Welcome to the memorial page for
Mark Douglas Smith
November 27, 1949 ~ May 1, 2016 (age 66) 66 Years Old Light a Candle
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A candle was lit by Inna
on September 10, 2020 8:35 PM
Message from Diann.
January 26, 2018 6:22 PM
I'm so sorry for your loss. Mark was such a kind man who would help any young person who wanted to learn. He watched out for my son from 1994-1998. Thank you for sharing him with so many young ppl. When I look at my son today, I know Mark was an enormous factor in his success.
A candle was lit by Diann Parker-Tucker
on January 26, 2018 6:15 PM
A candle was lit by Bernadette Colarusso
on May 6, 2016 3:03 PM
Message from Raymond Parker
May 6, 2016 2:39 PM
Thanks Mark for all your efforts in helping OMSA and all students of RPI. I remember well when the question came up about your heading up OMSA and I told you how could it not be you. Mark, you were exemplary of a color-blind society. You gave a 100% of your energy to all the students. So sorry I did not reach out to you before your passing. If ever there is anything I could do for the Smith family. You did so well that God must have called you for even greater purposes. My prayers for you and to your family. Thank you God for being blessed with Mark! May we all rise to the example set by Mark, to work tirelessly for everyone, with modesty, and love! Of course my tears flow too!!!!!!!!
Message from chuck Boylen, Professor Emeritus
May 6, 2016 7:37 AM
I know I speak for many of my friends who are Rensselaer students, alums and colleagues when I say that we all are deeply saddened by the loss of Mark Smith - a great guy whose life was cut way too short. I met Mark almost from the first week he arrived on campus 30 years ago since the Dean of Student's office was then in what is now known as the Admissions Building. As a neighbor to the Admissions Building and as an undergraduate student faculty adviser, I had numerous occasions to meet with Mark in his various offices concerning a student or a group of students. No matter how serious the allegations or concerns, Mark always looked first at the situation from the student's point of view. I admired him for that gift of being able to walk a line that was never straight. Mark was a consummate supporter of the students here on campus. I miss those office meetings already.
Message from Ruth Dotterer
May 5, 2016 8:21 PM
Thinking of each of the Smith family and praying for you, with sincere sympathy and heavy heart for your loss.
Message from Laraine Michaelides
May 4, 2016 4:13 PM
I worked for Mark many years ago in OMSA. He was one of the nicest people
that i have had the privilege to work for and to know in my years at RPI.
He will be greatly missed. My sincere sympathy to all of Marks family.
that i have had the privilege to work for and to know in my years at RPI.
He will be greatly missed. My sincere sympathy to all of Marks family.
Message from Daniel Rivera
May 4, 2016 4:07 PM
I am a non-traditional student at RPI, so much so that the school had reservations about my enrollment. Dean Smith pushed for my acceptence by the school. He kept tabs on me, advised me about both academic and personal matters, and advocated for me whenever I needed special accommodations that other faculty members denied me. From the first day we met, I noticed his openmindedness, his joviality, and his deep compassion for people of all socioeconomic classes, cultures, and ethnicities. My deepest condolences to his family. Although your loss is great, please take some solace that his legacy is one of service, kindness, and empathy.
Message from Tanisha Agee Bell
May 4, 2016 2:10 PM
Thank you, Mark, for never giving up...on us or yourself. You were a steadfast supporter of equity and progress, and I will forever be grateful for your care and support in my personal and academic life. You made a difference. Rest in peace.
Message from Jim Moore
May 4, 2016 12:18 PM
Mark and I were in the same graduating class of 1968 at Malabar High School. We also attended First English Lutheran Church in Mansfield, Ohio. Mark was a fine classmate, man and church member. In high school, he also was a fine basketball player.
My thoughts go out to his family. I was also sorry that his mother recently lost her husband and Mark's father, Marshall. Again, my thoughts are with you.
Sincerely, Jim Moore
My thoughts go out to his family. I was also sorry that his mother recently lost her husband and Mark's father, Marshall. Again, my thoughts are with you.
