HONESDALE, PA — The Wayne County Commissioners took a few moments at the end of their January 21 meeting to note the passing of Mark Graziadio, a former commissioner himself and beloved community member.

Graziado served as commissioner between 2000 and 2003. He passed away unexpectedly Sunday, January 19 at the age of 67 in Florida.

“This is a loss for our entire community. Mark was as dependable and compassionate as they come,” commissioner Jocelyn Cramer said. “At a time when the world needs it most, we lost a very effective and respectful leader, who loved life, Wayne County and his beautiful wife [of 46 years], Sue... very much.”

A graduate of Scranton Prep, Graziadio attended the University of Scranton, where he graduated in 1977 with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Accounting. He worked at Giant Markets for 14 years and took a position with PennDOT’s Wayne County office as a clerk before ultimately being hired by Honesdale National Bank (HNB) in January of 1983, where he remained until his retirement. 

“He was very much a character, very much an enjoyable person to be around,” chairman Brian Smith said. “He always had the best interests of the people and the community in mind.”

Aside from becoming a familiar, frequent voice on HNB’s radio commercials, he gained prominence in the community through his involvement in several groups, including Habitat for Humanity of Wayne County, NEPA Alliance, the Upper Delaware Visioning Committee and as chairman of the Wayne County Democratic Party.

“He gave of his time dramatically, while being a vice president at [HNB],” commissioner Joe Adams said. “I had the opportunity to work with him on the NEPA Alliance board... He represented Wayne County and the whole region so well on that board.”

Wayne County PA Democrats posted to its Facebook page following his passing:

“Wayne County Democratic Chair and great friend Mark Graziadio will be remembered for his unfailing positive outlook and steady approach to the times we live in. He had a gift for seeing the big picture and being able to focus on the details needed for getting the job done here in Wayne County.”

The commissioner ordered that black bunting drape the entrance to the courthouse until his funeral service.