Mark R Nichter Sr.

Mark R. Nichter, Sr of Voorhees passed away peacefully on Tuesday January 5, 2021. He was 89 years of age. Born in Buffalo, NY on January 14, 1931, he lived in Egg Harbor, Twp, Cherry Hill and Sewell before moving to Voorhees. Mark was a Computer Programmer for IBM and served in the US Navy during Korea. He was an active member and parishioner of Church of the Holy Family, Mark enjoyed playing cards, chess and shooting pool, but his main focus was caring for his late daughter. Beloved husband of the late Patricia (nee) Burke Nichter who passed away November 3, 2020. Loving father of Thomas J. Sr, (Dottie) Nichter , Patricia Ognissanti, Tim A. (Paula) Nichter, Nancy L. Espiau, Mark R., Jr (Helen) Nichter, and Brian M. Nichter, adoring grandfather of Dorothy, Tommy, Nicholas, Kevin, Leah, Kristin, Michael, David and Laura. , cherished great grandfather of 5, and dear father of the late Lynn Marie Nichter. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, February 6, 2021 11am at the Church of the Holy Family, 226 Hurffville Rd, Sewell, NJ. Interment will be in the Gloucester County Veteran's Cemetery, Williamstown, NJ. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Alzheimers Association at act.alz.org/donate. Memories and Condolences may be shared by visiting marktilghmanfuneralhome.com Mark was born into a strong Catholic family as the youngest child to Joseph and Barbara Nichter (nee Goldbach). Mark grew up in Buffalo, New York, and remained there until entering the US Navy, where he served four years. Most of that service was as a radar operator on the USS Ingersoll 652 destroyer, during the Korean War. He met Patricia (Pat) Burke while home on leave in Philadelphia at a square dance. We found many saved letters of correspondence between our parents; these letters gave us a glimpse of their long-distance romance. They were letters of love and a desire for a life together with a family built on a firm foundation with God. Upon leaving the Navy he and Pat were married on July 5, 1956. During his early career he worked as a salesman and IBM computer programmer using his military skill set. Wanting to have a large family created many challenges for them as a couple; those challenges brought sacrifices; which he faced head on with his faith in God. He relocated his family four times in 11 years as his career progressed; finally settling in Cherry Hill. At times he worked two jobs and attended night school earning his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. He held positions with Sperry Univac/Unisys, the Veterans Administration, USPS, and Commerce Bank. His continued commitment to others was further demonstrated with his pre- retirement position as a teacher’s aide working in special needs at Cherry Hill East High School. He was a fine example of a dedicated husband, father and supporter to local community. He was artistic, creative and enjoyed music. He loved playing the organ and singing his praises to the Lord. Upon discovering his young daughter’s degree of deafness, he learned sign language, so she too could enjoy church and music through this new language. His artistic creativity showed not only in music, but in spending time with mom gardening and designing various topiaries. Growing up our yard had a variety of bushes shaped as birds, other animals, a cross and even a basket with various flowers displayed within the bush itself. He and his wife Pat took great pride in having a stunning yard and garden. He shared his faith and love for the church through helping with various groups within the many parishes throughout his life. He volunteered with the cleaning of the church, helping with the grounds; whether it was as simple as mowing the lawn, trimming bushes or trees or major annual spring or fall clean up. He was a participating member of the Franciscan Order and supported many religious charities, including a Franciscan priest in remote Alaska. He loved to spend time with family and lifelong friends. With seven children there were many family gatherings for holiday or birthday celebrations. He especially loved attending his grandchildren’s plays, skating, dance, singing and musical recital events. At home he loved getting his sons and grandchildren to play a game of pool or chess. He also enjoyed weekly games of pinochle with neighbors at the retirement community’s recreation center. After retirement he relocating to Sewell, NJ, his focus and dedication continued with daughter Lynn’s intensified needs and care until she passed and his wife Pat’s health and care which continued to become more fragile. He always put the needs of his wife and family first. They eventually moved to an assisted living facility in Voorhees, NJ, where his wife passed. In Voorhees, even with his own decline he tried to support and cheer his neighbors. He lived a very fulfilling life and will be greatly missed by all those lives he touched.