Mark Smtih

Dr. Mark Smith, 43 of Wallingford entered into eternal rest Tuesday October 7, 2008 after a long illness. Mark was born on September 7, 1965 to the late William Palmer II and the late Natalie Smith in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He resided in Philadelphia before relocating to New Haven where he graduated from Hillhouse High School in 1983. After graduation he entered Military Service in the United States Marines Corps and served active tours of duty in Beirut and Operation Desert-Storm in Iraq. He was honorably discharged from Military Service in 1991. After discharge, he continued to serve the Military for many years through the United States Marine Corps? Cadet Program at Fort Nathan Hale In New Haven acting as Executive Officer and Advisor. His devotion and commitment to the youth was uncompromised, as he was a staunch advocate for the cadets. He was an active member of Varick A.M.E. Zion Church in New Haven. He worked for the U.S Postal Service as a Maintenance Mechanic and was heavily involved in labor relations. As a union Steward, he was never tired of fighting for his peers. He retired in 2008 as a result of his illness. His academic achievements were many, culminating in the reception of his Doctorate in Business Management degree (PhD) from Columbia University in New York. An aggressive entrepreneur, he engaged in several business ventures including a successful Auto Dealership, Best Buy Automobile in New Haven, a pawn shop and an embroidery business MTKMasonic, Which he operated as a family business with his wife and daughter. He was well known for his versatility and many feats of accomplishments. The holder of a pilot license, he was an avid aviation enthusiast, skydiver and owned an airplane. He was known as a man of great technical savvy and held certificates as an electrician auto mechanic and locksmith. Also a lover of arts, he was a long-time disc jockey and photographer. Of his many Organizational endeavors, he was appointed to the state?s Veteran Affairs Committee by Rep. Rosa Delauro and served respectfully. In 2001, Mark joined the Prince Hall Masons of the Connecticut Prince hall Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Mason and engaged in the following orders: Widows Son?s Lodge # 1- New Haven Prince Hall Masons, where he served as Marshall and Junior Warden; Eureka #2 New Haven Order of Eastern Star, where he served as worthy patron in 2007, Eureka Chapter # 1 New Haven Holy Royal Arch Masons where he served as Secretary; Jeroham Court #3 New Haven Heroines of Jericho; New Haven Consistory # 7 Ancient and accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, where he served as 2nd Lieutenant; Arabic Temple #40 New Haven- AEAONMS Prince Hall Shiners, where he served as Recorder; St. Anthony?s #3 Most Eminent Prince Hall Grand Commandry of the knights Templar; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks-New Haven; and the International Order of Turtles. He was known for his tireless work in the Prince Hall family and he was embraced and respected for his commitment to the Order. A frequent traveler to other Masonic jurisdictions, he was bestowed honorary memberships in African Lodge #459-Boston, MA, Mt Zion Lodge #15-Boston, MA and the jurisdiction of the state of Delaware-Prince Hall Free and Accepted Masons Although, he had many accomplishments, he never sought personal recognition and was a humble man. He was an avid Philadelphia Eagles fan and loved visiting pawnshops and eating pizza. He was a gun collector and loved traveling in his H2 hummer. He was known for his gentle demeanor, which was not compromised by his tenacity and persistence. He was known for his character and integrity, which was strengthened by his strong principle. Dr. Smith leaves to cherish his wife Teresa Oliver Smith, whom he married in March of 1994 and was affectionately referred to as ?Dear? in all forums. Although his outward demeanor exemplified his military bearing, he was extremely supportive of his wife and carried himself in a manner that could never compromise his commitment to his marriage. He also leaves to cherish his daughter Keonna Smith, who is known as his ?twin?. As he had a full schedule of commitments, it was not odd to see Keonna in tow at Military or Masonic functions. She was indeed the apple of his eye and he self-described her as ?the most important person in the world? to him. Other survivors include step-son; Germell Oliver (Germell Oliver Jr.) of Charlotte N.C., Brothers; Kenneth Smith Jr. and Dereyk Grant both of New Haven, William (Carrie) Palmer, Michael Palmer, Wayne Palmer, Woodrow Palmer all of Philadelphia, sisters; Elouise Palmer and Corrine Palmer both of Philadelphia, Susan Williams of Virginia Beach, VA and Renee (Devin) Johnson of Venton, VA, Maternal mother Debra Grant of New Haven and grandmother Gertrude Porterfield-Smith, he was also survived dear sister-in-law; Rebecca ?Becky? Oliver of West Haven and Pauline Palmer of Philadelphia, brother-in-law; Sammy (Felicia) Oliver of Virgina Beach, VA and Mitchell Oliver of West Haven and a host of other relatives and friends. He was predeceased by brothers; Alvin Palmer and Louise Palmer. A wake will be held Sunday October 12, 2008 at Varick AME Zion Church 246 Dixwell Ave. New Haven, CT 06511 from 5 p.m. ? 8 p.m. Masonic service to be begin at 6 p.m. Funeral service will be held Monday October 13, 2008 at 11 a.m. at Varick AME Zion Church 246 Dixwell Ave. New Haven, CT 06511. Calling hours from 9 a.m. until time of service. Interment in Evergreen Cemetery.