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.

He was a graduate of Liberty High School, Class of 1994. He honorably served his country in the U.S. Marines from 1996-2000, where he also served as a big brother. He also graduated from the University of Detroit, where he received his law degree and later Lehigh University where he received his master’s degree in political science.

He worked as a journalist and editorial assistant for the Lehigh Valley Press weekly newspapers as well as a freelance reporter for The Press, WFMZ and Saucon Source. He received several Keystone awards for his work in the Catasauqua Press. He also worked for the New Bethany Shelter.

He 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. 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.

He is survived by his sister Donna and her husband William Kukor and their son Michael, of Bath; uncle, Geza Janso and his 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 Catasauqua High School (scholarship fund) in his name.

A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Dec. 22 at the Cantelmi Long Funeral Home, 500 Linden St., Bethlehem. Calling hours will be held 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 21 and also 10 a.m. Dec. 22 until time of service in the funeral home. A memory tribute may be placed at www.cantelmifuneralhome.com