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Mark Whitcher
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Obituary for Mark Sheldon Whitcher

Mark Sheldon  Whitcher
Mark Whitcher, 59, passed into eternal rest on October 9, 2017.
Born October 21, 1957 in Dansville, NY, he is the son of Sheldon and the late Carol (Gowdy) Whitcher.
Mark graduated from South Glens Falls High School in 1976. He reconnected with old friends at the South Glens Falls High School Class of 1976’s 40 year Reunion last fall. Several of his classmates were very supportive of him following his cancer diagnosis.
Upon graduation, Mark was a Food Service Manager for the Marriott Corporation at Plattsburgh State College. He left that field of work to become a Deputy Sheriff in Clinton County, under the supervision of Sheriff Russell Trombley, while earning his degree in Law Enforcement from Clinton County Community College. Spending summers patrolling Lake Champlain as a Marine Officer with his partner, Joe Reid, were among his happiest as a Deputy. Together they saved many lives and had many boating adventures.
He transferred to Saratoga County Sheriff’s Department as a patrol officer and later as a Civil Deputy under the leadership of Sheriff Jim Bowen. He enjoyed his job tremendously & cherished lifelong friendships with many of his fellow Deputies and colleagues.
After retiring, and for the short time he could manage it, Mark loved substitute-driving a bus for the South Glens Falls School District. He especially enjoyed the time volunteering as a driver for South High’s Marathon Dance.
He was, until his last days, an avid deer hunter on the family property in western New York. That property once included land that became part of Letchworth State Park, a point of pride for the family. Mark talked up the beauty of the area to anyone who would consider a visit. This was the backdrop for his happiest childhood memories and he loved nothing more than reminiscing with his father about the history of the family’s land.
Boating with family on Lake George and introducing his friends to the lake was another favorite activity. A lifelong Boston Red Sox fan, his cats, Bo and Sox, gave him great comfort.
Mark is predeceased by his mother, Carol (Gowdy) Whitcher and his beloved Grandparents, Louise & Chester Whitcher and Clarence “Don” & Mary Gowdy.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Christine (Thurston) Whitcher with whom he celebrated 37 years of marriage in June, of Moreau; his daughter, Dr. Monica DiLorenzo and her husband, Dr. Michael DiLorenzo, of Philadelphia. Also grieving are Mark’s father, Sheldon Whitcher of Mt. Morris, NY; Chris’ parents, Nancy and George Thurston of Queensbury; brother Dean and wife Kelly of Rush, NY; and sister Linda Whitcher and her partner Andy James of Denver, NC; and Chris’ sister, Sally, and brother, Stephen, and his wife Cathryn; and eight nieces and nephews.
Also there for him this past winter were his fellow R.A.’s from Cobleskill’s Ag & Tech Class of 1978 where he earned a degree in Restaurant Management. They reunited in support of Mark, realizing how important it is to spend time with friends, before it’s too late to do so.
Friends may call from 11-12pm on Saturday, November 4, 2017 at the South Glens Falls United Methodist Church, 15 Maplewood Parkway, South Glens Falls, NY, with Rev. Clayton Burgess, a dear lifelong friend officiating.
A Memorial Service will be celebrated at 12pm following the calling hour.
Arrangements are in the care of the M.B. Kilmer Funeral Home, 136 Main Street, South Glens Falls, NY 12803.
The many friends & family who visited during Mark’s illness are gratefully appreciated and the care from Saratoga County’s Hospice team was invaluable to both Mark & his family.
Instead of flowers, please consider donating in Mark’s memory to the South High Marathon Dance, 6 Bluebird Road, South Glens Falls, NY 12803 or to the Saratoga County Animal Shelter in Ballston Spa, NY.
To leave online condolences, please visit www.kilmerfuneralhome.com.

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