Mark E. Stacy

Mark Eden Stacy was born May 23, 1957, in Canonsburg, Pa. and died Friday, exactly 68 years later, at J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown. Son of Marlis and Nancy Bradburn Stacy, he graduated from Canon-McMillan High School and attended Point Park College on scholarship, earning his degree in journalism and communications. He was sports editor for The Democrat-Messenger (Waynesburg, Pa.), sports copy editor for The Roanoke Times (Va.), and sports and night copy editor for The Dominion Post, where he stayed until his retirement in 2019. He is survived by his beloved wife Jean (née Jeanne Popernack), whom he married in Bobtown, Pa. in July 1982, and daughter Nicole; father Marlis (Peggy); mother Nancy; his aunt Jackie Dykstra; his aunt and close friend Marillyn Popp; sister Tara Becker (Kurt); mother-in-law Anna Marie Popernack; sisters-in-law Diane Prete (Mark) and Pauline Emerson (Mike); brother-in-law George Popernack (Michelle); one niece, six nephews; one great-niece; five great-nephews; and the “sons he never had,” Joseph and Ruston, along with their “adopted sister” Morgan. He was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents; father-in-law Andy Popernack; uncle Andy Popp; and niece Claudia Becker. Mark was a craft beer enthusiast, baseball fan, four-time “Jeopardy!” winner, avid team trivia player, and a strong advocate of local music and businesses. In a spirit of adventure, he aspired to try every type of cuisine possible on Earth. As a newsman and editor, he proudly held high standards while also being known as a generous, encouraging mentor who supported and pushed others to achieve their best. His daughter inherited an ardor for language and writing, which began early as she learned to read “Calvin and Hobbes” at his knee. In 2018, he experienced a stroke. With great determination he worked to regain the ability to walk and participate in his favorite activities. He was deeply grateful to his physicians and to the wonderful team at Therapy Services of Morgantown – especially Megan, Becca, Abby and Morgan – whom he credited with his physical and mental comeback and who became lifelong friends. Mark made friends everywhere he went, particularly Apothecary Ale House (Grace, Jason, Gretchen, Andrew, and Steve), 123 Pleasant Street, Crockett’s, Primanti Bros. and Kegler’s, where he was a regular at trivia, enjoying the challenge and camaraderie and eagerly recounting the victories, Phil’s “best worst answers” and even the near misses. With the motto “I may be old, but I saw all the cool bands,” he cheered on Granny’s 12 Gauge, 63 Eyes, Owen Davis, Billy Matheny, and many more; a personal concert by guitarist/singer-songwriter Todd Burge was the highlight of his 60th birthday celebration. Family and friends may visit the Richard R. Herod Funeral Home at 501 Morgantown Street, Point Marion, Pa. on Wednesday, May 28 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, May 29 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary Roman Catholic Church, 3334 University Avenue, Star City, W. Va., with visitation one hour to the funeral service . In keeping with his wishes, cremation will follow. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the West Virginia Music Hall of Fame (wvmusichalloffame.com) are greatly appreciated.

Mark E. Stacy

May 23, 1957 - May 23, 2025