Lt Col (Ret) Mark Massen Obituary

September 28, 1946 – May 30, 2025

Former HQ TAC Life Support Officer during the 1980s

Mark Allen “Gunner” Massen, age 78 passed peacefully, Friday, May 30, 2025, at Paramount Senior Living in Westerville, Ohio. Mark was born on September 28, 1946, in New York City, NY and later relocated with his family to Southern California. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister and is survived by his loving wife, Sharon of 47 years.

Mark, also known as “Gunner” by his military friends, enrolled in the US Air Force on November 19, 1968, and served for 27 years. He reached the rank of Lieutenant, Colonel before last serving at the NATO headquarters in Naples, Italy, where he was a jet combat aviator and program manager for reach and development. During his time of service throughout the world, he was awarded numerous medals and recognition related to his many accomplishments and contributions to the Air Force. To name just a few of his awards:

• The Purple Heart
• Bronze and Silver Stars
• Distinguished Flying Cross
• Air Force Commendation Medal
• Defense Meritorious Service Medal

While serving in active wartime in Vietnam, he was credited with shooting down a North Vietnamese MIG fighter plane during aerial combat, received the Vietnam Service Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. He also served for three years providing support for Operations Desert Storm.

After leaving the military, Mark became a Certified Financial Planner and was the owner of Mark Massen and Associates Financial Planning. He also worked part time for the Columbus Associates for Performing (CAPA) as a head bartender. He was an election official for the Franklin County Board of Election, working the McVay Elementary School voting precinct. In addition, he was an Adjunct Profess of Accountancy at Franklin University.

Mark had a life-long appreciation for learning and education. He held both a Bachelor of Physics and a Bachelor of Business degree from the University of California in Berkeley. On the graduate level, he held a Master in Business Administration from Central Michigan University, and a Master in Accounting from Franklin University. Plus, at age 75 he started working on a PhD in Accounting at Franklin University.

In his spare time, he was an ambassador for Lifeline of Ohio, being a kidney transplant recipient, a gift from his wife, Sharon in 2006. Additionally, he served on the volunteer committee for the Buckeye Cruise for Cancer, raising funds for the Stefanie Spielman Fund for Cancer Research. Mark was also an active member of the Westerville Sunrise Rotary Club. As a veteran, Mark especially enjoyed welcoming people to the Rotary Clubs, Field of Flags presentation on Memorial Day weekends.

Mark and Sharon were avid cruisers and enjoyed seeing the world on over 200 Royal Caribbean cruises. They received many Cruise Awards for their travel with Royal Caribbean while enjoying the many Royal employees and cruising friendship they made on the high seas.

Mark’s life was well lived. He exceeded in all he did because he but forward superior effort. This superior effort is shown by his many accomplishments. His friends and family know he has left the world a better place.

Gratitude and appreciation are extended to his outstanding caregivers from Paramount Senior Living, Hospice Care 360, and his loyal friends.

A funeral service will be held Thursday, June 5, 2025, with visitation starting at 6 pm and the funeral starting at 6:30 at Hill Funeral Home, 220 S. State Street, Westerville, OH 43081, Rev. Linda B. Troy officiating, with full military honors provided by the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Honor Guard and the Young Budd VFW Post 171 Firing Squad. Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery on a future date.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mark, please visit our floral store.