Mark Metzger, 1951–2025, Waltham resident and community leader

Mark K. Metzger of Waltham, a journalist, sailor and longtime member of Follen Church in Lexington, died Aug. 30, 2025, while visiting friends in Muscongus Bay, Maine. He was 74.

Born Aug. 13, 1951, in Bethlehem, Pa., Metzger studied linguistics at Brown University and began his career as a reporter for the Easton Express. He later worked in business journalism for Crain’s Chicago Business and Inc. Magazine before moving into corporate communications in the Boston area.

Metzger and his former wife, Wendy Strothman, raised two children in Newton and Lexington, where they were active at Follen Church. He performed in community theater, served as president of the congregation and led food security and social justice programs, including Boston’s Saturday/Sunday’s Bread.

A devoted sailor, Metzger spent decades exploring the waters of Rhode Island and Maine aboard his brother’s catboat, Macavity, always navigating by paper charts and compass. He was also known for his humor, his monthly poker game of more than 25 years and his deep commitment to family and community.

He is survived by his children, Andy Metzger of Philadelphia, and his wife, Kate Hensley, and their sons, Walt and Lou; Meg Metzger of Brooklyn, N.Y., and her husband, George Kontaroudis, and their daughters, Thalia and Artemis; his brother, Richard Metzger of Arlington, Va.; sister-in-law, Janet Metzger of Falmouth Foreside, Maine; his former wife, Wendy Strothman of Stockbridge, Mass.; his life partner, Jane Spitz of Hanover, Mass.; three stepchildren and two stepgrandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Oct. 11 at Follen Church. Donations may be made in his memory to the Greater Boston Food Bank.