Mark Douglas Smith

Rensselaer - Mark Douglas Smith, 66, from Rensselaer New York, passed away May 1, 2016, after a difficult battle with cancer. He was born on November 27, 1949 in Mansfield Ohio. He graduated from Mansfield Malabar High School in 1968, Northwestern University in 1972, and received his Master's Degree from SUNY Albany. He recently retired as the Dean of Students at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute after 30 years of dedicated service. All his life, his goal was to work with young students and provide them with the knowledge and learning experiences that would make them into influential men and women. He is a loving father, brother, son, and friend to all and made it his priority to make sure everyone was well cared for.

Mark is survived by two sons, Sean (Billie Jo) Smith of Latham, NY, and Joshua Marshall Smith of Cohoes, NY, and daughter Christina (Robert) Bach and grandchildren, Mikayla and Andrew Bach of Charleston, SC. He is also survived by his mother, Mrs. Marshall Smith of Naples, FL, a brother, Brad (Nancy) Smith of Glendale, AZ, two sisters, Laurie (Steve) Selvey of Tiffin, OH, and Lisa (Barry) Paul of  Naples, FL, several nieces and nephews, and his beloved dog Molly. Mark is preceded by his father, Marshall D. Smith.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, May 4th, 10:30am at the RPI Chapel + Cultural Center, 2125 Burdett Avenue, Troy, NY, with the funeral service to follow at 1:00pm. Graveside service to follow at Oakwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Mark D. Smith Memorial fund at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, PO Box 3164, Boston MA 02241-3164. Donors need to note on their check that it is in memory of Mark D. Smith. Donations can also be made online at http://giving.rpi.edu/ and note that the donation is in memory of Mark D. Smith.   

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