Mark Mergard
November 5, 1952 ~ July 5, 2026
Born in: Elyria, Ohio
Resided in: Leonardtown, Maryland
Mark Mergard, 72, of Leonardtown, Maryland, passed away at his home of natural causes on July 5, 2026.
Lovingly known as “The Salsa Man,” Mark delighted family, friends, and neighbors by sharing jars of his homemade Red Pearl salsa—a recipe he perfected from scratch more than 15 years ago. Acts of service were Mark’s love language, and he expressed that love in countless ways throughout his life. Whether he was plowing his neighbors’ driveways in the winter, sharing hard-earned advice, or handing someone a fresh jar of salsa, Mark found joy in making life a little easier for the people around him.
Before retiring to a life of making salsa and lending a helping hand to friends and neighbors, Mark dedicated his life to public service. He proudly served 27 years in the United States Navy, retiring as a Senior Chief Petty Officer. He then continued his commitment to others with 14 years as a government civilian, where he focused on life safety systems supporting the military.
Above all else, Mark loved his family deeply. He was preceded in death by his parents, John Percy Mergard and Marcia Harrison, both of Elyria, Ohio, his hometown; his younger brothers, David Harrison and Bill Harrison; and his beloved grandson, Frankie Paul Ferguson, who left this world far too soon. It brings comfort to know they are together once again.
Mark is lovingly remembered by his daughters and their families: Misterie Ferguson (Mergard), her husband, Mikey, and her son, Evan Peacock; Mariah Café (Mergard), her husband, Rhandy, and their children, Jade, Quinn, and Dylan; and Genie Mergard and her children, Sienna and Jarrett Spencer; and by his loyal dog, Lassie. He is also survived by his siblings and their families: Evergreen Erb, Beth Rodgers, Jan Hoeye, Jim Mergard, Frankie Corless, Matt Harrison, and George Harrison.
If Mark could leave us with one final piece of advice, it would be to find hope and humor in life’s toughest moments—and, above all, to TTBC (“Try To Be Cool”).
Condolences may be made to the family at www.mgfh.com.
Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home and Cremation Services, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.
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Mariah, Genie and Misterie, and family, I will never forget Mark. He was so kind. My heartfelt condolences to all of you. Hold your beautiful memories close. With love and sympathy, Mary Ellen Husa
Fair winds and following seas my friend! I will never forget our time together when we met at the Senior Enlisted Academy at Newport RI back in early 1993. You taught me that Rum and Coke is better with Diet Coke. That you and I cannot sing “Welcome to the Jungle” by Guns and Roses at Karaoke night….maybe it was the Diet coke that affected our performace!?!? I thank you for giving my son his nick name of Budrow and just being my friend. I will miss you shipmate, until we meet again!
Scot Husa
Mark had a rare gift. He could turn an ordinary day into an adventure just by showing up with that familiar laugh. No matter how busy life got, he always made time to listen, to care, and to help without asking for anything in return. He will always be remembered fondly from all the adventures we shared in our Naval service to our friendship and breakfasts gathering at Linda’s to just enjoying a cup of coffee and letting our dogs play!
Mark was a great friend, fellow shipmate and co-worker who brought great humor into my life and was a person with strong convictions! He was always there to help and will be sorely missed.
Girls i am so sorry for your loss. Your dad was awesome and we shared many laughs together. We had a group of old guys meeting for breakfast every Thursday morning for years and we knew we were going to hear something funny from Mark! He is a brother I miss
Mark was a great person and will be missed.
(And yes, he made the most fantastic salsa ever!!!)
He was a good friend with a kind heart, and best of all, he had a great sense of humor. You will be missed and never forgotten.
Fair winds and following seas, my friend.
My sincere condolences to his family. He was a good man. Rest in peace, my friend.
So sad! Had fond memories of doing things with Mark while we lived in Southern Maryland.