Mark saved this shirt he got for me and gave it to me once I turned 18. Cozumel Surf - Forget* the sharks.

I will always remember visiting Mark while I was looking at Florida colleges. Him and my Aunt Mare had the dream set up. A quiet life in a beautiful beach town, although they did not have leave to enjoy paradise. Their backyard was one in itself. An amazing garden, smoked fish dip or fish tacos. Such a great time.

Back in 2022, I was evacuated from Tampa due to Hurricane Matthew. It was my first real hurricane experience in Florida, and I was terrified—especially with my dog in tow and a business trip looming. That’s when Uncle Mark stepped in. Without hesitation, he became our family’s go-to hurricane expert, calming my nerves, explaining what to expect, and assuring me everything would be okay.

He not only watched my dog while I was away, but he also made sure I got to the airport safely. His kindness and steady presence meant the world to me during such a stressful time.

I’ll always remember that—and so many other moments—with a full heart. Sending all my love

I wish I would have said thank you while you were still here. Thank you for being such a source of love, dedication and loyalty to my sister Mare.
I always felt Mare would be safe with you. I knew this because years ago when back-to-back hurricanes were headed for West Palm Beach. I was on the phone one night with Mare trying to convince her to evacuate and she said “we are battening down the hatches and we are staying”
Mark then got on the phone and explained to me the whole battle plan for safely riding out the storm. He had it all covered and left no stones unturned. I left that call knowing that Mark’s got this and Mare would be okay. They stayed through many hurricanes through the years, and his battle plan worked every time!
Mark always had such a strong presence of determination and strength in all that he did including the battle he put up with his health. 
I admired how much care and passion he put into things he loved. The garden oasis he built is filled with color and life, his dedication to his beloved rescued pets, his great cooking skills (even the pets had home cooked meals) Enjoying the simple pleasures in life and always walking around barefoot.
Mark was also strong-willed, determined and filled with wisdom and he was not afraid to deliver a dose of honesty to anyone who needed it.
So, thank you Mark for your strength and perseverance in all that you did. We will all miss you. We will carry your memory forward by enjoying the same simple pleasures in life just as you once did one great meal, one sunny day, and one storm at a time and knowing that in spirit you are still right there with us.

I first met Mark in the summer of 1997 during a family visit to Stuart Florida.  Laurie and I had our hands filled with two toddlers, ages 1 and 2.  Mark stepped right in and I can still envision him carrying my one year old daughter down the streets of Stuart.  Less than a year later Mark accompanied Mare to Baltimore for the Dad's funeral.  We all knew then he was part of the family.  We have several other visits between Baltimore and Lake Worth.  In Baltimore I took him to historic saloons of Fells Point and at Lake Worth Mark would impress  us with his culinary skills.   

As life partners you complimented one another.  You both enjoyed the quiet refuge of your private backyard  surrounded by pets and plants which created a little oasis.    We always talked about planning a summer vacation to the Delaware beaches which Mark fondly remembered from his childhood.    

My thoughts and prayers remain with Mark and Mare during this difficult times.   Mare we cannot always be with you but the Baltimore family is only a phone call away.   Call anytime you need us.

As a brother-in-law, Mark showed grace for the long time antics of his 3 eccentric sister-in-laws (smile). He was always there for Mare and to hold down the Florida fort as needed. In recent years, I came to appreciate the things we shared in common such as the simple pleasures of being home surrounded by pets and a disdain for medical care that doesn’t always make things better. Mark and Mare’s devotion to each other is a tribute to traditional marriage values and commitment often lost in today’s world. Life continues and the bond shared will become the strength Mare needs forward.

Rest in Peace Mark. You achieved your eternal rest.

Love you,
Mom and Patti O

My fondest memory of Mark will always be his laugh. He had a great laugh! He also lived a very adventurous life and when the adventures slowed down his greatest joy seemed to come from doing things for Mare. They built a wonderful life together and he left behind hearts that won’t heal but will go on.   Hugs, prayers and strength…..

How do I say good-bye?  There is no easy way to accept the finality that the person you are closest to in this crazy world is gone forever.  Mark and I were lucky to have shared the many years together, first as co-workers and friends, then in love and married.  Mark was my ROCK, he had a strength that endured all, a hearty sense of humor, a true blue sense of Honor and Respect, and a real Love for our marriage and accumulated pets.  
We enjoyed a wide and varied circle of friends, experiences, adventures and great times.  We travelled, vacationed, and enjoyed many water sports as well as food and drink establishments. Mark enjoyed cooking, grilling, and mixing it with gardening and music at our Home Oasis.  He was my Knight in Shining Armor.
We built a good life on a foundation of strength and love I wouldn’t trade for anything.  I will forever honor his memory  and feel his presence and comfort during this very painful time.  Until we meet again, My LOVE  >>>   Mare Smith

OBITUARY

Mark Gregory Smith

November 22, 1956 – March 27, 2025

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