Mark Walter Smith, age 87 of Fairfield, Ohio, passed away on Wednesday, October 15,
2025, surrounded by family. He was born in Hamilton, Ohio, on January 11, 1938, the
son of Ernst and Ruth (Holstein) Smith. On September 8, 1962, in St Ann Church, he
married Mary Alice Connaughton. Mark was a 1956 graduate of Hamilton Catholic High
School and a 1960 Graduate of the University of Cincinnati.
He began his career as a sales Manager in the toy department at JCPenney Company,
where he exceeded the toy departments expectations, making it one of the most
successful Christmas seasons at that time. After his short stint in retail, he began a
successful career at Avon Products Inc., as Manager of the Information Technology
department. He was a mentor to many at Avon, helping them promote the business as
well as their own professional careers. He made many good friends over the years at
Avon and remains friends with many after 33 years of retirement. He was genuinely
liked by all he met.
He enjoyed playing golf and continued to play until the age of 85. Mark was an avid card
player and a genius at gin rummy. He was a devoted husband and father, teaching us
the value of family, kindness, patience, and being a loyal friend to many. He was a
devout Catholic and faithful member of St. Ann, instilling in us love for God, and a firm
believer in sending his children to Catholic schools.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Alice Connaughton, three children, Tom (Stephanie)
Smith of Columbus, Ohio, Jeannie (Bill) Nartker of Liberty Township, Ohio, and Doug
(Phyllis) Smith of Cincinnati, Ohio; one sibling, Dan (Marilyn) Smith of Naples, FL, and
five grandchildren. Katelyn (Ross) George, Matthew Nartker, Allison Smith, Paige
Smith, and Aaron Smith, one step-grandson, Aaron (Julie) Grener, three step-great-
grandchildren, Sam, Will, and Katherine Grener. He was preceded in death by his
parents, five siblings, Majorie Lamb, Maureen Okruhlica, Joan Puma, William Smith,
and Gail Reynolds.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, October 24, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. in St.
Ann Catholic Church 3028 Pleasant Ave. Hamilton, OH 45015 followed by burial in  St Mary Cemetery. All are invited to attend a celebration of life luncheon  on Friday at 12:00 p.m. at Fairfield Community Arts Center, 411 Wessel Drive, Fairfield, OH 45014. In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested to St. Paul Vincent de Paul Society. An online register book is available at www.zettlerfuneralhome.com

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