Obituary of Mark Lafer

Mark Lafer, died peacefully 3-21-2022 the result of esophageal cancer.

Mark, husband of Theresa for 53+ years and father to Charlotte, loving uncle to many; a man with ongoing friendships from childhood, college and all the years between. Among his diverse talents Mark had a green thumb for gardens both indoor and out, and for cooking recipes from around the world, professional grade photography and a love of travel. He was a popular and successful educator for many years at various Penn State Campuses. He was a professional who focused for many years on health care systems; he then became an exceptional higher education financial aid research and policy analyst. His expertise was built onto his work with PHEAA, Penn State University, Kansas State University, and numerous consulting contracts. He earned a BA from University of Michigan and a MS (Communications) from Boston University. He was a member of SFARN and NASFAA as well as proprietor of ACollege4U and Lafer Consulting.

Known as a phenomenal debater with an exceptionally broad range of knowledge, Mark was actively involved in local government initiatives such as Fair Districting and Voter Registration. He volunteered for numerous State College community organizations including Congregation Brit Shalom, Arts Fest, and the League of Women Voters. Donations in his name can be made to a charity of your choice with their primary focus on education or children or the Lafer Preservation Fund at the University of Michigan Libraries.

Graveside service will be Friday, March 25, 2022 at 12:30 pm at Penn Forest Natural Burial Park, 121 Colorado St, Verona, PA 15147 with Rabbi David Ostrich officiating.