Deer Lakes teacher Mark Vukelich recalled as proud Lancer

Friends are recalling the late Mark Vukelich as a “lifelong Lancer.”

A native of West Deer, Vukelich grew up in the Russellton neighborhood. He graduated from Deer Lakes School District in 1989 and went on to teach for 28 years at his alma mater.

Vukelich died March 2 at 52. His obituary did not give a cause of death, calling it “unexpected.” School district officials did not mention the circumstances in information they released last week.

“After college, he came home to give back to the same community that he dearly loved,” fellow teacher Craig Taliani said.

“Students often referred to Mark as ‘Mr. Vuke,’ which to me was a sign of endearment.”

Vukelich was passionate about local history. Friends said he proudly taught the legacy of West Deer, Frazer and East Deer, the communities that constitute Deer Lakes. He talked about past generations and the hard-working people that shaped the communities, Taliani said.

William Pazman will give the eulogy at a service Saturday.

He believes Vukelich will be remembered as the kind of teacher who excited students because he was enthusiastic himself.

“He kept current with what he taught, and he was as much of a student as he was a teacher,” Pazman said.

Middle school tech-ed teacher John Baker recalled Vukelich as dedicated to helping his students achieve success.

“He had a gift in being able to associate any topic being discussed into something that his students could relate to on their own personal levels,” Baker said. “He had a calming personality that helped you feel comfortable. He had energy and passion that he put on display to his classes and friends consistently.

“He left a bright, positive impression on the Deer Lakes community, the school district and everyone who had the good fortune to know him.”

Vukelich earned his teaching credentials at Edinboro University. He participated in continuing education at Kent State, Slippery Rock and the University of Pittsburgh.

A profile on the district website written by Vukelich said he was proud to teach Advanced Placement U.S. Government and Politics, along with U.S. Government/Economics.

“Mark first and foremost was incredibly knowledgeable, and he used that to help shape his students into engaged citizens,” Taliani said. “He was skilled in the use of technology in the classroom and could deliver engaging lessons. He was not afraid to try new teaching styles if he thought it would benefit his students.”

Taliani said Vukelich didn’t hesitate to help his colleagues.

He often would meet up with Taliani and another teacher, Doug Clark, in the hallway between class periods.

“It was during those three minutes that we would solve all of the world’s problems,” Taliani said. “It’s little moments like that that made Mark a special teacher.”

Vukelich was an avid Steelers fan, loved golf and was a member of the Order of Owls, Nest 1091, in Russellton. He was known to speak often of his four children, whom Taliani called his greatest loves.

Shauna Brown, a friend of Vukelich for 35 years, said she will remember him for his compassion, having once organized a field trip to Williamsburg because it “allowed kids that had never left West Deer the opportunity to see things they never would have seen.”

“He made sure all kids could go despite financial status,” Brown said.

And, he wrapped up the bus trip with a karaoke session, she said.

“Mark chose to not only teach in the district but also to make the district his home,” Brown said. “The kids didn’t only see him at school but also out and about in the community. I think there’s a level of trust there when your teacher teaches not only your AP gov class but also knows your mom and your dad and probably your pap, too.”

Relatives and friends are invited to pay their respect, 4 to 7 p.m., Friday, March 8, and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 9, at Adam Siemianowski Funeral Home, 179 Starr Road, Russellton, PA 15076. For online condolences, please visit westdeerfuneralhome.com.