Marc, you were a very caring individual.
We had an amazing time on our trip to Italy and I will always cherish the memories.
Though we hadn't spoke in years, this news saddens me very much.
Rest in peace.
Heather

I only knew Marc on Facebook. We were members in a private group with others who shared a love for food & cooking.
A funny story … it’s about his name. I called him Carc. At Starbucks, they ask your name upon ordering. A well known story is a guy named Mark gave his name “Mark with a C” and his order arrived with the name “Cark” written on his cup. Our Marc thought that was hilarious and he would “LOL” anytime I referred to him as Carc.
I will miss sharing recipes & foodie talk with him.
Condolences to his family & friends.
RIP Carc

I only knew Marc as a friend on Facebook, but we had often spoke of getting together and spending some time. We both shared a passion for cooking, and Marc was a very instrumental part of my Facebook cooking group. He literally posted hundreds of recipes over the past 10 years and we often shared notes on different foods, beverages and techniques. Marc loved going to Las Vegas, my hometown, and we had planned on hooking up there a few wild dinners! Marc turned me on to a lot of new foods and items, especially his love for Brazilian cuisine! I'm really going to miss Marc, aka, Golfnut! He was a good friend I'm proud to say.

Mark was a remarkable man - brilliant big mind- insightful- we passed key legislation together-led by Jim Manderino-
First one Chemical Right to know, then Pa Health Care Cost Council
Protecting UC
I remember PH4 legislation was created together
One more mega bill - ending “ green mailing” saving 3 thousand jobs at Armstrong World Industry ( green mailing is some super rich source buys 9.9% of a company and then send the target a bear hug letter outlining how they would take over the company and sell off the the “ giant company in pieces-
Mark and I seemed to be meant to be partners - we understood each other in deep ways - I came over to his house after a big storm and chainsawed the lost treasures
I could write a book about our friendship and collaboration.
Marc fought harder than anyone to make the world a better-
And he did so.

We shared a wonderful friendship, and so many stories. I admired Marc from his days with Joe Rhodes, to his days with Jim Manderino -- all those stories. From the day he invited me to interview with the Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council we helped create together -- man, those stories! He decided to "re-name" the scourge of "NOSOCOMIAL infections", calling them what they are: "Hospital Acquired Infections"; and in so-doing, changed the country and health care, for the better. We shared baseball. So many evenings, we talked shop and sports over peanuts and a drink in downtown Harrisburg. And in other cities, especially Pittsburgh. Driving with Marc was an adventure, lol. I will add something no one has mentioned: Marc liked an occasional poker game! As others have said: one of the wisest political heads ever!  Terribly sad to learn of Marc's passing, way too soon. Thank you for everything, MPV!

First day, my first job, the first person I saw when I walked into the long narrow office on the 6th floor of the capitol was Marc. While it was over 40 years ago I can see it like it was yesterday. He was driven to use his position to help others. Tens of thousands of people were the beneficiary of his work and while most never knew his contribution to their lives we will never forgot the impact he had on making Pennsylvania a better place.

Our family has lived next door to Marc for the past 14 years. We moved into the farmhouse next to his in 2006. When we moved in, our Newfoundland Sully, took to wandering over to Marc's house and coming back with huge ham bones that Marc had clearly kept with Sully in mind. Marc became Sully's best friend and if he went missing I always knew he was next door. He would frequently stop if I was out gardening to remark on the flowers or the weather and ask how our girls were doing. As his health conditions grew we saw less of him but he would text us occasionally, ( always when the power went out- "Kim, can you call Met-Ed and get us back up and running? I don't have any internet!!!!" ) He shared his home made spaghetti sauce which was outstanding, celebrated when we paved the driveway last year and we could always talk politics since we had similar views. Certainly the farm does not feel the same knowing he is not just next door. Heaven has gained a good democrat. 

" I was impressed with Marc when we first met in the 1970s. I was legislative assistant to then House Majority Leader K. Leroy Irvis and Marc was working with Mr. Irvis' protege State Rep Joseph Rhodes. Marc was a serious student of the legislative process with a dedication to helping the disadvantaged. I was not surprised that his talent was later recognized by Irvis' successor as Speaker, James Manderino, also a brilliant tactician. Marc was part of a bygone era where those who participated in government were dedicated to public service in the very best sense. Hopefully he has now rejoined Messrs. Rhodes, Irvis and Manderino in their heavenly pursuits. "
--
Mark D. Schwartz,Esq,
markschwartz6814@gmail.com

I met Marc through the PA House of Representatives. Always a kind, caring man with a warm smile. Heaven truly gained an angel. Rest in Peace Marc.

