Mark J. Eschenfelder Phd

Mark J. Eschenfelder PhD, 62 of Beaver passed away Saturday, July 21, 2018 at his home surrounded by his family.

Born August 29, 1955 in Belleville, IL, he was a son of the late Edward and Lillian Eschenfelder and had been a resident of Beaver for 24 years. A faithful member of the Saints Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church, Beaver, Mark was a Professor of Economics at Robert Morris University (RMU) the past 33 years.  He was an avid runner, having competed in more than 1000 races, including 5K, 10K, half-marathons, and triathlons. He was proud to have continued a streak of running every day for over 15 years. Mark co-founded and co-directed RMU’s Teaching Economics Conference, which has been held annually for 29 years. He was also involved in many committees at the University, active on the executive board of the RMU Faculty Federation, and a member and former president of the Pennsylvania Economics Association.  He chaired the Assurance of Learning Committee for the School of Business and was awarded the 2013 Presidential Award for Distinguished Accomplishment in Service. Mark also co-authored a book on the Economics of Sport.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 41 years, Cora Morgan Eschenfelder, 2 cherished daughters, Mary and Emily Eschenfelder, both of Beaver, 2 brothers, Edward (Linda) Eschenfelder, Ferguson, MO, Michael (Kathy) Eschenfelder, Annville, PA, a sister, Cathy (Tom) Neidig, Fort Branch, IN, a brother-in-law Dean (Janice) Ertel, Springfield, MO, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death was a sister, Mary Louise Ertel.

Friends will be received Friday July 27, 2018 from 2-4 and 6-8 in the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third St., Beaver. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday July 28, 2018 at 10 am at Saints Peter and Paul Church by his pastor, Father Robert Miller.  Interment will follow at the Beaver Cemetery.  Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Mark Eschenfelder Memorial Fund may be made online at rmu.edu/eschenfelder or mailed to Robert Morris University Office of Institutional Advancement, 6001 University Blvd., Moon Twp., PA 15108. Please make checks out to the University with Eschenfelder in the memo line.