Mark J. Lelah

Wallkill, NY

On Sunday March 8th 2026, our beloved Mark Lelah went to go be with the Lord. A loving husband, father, grandfather (poppy), brother, uncle, cousin, and everyone’s best friend. Mark was an energetic and a young 73 years old.

Mark was born on April 26, 1952 in the Bronx, NY to his predeceased father Maurice and his mother Rosalyn Lelah. They moved to Long Island- Old Bethpage where he grew up with his wonderful sister Joan and went to J.F. Kennedy high school where he graduated in 1970; with many friends which were with him all throughout the rest of his life. He then went to SUNY Delhi where he was known as one of the “Bovina Boys” at suits-us-farm. The friends all stayed together for reunions, every year since graduating. He then graduated from SUNY Brockport in 1974; which included a semester in Denmark and then went to work on a kibbutz in Israel. He then achieved his Masters of Social Work at Fordham University.

He then in 1978, met the love of his life, MaryEllen Schwartz of Montrose NY. They married at a beautiful wedding ceremony on June 3,1979. He was a very fun, loving and caring husband to MaryEllen. Then in 1986, they bought land in Gardiner NY which they built a beautiful house there- this land and house was Mark’s pride and joy. Mark loved his property and house by planting many trees, gardens and building other house projects. 

He then welcomed his son Matthew in June of 1987 and his daughter Sarah Lelah in April of 1990. He loved both of his children so much and he was always proud of their accomplishments. Sarah married Tim Rodgers in June of 2019 and then Mark had two wonderful grandchildren- Forrest and Sage who always brought him so much joy.

He was a social worker at Middletown Psychiatric center for 30 years where he retired. After he retired he started his own counseling business in Pine Bush where he just recently retired from in December of 2024. He truly loved his profession because he was so amazing at helping his clients to do well. 

Another one of Mark’s passion was being the best Yankee fan of all time, cheering them for every single pitch since the late 1950’s. He loved going to so many Yankee games with his family and friends. Also, he absolutely loved bowling where he was always very competitive with his many friends in countless leagues.

Mark lived a full life of happiness, joy, laughter, and love that will live on with his family and friends. Mark is now reunited with all his loved ones that passed away before him in heaven with God.

Friends and Family may visit on Thursday March 12, 2026 from 10am-11am at the William M. Gagan Funeral Home Inc. 1525 Burlingham Rd Pine Bush NY. Services will begin at 11am and burial will follow at the New Paltz Rural Cemetery.  Arrangements entrusted to the William M. Gagan Funeral Home Inc. www.wmgaganfuneralhome.com