
Mark David Bomgardner, Sr., USANG (SSG), retired, died peacefully in Tampa, Florida on March 8th, 2022, at the age of 64.
Mark is loved and survived by his mother, Janet Ruth (Scribner) Medina, loving wife of 38 years Judy Marie (Taylor) Bomgardner, brothers Stephen Bomgardner, Anibal “Matt” Medina, and Kirk Medina, children Dana Bomgardner and Mark (Alicia) Bomgardner, Jr., bonus children William “Bill” Moore and Amy (Moore) Van Fleet, granddaughter Cameron Quinn Bomgardner, bonus grandchildren Elizabeth, Dylan, Josh, Noah, Ethan, Adrian, Brooklyn, Jackson, and Riverly,and bonus great grandchild Elijah. He is preceded in death by his father Wilbert David Bomgardner and stepfather Anibal Nolasco Medina. Mark also has many loved aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Mark was born on February 21, 1958, in Erie, Pennsylvania to Wilbert and Janet. He graduated from Thomas More Prep School in 1976, Pasco Hernando State College in 2000, with an A.S. in Computer Programming, and again in 2001, with and A.S. in Computer Information Systems. Mark married Judy in 1984 in Springfield, TN, soon after they met while he was enlisted in the United States Army and stationed at Fort Campbell, KY. During his time in the Army, Mark served time in Germany in support of the Cold War. After moving to Florida in 1984, Mark worked in the HVAC industry before settling into his most favored role as a network support specialist at Pasco Hernando State College. Mark was a multi-decades long member of the Florida National Guard. During his time in the National Guard, Mark was deployed to Kuwait, Iraq (Operation Iraqi Freedom), and Afghanistan (Operation Enduring Freedom), where he earned numerous awards and medals for his service. Mark retired from the National Guard in 2014 after serving his country with dignity and pride for 20+ years.
Mark was a strong, compassionate, and hilarious man. He loved to watch football, hockey, and auto racing; especially Formula One. His favorite past time was drag racing in the National Hot Rod Association and National Mustang Racing Association with his 2006 Ford Mustang GT he rebuilt with his son, Mark, Jr.
After experiencing such a sudden and great loss, we are fortunate to be able to celebrate and cherish the life and memory of Mark “Grampa” “Big Mark” Bomgardner. He was a kind and thoughtful man to all who knew him. Mark was a much-loved husband, father, son, brother, uncle, cousin, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend. His memory will be forever cherished and kept alive through his legacy.
The family would like to thank the medical team, especially the nurses in MICU at James A. Haley Veterans Hospital for their diligence and kindness during his stay. His remains will be cremated, and a military memorial service will be announced for family and friends at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations to be made in Mark’s honor to the Wounded Warrior Project charity, or the not-for-profit charity of your choice.
I miss u so much Granpa. I hope u have a happy life in the after life. I love you so much.
Miss you already big brother.
I love you Daddy. I miss you so much.