of cancer. Thompson Funeral Home, Inc. is entrusted with the arrangements. Please share your memories with the family at Thompson Funeral Home’s online guest book at thompsonfuneralhomelebanon.com.
