Mark Chandler

Mark Steven Chandler, age 51, of Downingtown, PA, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on June 4, 2015, after a long battle with cancer.



A beloved son, husband, father, brother, nephew, cousin, uncle, and friend, Mark leaves behind many who will miss his charm, smile and exuberant spirit.



Mark is survived by his parents, James T. and Kay (nee Kirkby) Chandler of Ocala, Florida; his wife, Amber Chandler (nee Pfeiffer) and daughter, Amanda; brother Eric Chandler (Cheryl) of Aberdeen, NJ; and sister Lisa Chandler of Starke, Florida. Mark was predeceased by his sister Lynn Chandler Monea.



Born in Detroit, MI in 1964, Mark grew up near Grand Rapids, MI and graduated from Forest Hills Central High School in 1982. He served honorably in the US Navy for six years as a Submarine Sonar Technician in the Charleston, SC area before returning to the University of Illinois to receive a BS in 1992. Mark met Amber in college and they were married on August 1, 1992 in Springfield, IL. Mark continued his education throughout his career, receiving his Master's degree from Penn State University, as well as several professional certifications.



After early stints with General Electric/Lockheed Martin and MBNA America, Mark spent more than nine years with Hyperion, a job which allowed him to live in Sydney, Australia, and travel around Southeast Asia for several years. This fueled his lifelong love of travel, a passion he was delighted to share with Amber and Amanda. For the past seven years, Mark was employed by SAP, most recently as Support Services Director in Newtown Square, PA, outside of Philadelphia. Along the way, Mark's fun-loving nature and optimistic attitude turned many colleagues into friends.



Mark lived his life fully. He was an avid sports fan, rooting loyally for his boyhood-hometown Detroit Lions. He was very fortunate to share with family and friends many good times: good meals (some made by Mark himself: he was a great cook); good wine; good trips (Mexico, the Caribbean, Hawaii, Europe, Asia, Africa and South America); and good days of skiing. But he considered himself never more blessed than by his marriage to Amber and the birth of their daughter, Amanda.



In lieu of flowers, the family would greatly appreciate that contributions be made to Cure4CAM Childhood Cancer Foundation, www.cure4cam.org.



Friends and family have also set up a fund to assist with Amanda's college education. Donations can be made at www.ugift529.com, code: Y73-G6P.



Services are private. A memorial gathering and charity golf outing are intended in the fall.