Mark Gunns

Mark Stephen Gunns, age 61, of Erie, Pa. passed away on Tuesday, November 21, 2023, with his loving wife Andrea, at his side.

Mark’s sense of humor, kind heart, peace sign and fun nature was enjoyed by all and will be immeasurably missed. The Cowboys have lost one of their greatest fans! Mark lived as a son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend.  He did little things with great love.  From making the morning coffee before Andrea came back from her daily walk, to sharing his ranch dressing with all at the table. His lack of presence in this world will be vast. Mark enjoyed setting up and maintaining aquariums, transforming land into beautiful and natural scenery and camping with his family throughout many states.  His organizational skills in the home, and his talent as a breakfast chef were admired by all that knew him.

Mark was an altar boy and graduated from Saint Patrick School in Erie and continued his learning at Tech High School where he concentrated on welding. He traveled to California and returned and gained employment as a cook for Elby’s in Erie.  There he met Andrea, the love of his life. He became her Sparky and they were married on June, 25, 1988 at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church. They celebrated their 35th Wedding Anniversary this past June.

Mark had an exceptional record of being a respected and hard worker in various positions he held throughout his life.

Mark worked at Plastek close to 20 years until Andrea was offered a teaching position at North Fort Myers School of the Arts. He was so proud of her and supported the move and together, “as a family”, they all relocated and became a loss to the Erie area and Florida’s greatest asset.  In Florida, he easily gained employment at Ted’s Sheds, Rice Insulation and Glass, and Estero Bay Chevrolet.  He found entertainment working as a “treasure hunter” at Barbot Properties.  Together with his friend Mike Reid they created “M and M Home”.  All jobs added to his knowledge, and he became a Mark of all trades!

Together Mark and Andrea enjoyed camping, especially at Heart’s Content, traveling, laughing, playing Taboo, Rummy, Yahtzee and Play Nine together and attending their children’s events.  Choosing family was top with Mark and Andrea and he loved them all unconditionally. Always willing to talk from young to the elderly, he would create smiles on many faces. Making people laugh was one of his greatest gifts.

Mark leaves behind many that will miss his presence. Along with his wife Andrea, his son Nicholas (Randi) of Arcadia, Florida and his two daughters, Alexandra “Ali” Walker (Adam), Heather “Hebby” Gunns of Pittsburgh. Two grandsons, Leland Darnell and Lane Gunns complete his legacy. His mother in law, Audrey Treiber Hoover, brother in law, Timothy Hoover (Valerie), numerous nieces and nephews and his siblings Mindy Gunns, Mary Tubbs (Mike), Roberta Busi (Rick) all of Erie and his brother John Strieder of Virginia also survive.  He was preceded in death by his adopted father, Charles “Pops” Gunns and father -in- law Robert Hoover. Also, preceded in death by his biological parents Robert and Barbara Strieder.

Words can't describe the sadness of not seeing our husband and father face to face every day or hearing his voice on daily phone calls, but the fruits of his labor will be visible daily.

Together we pray.  “Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.  Amen.

Friends and family are invited to attend a funeral Mass at 10:00AM, Monday November 27,2023 at St. Patrick Church, Erie, PA. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Burton Quinn-Scott Funeral Home, West Ridge, 3801 W. 26^th St., Erie.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family in care of the funeral home.