Joseph Douglas "Mav" Marek

Joseph Douglas "Mav" Marek, 67, of Martinsburg, passed peacefully Tuesday evening, Sept. 10, 2024, after a battle with liver cancer.

He was born April 20, 1957, in Somerset, the eldest son of the late Joseph and Olive Joan (Dwire) Marek. Joe grew up in Moon Township, near Pittsburgh, until he met and married his wife, Kelley B. Royer, on Nov. 25, 2000, at Salem Reformed Church, rural Martinsburg.

Joe is survived by his wife of almost 24 years, Kelley B. (Royer) Marek; two fur babies: Molly and Sunshine; two brothers: Stephen Marek (Kim) of Chester, W.V., George Marek (Sandy) of McDonald, two sisters: Dorothy Marek of Penn Hills, and Vera Marek of Aliquippa; four nieces: Emily Marek, Samantha Marek, Megan Royer, and Kristin Royer; and three nephews: Shane Marek, Jonathan Marek, Kenneth Royer (Maria).

He was preceded in death by his parents; a niece, Sonia Marek; and two beloved fur babies: Mickey and Minnie.

Joe was a 1975 graduate of Moon High School, Moon Township. He worked as a night auditor at the Holiday Inn Pittsburgh for 25 years. After marrying Kelley, they moved to Philadelphia, where he worked as a night auditor for Holiday Inn Philadelphia Airport.

He was a statistician and assistant coach for the Moon High School baseball teams for more than 25 years. Joe also coached with American Legion Baseball. Joe took such pride in the young baseball players that he coached. He cherished the opportunity to watch them grow from boys, to teenagers, and into fine men. Joe was very proud of all of the players and was blessed with many long-lasting friendships with his fellow coaches.

Joe was an avid baseball fan and enjoyed watching all Pittsburgh sports teams. He spent his last summer watching Sunday afternoon baseball games with Uncle Gerald McCuller.

Growing up in Moon Township, Joe met many lifelong friends who continued to be his friends until the day he passed. Each friendship was unique but cherished just the same. Those friends all rallied around him in his final days, and all the visits meant the world to him.

For the last 20 years, Joe battled a painful condition (lymphedema) that precluded him from standing and keeping his legs down for too long. His condition progressed and became worse the last few years, but he tried to be positive through it all.

A funeral took place Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, at St John's United Church of Christ, Martinsburg. Pastor Betty Royer officiated. Private inurnment was held at Salem Reformed Church Cemetery, rural Martinsburg.

In lieu of flowers, family suggests memorial contributions be made to Moon Parks Foundation c/o Joseph "Mav" Marek Fund, 1000 Beaver Grade Road, Moon Township, PA 15108. The memorial contributions will be used towards the purchase of a lasting memorial (e.g., picnic table, bench, etc.) to honor Joe.

Arrangements by John K. Bolger Funeral Home Inc., Martinsburg, (www.bolgerfuneralhome.com).