Mark Simpson

MONTAGUE - Mark Simpson, 61, of Montague, originally from Nutley, lost his year-long battle with leukemia on Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2011. Mark is joining in Heaven his mother, Jean, father, Bob, grandfather Howard, who was like a father to him, grandmother Helen, daughter Amy, and his aunt Dot. Mark died at home with his beloved friend and wife of three years, Joyce Gettle Simpson. One of his passions was classic cars, and he was nicknamed "Mustang Mark" for that reason. Mark worked for Hanington Engineering for 20 years. He most recently obtained his real estate license and was associated with Clearview Realty.

Besides his wife, Mark leaves behind four daughters, Amanda Marra, Jennifer Simpson, Adria Gettle Hasha and Jennifer Gettle Ericson and their spouses. He also is mourned by his loving in-laws, Helen and Joseph Wyso; sister-in law Edwina Francaviglia; and sister-in-law Christina Hazard and her husband, Rick, Mark's devoted friend. Mr. Simpson also is survived by one grandchild, two grand nieces, two nephews and four nieces. His Buddy Bear, who was loyal and by his side at all times, will miss him deeply as will his aunt Josephine Yarosz and his longtime best buds, Ed Risdon Sr. and Allen Wood.

"Ride The Pony," Dear Hub.

Donations in Mark's memory may be made to Norwescap, 350 Marshall St. Phillipsburg, NJ 08865, Manna House Soup Kitchen, 54 High St., Newton, NJ 07860, Karen Ann Quinlan Memorial Foundation, 99 Sparta Ave., Newton, NJ 07860, or and the Leukemia Society, PO Box 4072, Pittsfield, MA 01202.

Cremation will be private at the convenience of the family.

Arrangements made by Stroyan Funeral Home, 405 W. Harford St., Milford, Pa.