Mark A. Chelius

Mark A. Chelius, 52, died March 2, 2010 of natural causes in his Spring Township residence, surrounded by his loving family.

He was the husband of Karen A. (Jowers) Chelius.

Born in Reading, he was a son of the late Leo J. and Grace F. (Randazzo) Chelius. He is survived by his step-mother, Cynthia (Szymanski) Trygar, Cumru Township.

Mark was a 1975 graduate of Governor Mifflin High School.

He was employed as a photo engraver for the Reading Eagle.

Mark was an avid runner, having run several marathons. He was involved with Habitat for Humanity and was a member of the Riverside Beneficial Association.

He was a member of St. John Baptist de la Salle, R.C. Church, Shillington.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his three children: Mark A., Benjamin L. and Mackenzie G., all of Spring Township. There are six siblings surviving: Michael L. Chelius, Spring Township; Jeffery P., husband of Lisa Chelius, Spring Township; Maryjo G., wife of Allen Gibson, Cumru Township; LeeAnn, wife of John L. Crits, Gilbertsville; Lori M., wife of Joseph T. Scargle, Wyomissing and Alecia A. Chelius, Shillington. Also surviving are seven nephews and seven nieces.

A Memorial Mass will be Saturday at 10 a.m. in St. John Baptist de la Salle R.C. Church, Shillington, PA 19607-3260. A visitation will be held from 9-10 a.m. in the church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Mark's memory to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, P.O. Box 807 Harpers Ferry, WV 25425-0807 or at www.appalachiantrail.org. Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., West Reading is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be recorded at www.kuhnfuneralhome.com.