Mark Kulyk

Mark Kulyk, age 60, passed away peacefully with a hug and kiss from his beloved wife, Joyce, on Friday, November 25th at their home in Fairview.

Mark Christopher Kulyk was born April 9, 1956, the son of John and Betty Rogers Kulyk of Albion. In 1974, Mark graduated with high honors from Northwestern High School where his many activities included class leadership, music programs especially the Wildcat Marching Band, and the well-remembered video "lunch-time specials."

After high school Mark enrolled at the University of Notre Dame, where he met Joyce Ravnikar, the love of his life. Mark and Joyce embraced Notre Dame, just as the University embraced them. Mark was a trumpet player in the Notre Dame Marching Band and had the privilege to attend four college football Bowl Games and an NCAA Final Four. Since 1995, he was a leader of the Band Alumni of Notre Dame and the Marching Band Alumni Reunion weekends. Mark particularly enjoyed that the alumni marched and played at the football game. Following in Joyce's Dad's footsteps, they have been long-time season ticket fans of Notre Dame football. They enjoyed taking friends to campus with their own tour of "what Notre Dame is."

After graduating in 1978 with Honors from Notre Dame's Program of Liberal Studies, Mark attained his Masters Degree in Adult Development and Aging from the University of Chicago. He then returned to Notre Dame and completed a second Masters, in Psychological Counseling.

Mark and Joyce married on August 16, 1980, and moved to Arlington Va., where Mark was employed by Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington.

In 1984 they moved to Fairview and Mark joined the family business, Rogers Brothers Corporation, in Albion Pa. In his 30-years at Rogers, Mark worked in human resources and marketing; as the Plant Production Manager; then the Sales Manager. He was President of the Corporation from 2004 through his retirement in 2013. Mark continued his association with Rogers, specializing in export sales to Chile and Peru. He was later employed by Burton Funeral Homes, and loved all he learned about hospitality and wish-fulfillment.

In his role as the "face" of Rogers to the heavy-haul trailer industry, Mark served on the board of directors of the Truck Trailer Manufacturing Association. He was the Chairman of the Board of TTMA in 2010.

In 2007 Mark was appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce to the Western Pennsylvania District Export Council. During his tenure and as a result of Mark's efforts, Rogers received the U.S Commercial and Export Achievement Award.

Mark had many years of service with the Manufacturer and Business Association. In 2005 he became a Member of the Board of Governors, serving as the Chairman in 2010. In this role, Mark was privileged to introduce former President George W. Bush at the MBA's Annual Event. He also interviewed Mr. Bush on stage in the question-and-answer session.

Mark and Joyce have not only been financial supporters of many organizations, they have been tireless contributors of time and talent, as well.

Holy Cross Church is their home parish. Mark's joy for music led to his participation with the choir and music liturgy for 25 years. Active during the summer church festivals, he chaired it five years. Together with Joyce, they taught religious education and chaired the parish Horizon Capital Campaign in 1995.

Mark and Joyce were a continual volunteer presence at Nathaniel and Anthony's schools, from the Montessori School of Erie, Fairview Elementary, Villa Maria Elementary, to Villa Maria Academy. Of note, were the time and energy they gave to the Fairview Marching Band, ""Senior Night Out"" after prom party at VMA, and summers with FLAG baseball.

Mark was also a volunteer presence on the Board of several groups, including the Visiting Nurse Association of Erie County, and as President overseeing a successful endowment drive; Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Erie; Villa Maria Academy; and with Joyce, charter board members of The Catholic Foundation of the Diocese of Erie.

In 1998 Mark and Joyce were honored by Bishop Trautman with the Catholic Charities Caritas Award, that recognizes individual(s) who in life manifest devoted and unselfish commitment to the values of Catholic Charities - scripture motto ""Let all your works be done with charity.""

For 25 years Mark and Joyce were involved with Worldwide Marriage Encounter - a weekend experience for married couples to renew and enrich their relationships. They presented numerous Weekends throughout Western Pa, where they shared their love story to help others to strengthen their marriages and families. Over those years, Mark'n'Joyce served in WWME leadership roles of the Erie Diocese; the Region of Pa NJ DE Del-Mar and WNY; the United States Board; and the Support Council of the WWME North American Leaders.

In early July 2015, Mark was diagnosed with a brain tumor, glioblastoma multiforme, an aggressive form of cancer. He responded with the courage and grace, humor and wit that those who knew him, loved so well. Within days after the tumor was surgically removed, Mark and Joyce decided ""to learn,"" and traveled to the Cleveland Clinic, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, and to the UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles.

Each of these research facilities was conducting clinical studies, Mark hoped for a cure for himself, but also wanted to help the clinical trial and the success of the research. Mark chose the Cleveland Clinic Burkhardt Brain Tumor Center. Six months later the tumor reoccured. Undaunted, Mark wanted to continue and in March 2016, chose another clinical trial at the Cleveland Clinic. The second tumor was surgically removed followed by a chemotherapy drug infusion. There were post-op complications and then six months later, the GBM brain tumor recurred.

Mark is survived by his beloved wife, Joyce Ravnikar-Kulyk, and by sons Nathaniel Kulyk (Melissa) of Ashburn, Va., and Anthony Kulyk of Fairview; and by his two grandsons, Ricky and Timothy Kulyk of Ashburn, Va. He is also survived by his sisters, Connie Quigley of Ocala, Fla., and Maggie Kulyk (Wendy) of San Anselmo, Calif., and by his brother Larry Kulyk (Joyce) of Albion. He is further survived by his cousin, Patty Davis (Jim) of Warren, Ohio, and many nieces and nephews and other cousins. In addition, Mark is remembered and mourned by a wide circle of neighbors and friends, his Holy Cross Parish family, as well his WWME family.

Friends are invited to call on Thursday, December 1 and Friday December 2, from 1:00-3:00 p.m. and 5:30-8:00 p.m. at Holy Cross Church, Fairview, Pa., and are invited to attend the funeral mass there on Saturday, December 3 at 10:00 a.m. Private Burial will be at the Gate of Heaven Cemetery.

Arrangements entrusted to the Burton Westlake Funeral Home, 3901 West 26th Street.
Please in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to:
The Catholic Foundation of the Erie Diocese, Fr. Dugan Memorial Fund, 429 E. Grandview Blvd. Erie, PA 16504, Worldwide Marriage Encounter Gallagher Legacy Fund, 520 Park St. Sheridan WY 82801 and Visiting Nurse Assoc., of Erie County, 2253 W. Grandview Blvd, Erie 16506. Univ of Notre Dame Bands, P.O. Box 1023 Notre Dame, IN 46556, and CaringBridge.org P.O. Box 6032 Albert Lea, MN 56007