Obituary: Mark David Asma

Mark David Asma

Mark David Asma passed from his earthly home on May 31, 2025, surrounded by his family, having been blessed with 74 wonderful years.  He is survived by Mary, his loving wife of 51 years, and three devoted children, Mike and Kristen Asma, Maresa Asma, and Ben and Ginny Asma, and 3 grandchildren who lovingly called him Papa – Henry, Lucy and Charlie.  Mark is also survived by siblings Anne and Gene Kehoe of Clayton, NC, John and Joan Asma of Sherburne, NY, Pete and Julie Asma of Norwich, NY, Jane Muserilli and Jaime Iloff of Greene, NY, and Matt Asma of Norwich, NY.  and Uncle Hal and Annie Wieland from Florida.  In addition, he is survived by cousins Annemiek Asma, Marike and Willem Oosterholt Asma and Taco Asma of the Netherlands, and Loretto Thompson of Niagara Falls, NY., and nieces and nephews Renee and Andy Kalicicki, Erin Shortell, Joe, Nick and Katie Muserilli, Michelle, Michael and Steve Asma and Belinda Whaley and their families. 

Mark was predeceased by his parents, Blanche and Herman Asma, his brother Paul Asma, in-laws Mike and Ginny Kramer and brothers-in-law Don Cairns, Sgt. Charles Muserilli, Tom Kramer and John Kramer and Aunt Lucretia Kramer. 

Mark was a graduate of Le Moyne College, Syracuse, NY, and St. Francis University, Loretto, PA, with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in industrial relations.  His employment history took him from Morton-Norwich Pharmaceuticals, Norwich, NY, to Champion International, Canton, NC, to MeadWestvaco/Westrock, where he was retired after serving as Director of Industrial/Labor Relations. 

During his retirement Mark became busy in his creative activities of wood working and home projects for his children’s homes, bee keeping, gardening of heirloom vegetables and a variety of herbs, participating in the Covington Farmers’ Market and being a whisperer to animals both domestic and in the wild.  He appreciated a nice smile and never hesitated to let someone know it.  Mark loved fossil and gemstone hunting with his grandchildren, getting down on the floor to play dinosaurs, blocks or whatever his grandchildren wanted.  He was the most devoted husband, father and Papa any family could ask for. 

As he courageously faced his declining health and accepted Hospice care he looked towards his memorial service and requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to The Children’s Home Society, 604 Meadow St. Greensboro, NC, 27405, The Alleghany Humane Society, 9313 Rich Patch Rd, Covington, VA 24426, or to your local Food Pantry to serve our brothers and sisters in need. With love in his heart, his hope was that the world acknowledge the need for change with love and acceptance for each other. 

We are all thankful for care from Dr. Scott Brown and ACG Hospice and Jim Bay, RN., Dr. Honainy and the Davita family, and for the visitations from Fr. Ernest Dugah, Fr. Dan Kelly and Fr. Tom Collins, who administered the Sacrament of the Sick as well as renewing Mark and Mary’s Wedding Vows. 

The family will receive friends at the visitation at Nicely’s Funeral Home, Clifton Forge on Friday, June 6 from 5-7 pm.   As a devoted member of St. Joseph’s Church, 620 Jefferson St, Clifton Forge, Mark’s memorial service will be held there on Saturday, June 7 at 11 am, followed by brunch in the parish hall.

Come in haste to assist him, you Saints of God.  Come in haste to meet him, you Angels of the Lord.  Enfold in your arms this soul and take your burden heavenwards to the sight of the Most High. 

Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge is handling the arrangments.

To send condolences to the family online, please visit www.nicelyfuneralhome.com