Mr. Mark Elliott Percich

CDR Mark Elliott Percich (US Navy, ret.), of Keymar, MD died 27 December 2017 after a two-year battle against cancer. He was 64. Mark is survived by his mother, Helen Percich; Patricia, his bride of 30 years; his daughter, Jennifer Ebberts; and his sister, Diana Greig; Keymar, MD and his brother, David Percich of Owings, MD. He was preceded in death by his father, Vincent Percich (Cuyahoga Falls, OH) and an infant brother, Joseph. Mark was born 30 July 1953 in Warren, OH to Vincent and Helen Percich. He attended Georgia Tech on a Navy ROTC scholarship, graduating magna cum laude in 1975 with a BS, Physics. Upon graduation, he was commissioned Ensign and for the next 22 years, proudly served his country as a Naval Officer, both active duty and Reserves. On active duty, he served as a Missile Officer on the USS Richmond K Turner (CG-20) and Engineering Officer on the USS Oklahoma City (CL-91). In 1980, he changed status from active duty to reserves, accepting a civilian position as a Senior Physicist at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (JHU/APL), where he supported the Battle Group Anti-Air Warfare Coordination Program (BGAAWC) and participated in shipboard testing of Command and Communications systems for the TOMAHAWK Cruise Missile and Aegis Combat Systems Command. As a reserve officer, he worked at the Pentagon where he served as an Executive Officer and a Training Officer for various units, and then commanded a training reserve unit at Ft. McHenry, Baltimore, MD. During this time, he continued his education, earning a MS in Physics from Johns Hopkins University (1982). Mark met his bride, Patricia, in 1983 through friends at APL; they married 17 October 1987 at St. Mary of the Mill’s Catholic Church, in Laurel, MD. From the day of their engagement, he became father to Jennifer, a role he cherished and fulfilled with equal parts humor, dedication, and love. Mark left APL in 1987, shifting roles from technical research to business operations. From 1987 to 2005, he worked as a VP, Business Development for several small companies, helping them navigate the government contracting system. In 2005, Mark’s desire for independence led him to form Dark Horse Industries, LLC (DHI). As a consultant, he provided contract acquisition and support to multiple clients in areas such as data management, information technology, and space exploration. In 2011, he and Patricia fulfilled another goal, purchasing land, building their dream home and barn, where they could bring their horses and dogs and dabble in farm life. Mark was, in all things, a goal-driven man of immense energy and accomplishments. He was a natural leader, disciplined but fair. He greeted each day with enthusiasm, curiosity, and humility. He didn’t anger easily or often, didn’t cast blame or hold a grudge. He accepted people as they were and looked for the good in everyone he met. He was deeply religious, but not ostentatiously so. He had a sly humor, a flawless memory. He wasn’t afraid to branch out and try something new. He laughed every day. A devoted husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend – Mark was the most decent, steady, reassuring presence in so many of our lives. His passing is a devastating loss. Family will receive friends at Haight Funeral home, 6416 Sykesville Road, Eldersburg, MD on Tuesday, 2 January 2018, from 6 to 8pm. Mass will be conducted at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Libertytown, MD, on 3 January 2018, 11:00 am. Burial at Arlington National Cemetery TBD. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to two of Mark’s favorite charities: • Young Marines (A National Youth Organization) – www.youngmarines.com • Wounded Warriors Project – www.support.woundedwarriorproject.org

Mr. Mark Elliott Percich

July 30, 1953 - December 27, 2017