Sincerely, Jim Moore
Message from Hector Enriquez
May 4, 2016 11:07 AM
Rensselaer was an experience that benefited with Mark's presence and warmth. He always provided his wisdom when we needed it. He was revered by his students. He was my friend. I returned to recruit to look forward to seeing him again. I will miss Mark. My condolences to his family. Good bless
A candle was lit by Suzie Brubach Ferguson
on May 4, 2016 10:52 AM
Message from Lyle and Terry Mackey
May 4, 2016 8:05 AM
Hi Laurie, so sorry to hear about your brother. Lyle wishes to send his condolences as well for your father. He always enjoyed doing business with him and playing an occasional round of golf with him. It seems like a lifetime ago we attended your wedding and you were just starting your teaching career. Sending prayers to you and your family at this sad time.
Message from Tracy Mack-Askew
May 4, 2016 7:57 AM
The world has lost a true servant leader. Mark served all he came into contact with selflessly and with excellence. He contributed so much to countless thousands upon thousands of students - leaving a lasting impact on them and in turn everyone they impacted. His legacy is tremendous. The community has lost a great leader and Heaven has gained a great son. We mourn this loss deeply and seek comfort in the arms of the Holy Spirt.
A candle was lit by Tracy Mack-Askew
on May 4, 2016 7:51 AM
Message from Saundra Thomas
May 4, 2016 7:23 AM
My prayers go out to all of the family. I am a dear friend of his Sister, Lisa who will miss him so much.
A candle was lit by Saundra Thomas
on May 4, 2016 7:21 AM
Message from Kimberly OKonski
May 4, 2016 2:20 AM
Hearing this news hots me with a very heavy heart. Dean Smith helped me work through so many things and if it wasn't for him I would have never been able to finally finish my degree last year. Mark I will truly miss you...my degree is hugely in part because you cared that I finished no matter how long it happened to take me. Rest peacefully !!!
A candle was lit by Kimberly OKonski
on May 4, 2016 2:16 AM
A candle was lit by God bless, Rest in peace, Greg & Sue Murray
on May 4, 2016 12:12 AM
Message from Marc A. Lao
May 3, 2016 10:24 PM
Mark Smith was a good man. My heart aches hearing that he has passed. I remember how patient he was with me. Even when I was at my lowest, Mark was encouraging and supportive. Many years after graduating I saw Mark again and it was as if I had just seen him the day before. I have and will continue to hold him in my thoughts with respect and great fondness.
Message from Gladys M. Montero
May 3, 2016 8:17 PM
How do you say goodbye to such a gentle and wonderful person. He has gone way too soon from our life. I worked with Mark as his Secretary over 22 yrs. at RPI and I have never met someone so kind, always willing to help all the students and staff in every way he could. You did your job exceptionally well and we all love you for it.
I will miss you my friend, boss and mentor, best human being I have ever met.
My sincere sympathy to his family. May God bless them all
I will miss you my friend, boss and mentor, best human being I have ever met.
My sincere sympathy to his family. May God bless them all
Message from Debby Henry
May 3, 2016 4:34 PM
Oh my. I was just at Mark's dad's service. Another terrible loss for a wonderful family. I remember so many good times with Mark, going back to our days on Coleman Road (the Coleman Road Gang). He was a quiet, athletic ( still holds a Malabar School Record), intelligent, gentle guy. He will be sadly missed...way too young. Hugs to the entire family.
Debby Hardy Henry
Debby Hardy Henry
Message from Debora Payne Hemmert
May 3, 2016 3:54 PM
Prayers of strength and healing to the entire Smith family. Mark was a gentle soul and will be missed. May God help your wonderful and kind family through this extremely difficult time.
Sincerely,
Deb
Sincerely,
Deb
Message from Thomas Jess
May 3, 2016 1:52 PM
So sorry for your loss Sean.
Message from Kathleen Stacey
May 3, 2016 11:57 AM
I'm so sad to hear of Mark's passing. I worked with him at RPI for many years. He was always very helpful and professional when we worked together, and shared his knowledge when asked. He worked hard and he knew his stuff--a true educator of the students.
I'm very sorry for your loss. God Bless.
I'm very sorry for your loss. God Bless.
