Mark Alexander Cosmedy

Mark Cosmedy, 99, of Peru, Vermont passed away on Thursday, April 3, 2026 in Bennington, VT. Born Marco Cosmedy on March 7, 1927, in New York, NY, Mark arrived in the world ready to charm everyone around him. An in-demand softball pitcher and a billiards champ who could sink a shot while carrying on three conversations, he grew up under the loving guidance of his parents, Henry Hercules Kosmides-a proud Greek immigrant who streamlined the family name to Cosmedy-and Concettina Miniaci, a Sicilian whose warmth and famous Italian and Greek cooking remain legendary. His sister, Catherine, two years his senior, lived to be 100, and in a twist of cosmic timing, the two siblings passed away on the same date exactly one year apart.

Mark married the love of his life, Margot Ermisch, on June 17, 1951. Together they built a life full of music, adventure, and five children who kept them busy and laughing: Dorian (Chuck Wallbaum), Mark (Laura D'Aprix), Margo McDonagh (Michael), Richard (Polly McGwire), and Allison Giacchetto (Anthony). The family grew to include 14 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren, of whom Mark frequently boasted "not a bad one in the bunch!"

Before all that, Mark served in the Navy during World War II aboard the USS Sherburne. He loved telling the story of returning home under the Golden Gate Bridge to cheering crowds-a moment he described with such pride and flourish that he was asked to speak at Veterans Day events several times throughout Vermont.

Professionally, Mark carved out a remarkable career as a Decca Records executive, producing hits such as the Spanish classic Eres Tú, The Who's Magic Bus, and hits from the Irish Rovers, among others. He adored music, especially the guitar work of Chet Atkins and Lennie Breau, and he never missed a chance to share a favorite tune-or a story about the people behind it. An aspiring guitarist himself, he was proud of his 1936 Gibson L5 guitar which survives to this day.

Mark was also a man of hobbies, passions, and quirks. He loved baseball and was a lifelong Yankees fan. He loved golf. He loved skiing. And he especially loved skiing well into his 80s with the Silver Griffins, a group of senior daredevils at Bromley Mountain who refused to act their age. He was a flirt of legendary proportions, charming waitresses, nurses, and anyone else who crossed his path. He told jokes that were way too long, repeatedly, with such joy that we never told him we'd heard that one several times already.

Mark and Margot (Marge) made homes in the Bronx, NY, Pelham, NY, and eventually Peru, Vermont, where Marge passed away in 2016. Mark missed her deeply for the rest of his life, but he continued to live with the same humor and warmth that defined him from the start.

He leaves behind a family and friends who will forever miss his stories, his stubborn streak, and his willingness to help anyone at any time. Mark lived boldly, loved deeply, and never stopped entertaining the people around him. The world is sadder without him, but infinitely better because he was here.

Services in Peru will be held at a later date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be sent to https://www.mycommunitynurseproject.org/, My Community Nurse Project,5700 VT Route 100, Londonderry, VT 05148.