Former Erie County Executive Mark DiVecchio passed away Monday following a battle with cancer, according to his obituary.

He was 64.

DiVecchio became County Executive in 2006 and served a single-term. He lost his reelection bid in 2009.

He also served on County Council from 1998 through 2005.

DiVecchio graduated from Strong Vincent High School in 1977 and Gannon University with a B.A. in political science in 1981.

He had also been in the restaurant and catering business.

DiVecchio is survived by his wife Susan and two daughters.

Current and past elected officials remembered DiVecchio in statements issued Tuesday:

“Mark was a true community minded guy with a strong dedication to public service," said current Erie County Executive Brenton Davis. "I’d like to thank him for his 12 years of devoted service to the County, he will be missed. I wish his family comfort and solace during this difficult time."

“Mark became County Executive at the same time I became Mayor,” said former Erie Mayor Joe Sinnott. “It was a pleasure working with him. He always had the county’s best interest at heart, and he accomplished some good things while in office.”

“I was on City Council from 2006 to 2012. I got to know and develop a deep respect for Mark at that time,” said Mayor Schember on Tuesday. “On behalf of the City, I offer my deepest sympathy and condolences to Mark’s family.”

Obituary

Mark A. DiVecchio, age 64, of Erie, passed away at home on Monday, March 6, 2023, after a long battle with cancer. He was born in Erie on January 6, 1959, son of the late Robert and Angela Felix DiVecchio.

Mark was a graduate of Strong Vincent High School. He received his Bachelors in Political Science at Gannon University. Mark was owner of DiVecchio’s Restaurant. He served Erie County as Councilman for eight years and County Executive for four years. This was one of his most rewarding roles, as he truly loved helping the citizens of Erie County. Mark retired from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, where he was an Auditor. He enjoyed golfing, cooking, reading, learning and talking current affairs which included politics. Mark was a member of the Gamma Rho chapter of Delta Sigma Phi, the Knights of Columbus, the Knights of St. Patrick, the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels, and was a member of Cursillo.

Along with his parents, Mark was preceded in death by his brother, Andrew DiVecchio; and nephew, Anthony DiVecchio. He is survived by his loving wife of 31 years, Susan Pacinelli DiVecchio of Erie; daughters, Maria Gartrell and Ann Camp (Greg); honorary daughter, Isabella Pacinelli; brother, Robert DiVecchio; sister, Anita DiVecchio Bissonnette; and several nieces and nephews. Mark’s greatest joy in life was being the proud “Papa” to his grandsons, Tyler, Grant, Gunnar and Gage.

Mark’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to family and friends for all their prayers, love and support, especially in the last year. They would also like to thank Interim HealthCare Hospice for their compassionate medical care, especially Dr. Leone and Kat.

Friends will be received at St. James R.C. Church, 2635 Buffalo Road, on Friday from 10 am until the time of the Funeral Mass at 11:30 am. A private interment will be held. Arrangements are being handled by the Dusckas Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc. Memorial contributions may be made to the Autism Society of Northwestern PA, 3308 State Street, Erie, PA 16508, and the Sisters of St. Joseph Neighborhood Network Program, 425 West 18th Street, Erie, PA 16502. Condolences may be sent to www.dusckasfuneralhome.com.