Mark D. Smith, 63, a lifelong resident of Monroe, Michigan went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, April 12, 2014 at Toledo Hospital in Toledo, Ohio, surrounded by his loving family. Mark had been in ill health for many years.
Born September 24, 1950 in Dallas, Texas, Mark was the son of William D. and H. Marie (Betrus) Smith. Mark attended St. Mary's Grade School and was a 1968 graduate of Monroe Catholic Central. He went on to earn his bachelors degree from Western Michigan University and his juris doctor from Detroit College of Law.
On September 10, 1972 Mark married the love of his life Bernie Abbate in Rochester, Michigan.
Mark was a self employed attorney and practiced law in Monroe for 30 years. He also served as President of the Smith Agency of Monroe after his father's death. At 25 years old, Mark was the youngest person ever to be elected to Monroe City Council; he was also a member of the Monroe County and Michigan Bar Associations and a former member of Rotary Club of Monroe.
Among many things, Mark enjoyed playing golf, cooking, music, University of Michigan football, reading, and connecting with friends on Facebook. A loving and supportive father, he never missed a sporting event or important moment in his girls' lives. Mark also cherished his friends, who remained faithfully by his side until the end.
Mark will be remembered for his generosity, great sense of humor, and his love for his wife, family and friends. His strength and determination even through the worst of times were an inspiration to all who knew him. Mark was able to remain in the home he loved because of the care provided by his devoted wife.
Mark is survived by his beloved wife of 41 years, Bernie, two loving daughters: Jessica A. (Scott) Burns of Monroe and Lauren A. (Nick) Davison of Berkley, MI, his mother: H. Marie Smith of Monroe, a brother: Paul W. (Kim) Smith of Bloomfield Hills, MI and his sister Alison Avendt and her husband Dan Schwanke of Ottawa Hills, OH. He is also survived by 13 nieces and nephews. Sadly, Mark was preceded in death by his father and an infant brother Brian.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 15, 2014 from 12 noon until 9:00 PM, at the Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 S. Telegraph Rd., Monroe, MI. A Scripture Service will be held that evening at 7:00 PM. He will lie in state at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 127 N. Monroe St., Monroe, MI, 48162 on Wednesday, April 16, 2014 from 11:30 AM until Mass of the Resurrection celebrating his life at 12:30 PM. Father David Burgard, pastor of the church, will officiate.
In keeping with Mark's wishes, cremation will follow.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Mark D. Smith Memorial Scholarship Fund at St. Mary Catholic Central or Mercy Memorial Hospice of Monroe.