MARK E MERANDA's Obituary
On Friday, September 23, 2022, Col (ret.) Mark E. Meranda, loving husband, father, brother,
and grandfather passed away at the age of 74. Mark was surrounded by his family in his home
at Coral Gables, Florida at the time of his death.
Mark Edward Meranda was born on April 6, 1948 in Washington, D.C. to Col (ret.) Mark Donald
Meranda and Martha Duggan Meranda. Born into a military family, Mark also lived in Hawaii
and Hampton, Virginia. He graduated from Narimasu High School, Japan as valedictorian in
1966. Mark entered the United States Military Academy at West Point and graduated in 1970.
He was commissioned in the Army Corps of Engineers. After graduation, Mark married his
high school sweetheart, Vickie Stevens, on June 6, 1970. Mark and Vickie had two children,
Marcie and Mark.
Mark served 27 years in the US Army and had a distinguished career as a Corps of Engineers
Army Officer. He commanded the 62nd Engineer Battalion in Ft Hood, Texas and the 130th
Engineer Brigade in Hanau, Germany. Other notable assignments include serving as Acting
USAREUR Engineer during the Bosnia incursion. He completed his career as the Director of
Facilities & Housing, DOD Assistant Chief of Staff for Installation Management. Mark
graduated from Airborne School, Ranger School, Army War College, and the Air Command and
Staff College. Throughout his military career, Mark made significant impacts to the lives of the
soldiers who served with him. His leadership style put the troops first and, even during his
most difficult assignments, his integrity and humility never wavered. On the day of his death,
Mark was given the West Point, Class of 1970 Serve with Integrity Award.
His second career was with Turner Construction Company (1997-2017) where he became
Operations Manager and Vice President for Turner’s Washington DC business unit. In 2004,
Turner moved him to Miami, FL, also as an Operations Manager, where he eventually became
the Director of Federal Contract Compliance. Mark retired in 2017 and immediately began
enjoying more time devoted to travel, fitness, and family.
Mark was proud to serve in the military. He made many trips to Normandy, France to
participate in D Day anniversary events. Throughout his life, Mark’s humility was always
present, and his selfless actions always put those he cared for first. He was reserved when he
spoke, but his words were often direct, intelligent, and thoughtful. He gave his opinion only
after careful deliberation. Mark was an avid reader and would end most days with his Nook at
his favorite chair. He found joy in gardening and was most proud of his orchids. He enjoyed
traveling and, true to his engineering background, he kept detailed records of the many places
he visited. Mark spent a lot of his time on the golf course, and he never let the Miami heat deter
him. Finally, the most important thing to Mark was his family. He cherished family holidays and
trips to visit his children and granddaughter. His enduring love will be sorely missed.
Mark E. Meranda is survived by his wife, Vickie of Coral Gables, FL; daughter, Marcie Dale of
Bethlehem, PA; his son, Mark Christopher of Brooklyn, NY; and the joy of his life and
granddaughter, Madeline Elizabeth.
Funeral services are at USMA, West Point on Thursday, November 17th at 1:30 pm at Most
Holy Trinity Church. Following will be graveside service.
What’s your fondest memory of MARK?
What’s a lesson you learned from MARK?
Share a story where MARK's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with MARK you’ll never forget.
How did MARK make you smile?