It is with heavy heart and deep sadness, we announce the passing of Sgt. Marcus L. DeGroat, 71 of Indian River County, Florida, June 16th, 2025.

Born in Morristown, New Jersey, July 17, 1952 attended and graduated from Parsippany High School where he excelled in Track & Field. After Graduation Mark soon enlisted in the United States Marine Corp from 1971-1975 serving as a Tractor Trailer – Truck Driver & Fueler including tours in Vietnam and was the recipient of a number of Civil Action Medals, including the Vietnam Service Medal of Honor.

After Relocating to Florida in the early 80’s, Mark was a simple, modest blue collar, tradesman of many skills, was employed by Rinker Materials, as a cement truck driver for more than 15 years, and later returned true to military roots as an over the road truck driver. Mark never met a stranger, and the open highway wind in his hair, sun in face, that was his place of private solitude. He deeply loved his family, near or far, close or indifferent, the outdoors, the sound of a Harley, and anything to do with the water.

Preceded in death by his wife, Doris Marie DeGroat; brother, Scott Scheer; mother, Mary Scheer; father & stepmother, Virgil & Barbara DeGroat.

Mark is survived by his children, Dina Marie, Matthew Douglas, Joseph Marcus (Amanda) VA, Alissa Ellen (Frank); grandchildren, Dylan Matthew (sp.Aliya), Davison Hunter, Payton Marie, Colton Wayne (Pam) Alexys Marie (sp.Fred Sr) Madeline, Evangeline (Joe), Hannah Lynn, Ava Marie (Alissa); great-grandchildren; Freddie Jr (Alexys & Freddie Sr); first wife & lifelong friend, Sharon Walsh, NJ; brother, Allen DeGroat; sister, Deborah Natalino-Curving, NJ.

To Everything There is a Season,

and a time to every purpose under the heaven

a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and

a time to pluck up that which is planted, a time to kill and a time to heal,

a time to break down, and a time to build up, a time to weep, and a time to laugh,

a time to mourn, and a time to dance, a time to cast away stones,

and a time to gather stones together, a time to embrace, and

a time to refrain from embracing, a time to get, and a time to lose, a time to rend, and a time to sew,

a time to keep silence, and a time to speak, a time to love, and a time to hate,

a time of war, and a time of peace,

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

Son/Brother/Husband/Father/Friend/Soldier

“Semper Fidelis”