I first Met Marc at a memorial service for my Birth-mother Kathy. Through him I learned a lot about her that I had never known and I know that he and Kathy were close. I got to know him better a few months after that first meeting when we met again in San Francisco were we met with family to scatter her ashes in the bay. That week I got to know so much more and am glad to have met him and thankful for all the information. We kept in touch somewhat infrequently, but I am saddened by his passing. 

Marc and I met in 1973 at the beginning of my senior year at Dickinson College and quickly formed a bond. Before long we were living together, and we married in 1977. I appreciated Marc's warmth, his sense of humor, his deep understanding of the political world, his thoughtfulness, and his loyalty. While our marriage did not work out, and we were out of touch for a long time afterwards, Marc and I re-connected in the early 2000s and slowly became friends again.

Over the last two decades, we have seen each other a handful of times and mostly stayed in touch via e-mail, though sometimes there were long silences on his part that I attributed to his struggles with depression, and more recently, with his physical health. I am heartbroken to learn of Marc's death. He was a good man, and capable of real love. I pray that he is at peace, and that he knows how beloved he was to many.

Adding condolences, etc, posted on Pa House of Representatives Retirees
Facebook Group:

Vicki DiLeo
Came across a picture last week of him & (assuming) a grandchild. Good guy.

David Washburn
George D. Bedwick sorry to see George. I know you and Mark were close. Way too soon.

Alfred Manganiello
Oh my gosh. Sad to hear this news. We all worked in the house together. May he Rest In Peace!!

Melia Belonus
Oh my. What a good guy! And a career of public service. Peace to Marc.

Amy Leader
Sending healing light...

Len Bennett
A great guy and dedicated to public service.

Diane Hill Boyer
Wow. Yes. Great guy.

Lou Grossman
A great guy. Rip. All leaving us too soon.

Nevin J. Mindlin
WOW! We worked opposite each other, together, on the Labor Relations Committee. Sad news. A good man.

Dawn Reese
I’m so sad to hear about Marc. I have fond memories of Marc as a co-worker and friend.

Paul Wambach
Eternal Memory to Marc.. a good man!

Sue Cassaro
R.I.P. Marc. A good guy.

Melanie Brown
Oh No

Margaret Tricarico
Oh, no! That’s a shame. Marc was so nice to me. My deepest condolences to his family.

Kathy Seidl
Seems like there has been a lot of loss lately. Condolences to his family and friends.

Joanne H. Keeny
He was a dear friend. So sad.

Jere Strittmatter
So sorry.

Raylene Bobinski DeSanto
How sad! Marc was a great guy with
a wonderful sense of humor.

Vikki Pinizzotto O'Leary
So sorry to hear. Condolences to his family and friends!
·

I have struggled with how to start a tribute to such a good friendship of nearly 45 years. There are simply too many highlights and memories to write about. Through the years we golfed together; travelled together; discussed politics together; expertly coached the NY Yankees and NY Giants together. But most importantly, there is the true and lasting friend Marc was. I will miss his smile, his compassion, his desire to improve the lot of humanity; and, of course, I will miss his friendship. The world is a better place for having had Marc in it. He not only will be missed by those of us who knew him but also by those who never knew him but benefitted from his many accomplishments. 

I will miss our talks about the state of politics, baseball and the way of the world. Marc had so many insights - and strong opinions, of course - about all of it, but I enjoyed our back-and-forth about all those things. He tried to convince me that I should love crab - still don't - but was a gracious enough host to offer me hot dogs in its place, while totally aghast. I enjoyed watching his cooking accomplishments on Facebook, and we had many good times, many baseball games and many lively conversations since I first moved to PA many years ago. Rest in peace, my friend.

Marc vc foi muito especial, somos a sua família brasileira, lembro dos meus filhos a tentar ensinar te o português, vou sentir falta das caipirinhas do seu gosto pela nossa culinária, va em paz amamos vc

It’s hard to come to terms with the idea of you being gone. While you weren’t always present in my life, when you were, I knew that you never stopped loving me. When I was I was a child, you taught me to golf and play chess and later in life you taught me to appreciate fine wine and single malt scotch. You gave me opportunities to see parts of the world that I wouldn’t have otherwise. I will always remember the time we spent together and I’ll miss our late night talks over glasses of scotch.

There’s so many things that we talked about that I wish we had gotten to do but as I go through the rest of my life, I know you will still be with me. Every time I play golf or raise a glass of single malt, I’ll be thinking of you. I love you and will miss you Uncle Marc!

Dear father, at the time you were present in my life, you presented me with the most beautiful things anyone could wish for.

From your beautiful sea-colored eyes to the deepest love anyone could desire.

I hope that wherever you are you are as loved and well received as I was for you.

