Mark Edward Forsythe

Mark Edward Forsythe, of Vermilion, aged 89, passed away peacefully on April 3rd, 2024, surrounded by his loving family at his side..

Born on September 14, 1934, in Lancaster, Ohio, Mark had been a resident of Vermilion for 57 years, having moved from Sheffield Lake, OH.

After completing his education at Case Tech with a degree in Chemical Engineering, Mark ventured to California, where he contributed significantly to the developmental prototype of the rocket engine later used in early rocket programs Jupiter and Thor. Longing to be closer to his family in Ohio, he returned home, eventually meeting his beloved wife of 61 years, Mary Ann, whom he married on May 26, 1962. Mark dedicated 35 years of his career as a chemical engineer at BF Goodrich's Avon Lake facility, where his passion for computer and electrical sciences blossomed in the 1960s. This enthusiasm for engineering he later imparted to his three children. After retiring early in 1994, Mark served as an engineering consultant for various local companies and contributed his expertise in IT services at The Ritter Public Library before fully retiring in 2000.

A devout member of St. Mary Catholic Parish in Vermilion, Mark served as a Eucharistic Minister and was active in the Knights of Columbus. He was a man of diverse interests, including photography, amateur astronomy, RC modeling, sports cars, boating, waterskiing, electronics, and computer science.

Mark is survived by his loving wife Mary Ann (nee Noecker), his daughter Cindy (John) Bennett, sons Scott (Lynne) Forsythe and Steven (Aimee) Forsythe, and grandchildren, Mary Ann, Ethan, and Audrey, niece Michelle (Nathaniel) Stitzlein and nephew Michael Salrin.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edson and Rose Mary Forsythe of Lancaster, OH, and his sister Annette Salrin.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of a prayer service at 11:00 a.m. at the Riddle Funeral Home, Vermilion, Ohio. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:30 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, Vermilion, with interment on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at 12 Noon at Green Ridge Memorial Park, Connellsville, PA.

The family suggests memorial contributions to the Alzheimer's Association, 23215 Commerce Park Rd., STE 300, Beachwood, OH 44122 .

Condolences may be expressed online at www.riddlefuneralhome.com.