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Mark Merenda Obituary
Naples, FL
Mark C. Merenda, founder and president of Smart Marketing, a Naples firm that markets attorneys' practices, has died. He was 66.
Merenda was born in Winchester, Ma., and graduated from Bennington College in Vermont. He worked many years as a journalist, for newspapers in Massachusetts and Florida, including the Woburn Daily Times, Medford Mercury, Miami News and several smaller newspapers owned by the New York Times Co. He also served as editor and publisher of the short-lived but groundbreaking The Express, an alternative newspaper in Naples.
Before founding Smart Marketing in 1994, Merenda served as president of Fischer International Systems Corp., a software company in Naples from 1991-1994. Smart Marketing was known as one of the country's premier marketing firms for attorneys. He was the author of several books on marketing, and was co-author of a thriller, Satan's Harvest, published in 1990. He also enjoyed writing poetry and appreciated art and classical music.
Merenda was also in demand as a public speaker, featured at many legal conferences across the country for many years.
For many years, Merenda was an avid golfer and a sports fan, especially of the Boston Red Sox, Boston Celtics and New England Patriots. He covered the Celtics as a young reporter.
Reading was one of Merenda's great loves and was known by his friends as a kind of Shakespearean scholar. He was also a big John Updike fan.
Merenda was known for his sense of humor and storytelling as well as for his generosity and his huge heart.
"There were many lives that he touched through his business," wrote attorney Victor Medina, a friend and client. "He helped stand me up when the world looked to run me over. He never refused my request for help. He gave his friendship generously."
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Norma, and a brother, Guy.
He is survived by his son, Maxime Merenda; his brother, Bruce Merenda, of Tampa, Fl.; Bruce's wife, Corey; his sister Constance of Sarasota, Fl., his sister-in-law Susan Merenda of Winchester, Ma.; his former wife, Anne Dare of Naples; and his long-time friend and companion Judy Whittingham of Framingham, Ma., an uncle, Robert Merenda, and an aunt, Pat, as well several nephews and a niece.
A memorial service will be held:
Saturday, March 25th, 2017
Hyatt House
1345 5th Ave S, Naples, FL 34102
Time: 4pm -6pm
In lieu of flowers please donate to a cancer charity, planned parenthood or a mental illness charity.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mark Merenda
Jennifer Jackson
March 12, 2022
Mark and I were virtual friends, watching hockey games online together and bantering about poets or films. The FB memories feature reminds me at least three or four times a month how delightfully witty and sarcastic Mark could be. What a good, good man. I miss him still.
Jennifer Jackson
Jennifer Jackson
March 12, 2021
Remembering Mark today - missing his great humor and literary references. What a magnificent human. I hope his son knows how much he adored him. One good life is a beautiful story forever.
Keith Lewis
October 13, 2019
I just found out that Mark passed, and I am saddened, and offer my condolences to his family. I knew Mark when we both worked on the Woburn Daily Times and Chronicle and the Middlesex Sports Digest back in the 1970s. I was brand new and Mark had been with the paper a couple of years already, covering his hometown Winchester Sachems, as well as the Woburn Tanners. I've always had great memories of working with Mark, especially the tips he gave, which I know were instrumental in my own career. Mark always had a great sense of humor, and although we lost track of each other back in the 1980s, I never forgot the good times and Mark's willingness to help out a younger writer. RIP, Mark.
September 29, 2018
I am saddened to find that Mark Merenda has passed on--ahead of us, again!
Mark had popped into my mind, most especially these past two years, as I wondered what had become of such a brilliant mind and a wonderful person. I had the pleasure and privilege of having worked at The Express newspaper years ago with Mark, and his wonderful friends. What a great bunch! I can still hear his laughter and feel the joy he brought into the room--every day. Mark was always ahead of the game, and stayed above it, all. He knew how to turn negatives into positives. I'm so glad to see he had a fulfilling and fruitful life. Mark knew how to squeeze the juice out of Life, and enjoy every minute of it.
My heart goes out to Mark's beloved family and his dear, dear friends.
Mark has left a void in this world, perhaps...but his light still shines through it. May he continue to visit us by popping into our minds, and by other ways and means that, by now, I'm sure he has mastered.
May God's Peace be Upon Us.
With Love and Respect,
Sandie Treichel & Jaime Ziadie
Bonita Springs, Florida
Jennifer Jackson
May 13, 2017
I am just seeing that Mark passed away. I only knew him through FB, where we swapped funny stories and shared our affection for Shakespeare and Auden. Mark also "watched"/texted hockey with me when the Hawks last won the Cup. What a kind, wise, and funny heart - I'm so sorry to learn this. What was it he had written on his father's grave? So too of him -
Marjorie
March 29, 2017
With deepest sympathy to the family. Still heartbroken, he roles as a big brother in my life. Compassionate and generous in thoughts and in deed. Good listener and I have no one to turn to now. Above all, Always cared of others' need before himself. Your kindness will remain forever in my heart. I miss you always. Rest in peace big bro!
March 24, 2017
With Deepest Sympathy To The Family.
Becky Cholewka, Esq.
March 22, 2017
My heart is still breaking. Mark's light will continue to shine in the numerous people he touched personally. And I'm sure we will all remember to share a few of his great stories.
March 21, 2017
I am sorry for your loss. May the God of comfort be with you during your time of mourning. Isaiah 61:1,2 ; Matthew 5:4
March 19, 2017
My condolences to Bruce and family. You're in my thoughts and prayers. Diane Perry
Susan Cartier Liebel
March 19, 2017
Mark was truly an inspiration to many, generous in thought and deed, always available when you need to hear his words of wisdom and a treasure to so many young lawyers across the country. He helped me with my business and I will never forget him.
Lisa Lucero
March 18, 2017
My deepest condolence to Max and Anne in this difficult time,may the happy memories give you confort together with the love that Mark showed always for you,I will always remember him as a great Boss a great humanitarian a generous kind soul. Truly yours. Lisa Jejenich/Lucero.
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