A candle was lit by Kathleen Stacey
on May 3, 2016 11:51 AM
Message from Cindy Miller
May 3, 2016 10:18 AM
My condolences to the family of Mark Smith. He was a huge positive influence on me during my undergraduate years at RPI.
God bless him for his years of service to so many.
God bless him for his years of service to so many.
A candle was lit by Cindy Miller
on May 3, 2016 10:13 AM
Message from Sam Wait
May 3, 2016 6:31 AM
It was my pleasure to work wit Mark all the time I was in the School of Science. I knew that I could ask him any questions concerning our students, and valued his input concerning the progress of students in our accelerated programs.
Sam Wait
Sam Wait
Message from Michelle A. White
May 2, 2016 11:36 PM
I'm so sorry to hear of Mark's passing, and send my prayers to his family. Mark had an incredible influence on me through my undergraduate and graduate years at RPI. His legacy extends far and wide in the lives of all of the students, especially minority students, that he nurtured, supported, counseled and loved. Thank you, Mark, rest on in peace.
A candle was lit by Edwin A Droz
on May 2, 2016 11:28 PM
A candle was lit by Michelle McGarry
on May 2, 2016 11:13 PM
Message from Kelly & Jillian Daigneault
May 2, 2016 11:01 PM
Josh & family, our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. I will always remember your dad greeting us with a smile whenever we saw him at the basketball games or out and about in Cohoes....the words written here are a testament to how many people's lives he touched, both professionally and personally. May you find comfort in the days ahead knowing how cherished he was to all who knew him.
A candle was lit by Denisha McPherson
on May 2, 2016 10:24 PM
Message from David May
May 2, 2016 10:18 PM
Mark was a terrific person, extremely helpful to us and our daughter after she was hazed by the women's soccer coach in the fall of 2016. He offered support, encouragement, was a great person to speak with and a tremendous reference point as we sought to remind the situation. I had no idea he was ill, he never let on, it was always about our daughter's well being and what he could do to support her. He will be truly missed.
Message from OJ Sanchez
May 2, 2016 9:37 PM
It is heartfelt condolence that I wish Mark Smith peace. His journey touched so many that I am humbled in his shadow. But with that he will live on in all of us. Godspeed, Mark.
Message from Leandra Young (Morris)
May 2, 2016 9:26 PM
Thank you for giving selflessly for so many years. I have so many fond memories of our conversations, especially the ones where you convinced me to stay and finish my degree. I can never mention RPI without mentioning you, Mark Smith. We all loved you from the bottom of our hearts and I know that I am not alone in saying if it had not been for you, we wouldn't have been as successful in our lives. Sleep in peace, my friend.
Message from Rita Thompson
May 2, 2016 9:25 PM
The most wonderful person I have ever met. He made such a difference in so many of our lives. The students loved him, faculty and staff respected him. My heart is broken for his family, thoughts and prayers are with you all. I am sure Jaye, Phyliss and Mark are already planning a meeting on how to "better serve". RIP Mark, you will be sorely missed.
A candle was lit by Tia Mone't Johnson
on May 2, 2016 9:18 PM
A candle was lit by Gregory Niguidula
on May 2, 2016 8:35 PM
Message from Valerie Celenza
May 2, 2016 7:21 PM
I'm deeply saddened to hear of this loss. Dean Smith was one of the nicest persons I've ever known. Not only compassionate to the students, but was also a wonderful person to work with. I was privileged to assist him o.k. his STEM project at RPI. My sincere and deepest sympathy to the family.
Message from Tom Tarantelli
May 2, 2016 6:02 PM
Mark's commitment to students, support for colleagues, and sense of humor will be sorely missed.
Message from Marsha A Bradshaw
May 2, 2016 5:21 PM
I'm so sorry for your loss. Mark was such an encouragement to me during my years at RPI. I will keep the family in prayers.
Message from Saeed Coates
May 2, 2016 4:50 PM
God Bless you Mark for your selfless dedication that made such an impact on my and so many others' lives at RPI. We are so fortunate to have shared time on this Earth with you. My condolences to Mark's entire family. My heart is heavy but I celebrate Mark's life and it's lasting impact on mine.
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