Mark J. Grimmer

CROGHAN — Mark J. Grimmer, 57, of Gibsonton, FL, formerly of Croghan, NY, died peacefully on Thursday, June 18, 2009, at Melech Hospice House, in Temple Terrace, FL., where he had been a patient for 10 days.

Born May 2, 1952, in Lowville, NY, a son of Bernard and Ruth Driscoll Grimmer, he was a 1970 graduate of Beaver River Central School and later attended Finger Lakes Community College in Canandaigua, NY.

A veteran, Mark served his country in both the US Air Force and US Army by enlisting in 1971, and serving both branches of service including during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged in 1984.

Mark's non-military jobs included working at Kraft Foods in Lowville, NY, and for the James River Paper Company in Carthage, NY. After traveling for many years, he settled in Tampa, FL., where he was employed by the Tampa Port Authority for the past 11 years until being stricken with cancer.

Surviving are two daughters, Diana Grimmer Mattimore, Croghan, and Lisa Grimmer Simpson, Tampa, FL; 3 grandchildren, Dylan Mattimore, Malori Mattimore, both of Croghan, and Frankie Orefice, of Tampa, FL; a sister and brother-in-law, Mary Jane and David Brosemer, Utica, NY; a brother and sister-in-law, Kyle B. and Sandra Grimmer, Croghan; his Godfather, Ralph "Red" Grimmer, Croghan, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Mark was a member of the Beaver River Memorial Post 1663, American Legion, Croghan. He was of the Roman Catholic faith.

He enjoyed fishing and hunting, and was an avid basketball fan.

His family would like to thank the staff at Hillsbough County Hospice, his many friends, and especially Susie, his friend and special caregiver, who cared for him for the past few months.

In keeping with Mark's wishes, a private service will be held at the convenience of the family. Burial with military honors will in St. Vincent DePaul Cemetery, Belfort, NY.

Memorial Donations may be made to the Beaver River Memorial Post 1663 American Legion, Croghan, NY 13327.

Arrangements are with the Scanlon Funeral Home, Croghan.

Messages of sympathy may be made at www.scanlonfuneral.com.