HERKIMER-Mark A. Sterling age 55 of East Smith Street passed away on Friday morning March 11, 2011 in his home after an extended illness. He had the comfort of his loving family at his side. He was born on March 24, 1955 in Pomona, California, son of Jean Clark Sterling and the late Frederick T. Sterling. A lifelong area resident he was a graduate of Frankfort-Schuyler High School. In 1974 he enlisted with the United States Navy where he served aboard the USS Coronado. During that time he received Battle Efficiency E Award two times consecutively. He was honorably discharged on June 25, 1979. He was a resident of Herkimer since 1982 coming from Mohawk. For the past twelve years Mark worked for the Valley Health Services Inc. in Herkimer in the maintenance department. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church Herkimer/Little Falls. In his quiet time he enjoyed reading and solving crossword puzzles. Mark also liked to watch sporting events especially if it were his beloved New York Mets baseball team or a New York Giants football game. To all who knew him, they will remember a caring, quiet and gentle man. His needs were simple. He was always there to help a friend, yet looked for nothing in return. He will be sorely missed by many. Surviving are his beloved mother, Jean C. Sterling of Herkimer, his loving and devoted companion Anna Miller of Herkimer, three brothers, Robert Sterling and his wife Nancy of Utica, Dennis Sterling and his wife Deborah of Herkimer, Randy Sterling of Ilion, two nephews, Michael Sterling of Ilion, Robert Sterling of Utica, several aunts, uncles, cousins and his feline companion Heidi. A Celebration of Marks Life will be held on Saturday April 16, 2011 at 2:00 pm in the Community Room at Gainsay Apartments, 105 Protection Avenue; Herkimer. The Reverend Janet Gleason, Pastor of the First United Methodist Church Herkimer/Little Falls will officiate. Interment service with military honors provided by the United States Navy will take place later this spring in Oak Hill Cemetery. The family will be present in the Community Room of Galinsky Apartments two hours prior to the Celebration of Life Service (12:00 noon to 2:00 pm. The family wishes to convey their appreciation to former Congressman Michael Arcuri for all the help and assistance he provided and the many kindness shown by everyone at Galinsky Apartments during Marks illness. Funeral arrangements are with Fenner Funeral Home Inc., 115 Court Street; Herkimer.