Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
About
Mark Griffith Obituary
Mark spent his personal and business life dedicated to the community of Pearl River, NY until retiring to Frederick, MD in 2009. Anna Laura pre-deceased him in 1987. In 1992 Mark married Pearl River, NY teacher and administrator, Joanne Shalkop (nee Hagenbuch).
Too young to enlist in WWII like his older siblings Dexter, Thomas and Aline, one of Mark's proudest accomplishments, at age 12, was collecting scrap metal, for the war effort.
During the Korean War, Mark who placed in the top 3 of a class of 350, was sent into the Mediterranean to intercept Russian enemy codes and transmissions as a Communications Specialist.
Mark received many awards for his work with the Independent Insurance agents as well as working to develop a specialized
program that jointly insures all the school districts in Rockland County NY. He served as volunteer insurance advisor for the Methodist Churches in Rockland and the State of New Jersey. Now 72 years later, the Griffith insurance Agency is in its fourth generation with the addition of grandchildren, Mark III and Lauren Griffith. Mark completed the four-year course of study in accounting at Alfred University earning his degree in business in only two years.
He embodied his faith as a member of the Pearl River Methodist Church, active in all aspects of the church. After moving to Frederick he joined the Walkersville United Methodist Church. For ten years he served on the Lederle Animal Care Committee ensuring humane treatment of laboratory animals. Mark was President of the Pearl River Rotary Club, founding member of the Rotary Scholarship Foundation and awarded the prestigious Paul Harris Fellowship exemplifying the ideals of "Service Above Self".
Mark is survived by his loving wife Joanne, children Mark Jr., Chestnut Ridge, NY; Diane Griffith Smoley (Raymond) Frederick, MD); sister Aline (Condesa de Romanones) Madrid, Spain; brother Thomas (Mary Gray) Goshen, NY; brother William Jr., Beaufort NC; twin sister Margaret (Peggy) Crosby Frankford, DE; and grandchildren Mark III, Michael, Lauren Griffith and Jonathan and Raymond Smoley, Jr. He is predeceased by brother Dexter Sr.
A memorial service will he held at the Walkersvifle United Methodist Church, 22 Main Street, Walkersville, MD on Friday evening at 7 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations kindly be made to Kline Hospice House, 516 Trail Ave., Frederick, MD 21701.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mark Griffith
June 8, 2025
Mark: We hardly knew you, but you are still in my thoughts. Gary and Ella Masters
Gary Masters
June 7, 2024
Marc: We hardly knew you. God bless you and your family.
Gary & Suzanne Masters
Gary Masters
June 7, 2019
God bless you and your family, Mark. We hardly knew you before you left. Much too soon.
Gary Masters
June 20, 2013
Mark, we hardly had time to know you, but we are richer for the experience. God bless you and your family.
How you can show support
James F. Leiner
June 16, 2013
My condolences to Mark's family. He was indeed a remarkable gentleman who I knew through Rotary International. He certainly left the world and society a better place with his dedication of Pearl River, his family and the world community. I shall cherish him memory.
Jane Yorks
June 15, 2013
Dear Joanne, Diane, Mark and Family,
Mark was one of the kindest, nicest person that I was privileged to know. He and Anna Laura were a Pearl River treasure as they walked hand in hand through town. Hayes and I were in Disciple Bible Study with Mark and Joanne and it was so heartwarming to see their love bloom and the heartbreak leave Mark's eyes. I'm happy that they had many happy years together and I pray that you, Joann will take comfort in your happy memories and the knowledge that you made him very happy.
Mark and Diane, you are remembered very fondly and you will all be in my prayers. Sometime when I am visiting my daughter in Walkersville, I will give you a call.
Love, Jane Yorks
Laura Imbrogno
June 15, 2013
My sympathy to the entire Griffith family and friends. Mr. Griffith was a special role model in his community and to his family.
Robert Simon
June 15, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
June 15, 2013
Sincere condolences to the family during this time of loss and may you experience God's comfort during the difficult days ahead.
Psalm 147:3.
Mary Kousoulas
June 14, 2013
Joanne and family,
Sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved, husband, father and grandfather. May all the beautiful memories you have sustain you at this time.
Peter Wool
June 13, 2013
Mark was the second person I was introduced to in Pearl River. His brother Tom sold me my first house.
Mark was my insurance agent and we all lived on the "hill" side of town.
Mark and Anna Laura were the perfect couple and had wonderful parties.
Netta and I were so happy when Joanne came into the picture and married Mark.
May the Lord give you all piece knowing that he was loved and will be fondly remembered.
Cindy Griffith-Bennett
June 13, 2013
Uncle Mark was always there to listen to his nieces and nephews' adventures and ideas. He loved to share his wisdom but never made you feel less than perfect! Also, I have never met anyone with such perfect enunciation! :-) I will miss you. Love Cindy Griffith-Bennett
June 13, 2013
Joanne, Mark Jr, Diane I am so sorry for your loss. As you know being friends with my late father as well as business associate in town, Mark was a wonderful caring, human being,I will never forget the kindness,caring, the time he,Joanne, Anna Laura, & the rest of you made for my family in not only times of need but happy times as well.
He truly lived his faith, that is more blessed to give, then receive.
He was a great guy & I am really going to miss knowing he is around, loving life. My deepest sympathies to all of you.
Sincerely
Jane Strauss
Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results
Make a Donation
in Mark Griffith's name
Memorial Events
for Mark Griffith
People and places connected with Mark
Frederick, MD
The Frederick News-Post
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Mark's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Mark Griffith's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
