MARK ZIKA

Mark K. Zika, 54, of Palmyra, PA, formerly of Tunkhannock and the Wyoming Valley, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 29, 2026, with his family by his side at Allied Hospice on Meade Street in Wilkes-Barre.

Born in Wilkes-Barre on July 11, 1972, Mark was the son of Bernice (Wisneski) Zika of Kingston and the late Richard V. Zika. 

He graduated from Tunkhannock Area High School in 1990 and proudly served his country with a distinguished career in the United States Army as an Army Airborne Ranger. He spent a significant portion of his career with the Old Guard, where he served as Firing Party Commander and participated in more than 500 military funerals at Arlington National Cemetery. His military career also took him to Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas, and Fort Lewis in Washington State. He was deployed overseas multiple times to Iraq, Afghanistan and Africa in support of the Global War on Terror. For his service and bravery, Mark received numerous awards and commendations, including Purple Hearts, a Silver Star and a Bronze Star.

Mark’s greatest joy was his family, and he especially cherished the time he spent with his children. He also loved the outdoors, particularly hunting and fishing. He will be remembered for his devotion to his family, his service to his country and the many memories he created with those he loved.

In addition to his mother, Mark is survived by his children: Michael of Dushore, Miranda (Daniel) Forrest of Williamsport, and Elizabeth and William Zika of Jamison City; his grandchildren, Wyatt and Kora; his siblings, Richard (Theodora) Zika of Pittsburgh, Cindy (Michael) Adams of Tunkhannock, and his twin brother, Matthew (Nancy) Zika of Marquette, Michigan; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family would like to thank the staff of Allied Hospice on Meade Street in Wilkes-Barre for the compassionate care and comfort they provided to Mark and his family.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Piatt Funeral and Cremation, 6 Sunset Lake Road, Hunlock Creek, with Pastor Doug Pyskza officiating. Interment will follow at Elan Memorial Park in Bloomsburg. Friends are invited to join the family on Thursday from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mark’s honor to the Allied Services Hospice Center in Wilkes-Barre through the organization’s online donation page.

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