I love you deeply. With love, from your daughter Luana. ❤️

Querido pai, no tempo em que você esteve presente em minha vida, você me presenteou com as coisas mais lindas que alguém poderia desejar.
Desde os seus lindos olhos cor do mar até o amor mais profundo que alguém poderia desejar.
Espero que onde quer que você esteja você seja tão amado e bem recebida quanto eu fui por você.
Eu te amo profundamente. Com amor, da sua filha Luana. ❤️

I cant imagine my life without you.
I will miss you every day of my life...
You were the greatest dad, the greatest partner. You loved us unconditionally, you were unique! I will miss your smile, your big hug... and your love! We had so many plans... I will always love you! My mom and Amora also miss you! Saudades eternas ❤️

Uncle Marc (and it just doesn’t feel right to say Marc without the loving uncle endearment, he was ALWAYS Uncle Marc for me) gave me so many life experiences that I wouldn’t have had. He loved to share his joy, from the trips he took us on (and sent us on!) to the food he took us out for, to the wine and drinks he made and bought for us. Anything that he enjoyed he wanted to share. His laughter was infectious, his conversation intense, and I loved every minute of it. He considered my dogs and cats a part of the family, humored my when I dragged them along for visits, and insisted that they cuddle up in his lap. There was a vacation trip to Rio, nights at the casino, and always room for wings at Three Pines Tavern. He was a honored guest at our wedding, and proudly beamed as Jeff and I took our first walk down the isle as husband and wife. The world feels a little less bright, a little less full, without Uncle Marc in it, and I have no doubt that my mind will often wander, as I enjoy a particularly nice red wine, or a perfectly cooked steak, to the times we were able to share those moments with him.

Marc and I met years ago as pen pals. He found me in the weekly world news when I was a cheerleader in high school. We became really good friends and then I became his wife. It was all a fairly tail. He planed everything and we married in a little chapel on the campus in Oregon where his professor/best friend Russel taught. We traveled many places together. Played on many of the best golf courses. Golf was the love of his life. He was so proud that I learned to play golf with him. Well I had to if I wanted to see him on the weekend. Lol
Marc was one of the best cook and he loves doing it. He also loved to eat good food. Even though we were divorced when he passed he always checked in on me to see how my daughter and I were doing. We talked about the good times. Marc was very sick over the past few years and couldn’t do the things he loved so we remembered the good old days when he could enjoy life. He finally admitted to me that I was a better putter than him. Lol that was our last conversation we laughed many times. It broke my heart to get the call of his passing but now he is resting and happy again. Now Marc you are not alone and I know we will meet again.” Go Rest High On That Mountain “

In Memorium of Marc Paul Volavka - age 69... Updated. 
 
We just learned of Marc's passing Saturday night February 13, 2021. 

Marc was a student of mine at Dickinson College back in 1973 to 1975. He and I shared lives together due to our personal close friendship, love of golf and commitment to being in the arena of politics. We had a bond that was special and unique of mentor/student - roles which switched over the years at times! 

Marc was the smartest political observer I've ever known. And he had a long and successful career as a staffer in the Pennsylvania House beginning with an internship with Rep. Joe Rhodes (D, Pittsburgh), then as his LA and finally Chief of Staff to Speaker James Manderino (D. Pittsburgh). 

Marc practiced the art of politics with principle. As he said on his FB his major at Dickinson wast "trouble making" or an John Lewis would say making "good trouble." 

Marc was the author and first director of the Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council (PHC-4) which made him a national figure in health care reform and his work earned mention by President Bill Clinton when he was rolling out his ill fated health care plan before a Joint Session of Congress. 

Marc, Ann and I met Marc on several trips to our favorite city - San Francisco where we enjoyed the culinary delights of the City by the Bay. See the picture of us on my FB post at the Buena Vista cafe near Fisherman's Wharf a favorite for those who like Irish coffee or the atmosphere of a traditional bar. But our favorite was Restaurant Gary Dsnko - http://garydanko.com Marc loved good food and was an accomplished cook. 

On one of our trips to NYNY, Marc took Tony and Jason to a Mets game (not bad for a diehard Yankee fan) while Ann and I had dinner at the Top of the World in the former World Trade Center with a former Pacific student of mine and her daughter. Fond memories over a lifetime of friendship. 

Marc over the years added to Ann's Teddy Bear collection. Those Teddies are in mourning but sending hugs to heaven! 

As a kid from Long Island Marc steadfastly refusedI' to pronounce Oregon correctly despite many trips to Oregon. I'm sure he still doing it in heaven! 

We love you unconditionally MPV and you will be in our hearts forever. Rest in peace good friend... Russ & Ann

PS: Marc and I were both avid golfers. He's the one who got me addicted to the game. We played many courses in Oregon during his many trips over the years here but his favorite was my home course Pumpkin Ridge https://www.pumpkinridge.com