Nov 28, 2021

Mark D. Ferris, DVM, 60, of Burgettstown, passed away Thursday November 25, 2021, in the UPMC Passavant, Pittsburgh.

He was born May 19, 1961, in Sacramento, Calif., a son of Charles Ferris of Big Canoe, Ga. and the late Marianne Desmul Ferris.

Mark was a 1983 graduate of Virginia Tech with a Bachelor of Science in Biology; earned his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Florida in 1987.

Mark began his career as a mixed animal veterinarian at the Chester Veterinary Clinic, Chester, WV where he made several lifelong friends in the clinic and on his many farm calls. He became a partner in the practice from 1991-2001. In 1998 he purchased Hilltop Animal Hospital in Paris, PA where he practiced companion animal medicine for 18 years.

Upon the sale of his practice, Mark devoted the last five years to developing and creating Peaceful Goodbyes – an at home pet euthanasia service where he helped hundreds of pet owners say goodbye to their pets in the comfort of their own surroundings.

Mark was a man of great integrity. He always put the needs of others before his own. Mark’s Christian values were very important to him. He was a member of Frankfort Presbyterian Church in Hookstown, PA where he was a session member.

Surviving are his wife of 25 years, Patty (Ticich) Ferris and son Scott Ferris of Burgettstown; brothers, Chuck (Diane) Ferris of Cooper City, Fla., Scott (Diane) Ferris of Tampa, Fla.; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Jim and Barbie Hirkala of Weirton, W.Va.

A private family memorial service will be held at a later date at Mark’s church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Frankfort Presbyterian Church, 3326 State Rt. 18, Hookstown, PA 15050 OR Hancock County Animal Shelter, 715 Gas Valley Road, New Cumberland, WV 26047.

Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to Steel & Wolfe Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., Weirton, WV. www.steelandwolfe.com