Michael J. Mazurkiewicz

With his sons by his side, Michael J. Mazurkiewicz, 76, Paxtang, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 27, 2022 at UPMC Hospital in Harrisburg.

Born March 10, 1946 in Reading, he was the son of the late John and Vera (Pociechowski) Mazurkiewicz, and was a graduate of Reading Central Catholic High School.

Following high school, Michael joined the US Marine Corps where he studied basic drafting and land surveying.  After his discharge in 1968, he pursued his career with various engineering companies, doing freelance surveying and researching properties in his spare time.  He ultimately went to work as a Registered Land Surveyor for the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, retiring in 2019.

His love of the outdoors started when he was a child in Reading; hunting and fishing, and exploring the Mt. Penn and Neversink mountains that surrounded his community.  As an adult, he still enjoyed those activities and was dedicated to preserving our natural resources.

Michael was a member of the American Legion Post 945, Highspire and the Sierra Club.  An avid reader, he was a supporter of the Dauphin County Library.  Clever and detail oriented, he meticulously tracked information and statistics.

He will be remembered by his sons as a gentle, patient father, who often surprised them with his remembrances of small details that others might have missed.  Michael was accomplished, but humble, not one to brag of his intelligence or achievements, but content to listen to those around him share their stories.  His quiet confidence was never more evident than in his final words, “I am between a rock and a hard place, but I smashed them both.”

Surviving are his sons:  Mark J. Mazurkiewicz (and his wife, Margaret W. Upham), Reading and Matthew J. Mazurkiewicz (and his wife, Jessica L.), Mt. Penn; his brother:  Peter A. Mazurkiewicz, Beaver Springs; and 3 grandsons:  Otis, Lyle, and Dexter.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.  Burial will be in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.

Contributions in his memory may be made to the Gary Sinese Foundation, PO box 368, Woodland Hills, CA, 91365 or to the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 542, 8000 Derry Street, Harrisburg, 17111.

Kimmel Funeral Home, Harrisburg, is handling arrangements.