Mark Anthony Smolka, Jr.

February 9, 1983 - August 30, 2020

Mark Anthony Smolka, Jr., 37, a resident of Fort Myers, FL since 2010, formerly of Wilmington, DE, passed away Sunday, August 30, 2020 in Fort Myers. He was born February 9, 1983 in Wilmington, DE.

Mark attended Pope John XXII Catholic Church in Fort Myers. He was an alter server at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church where he also attended 8 years of school. He played soccer and baseball for the CYO league and also for West Wilmington Optimist little league where he played catcher opposite his brother and best friend, Brian, who was the pitcher.

He went to McKean High School. Markie also continued his education at the local 626 carpenter’s union to become an apprentice carpenter. Shortly after he was treated for an injury, which was the beginning of his struggles with prescription drugs.

His dream of being a father began when he was a child, when he became the protective big brother of his two sisters, Angelina and Juliana, whom he loved looking after. He was blessed with an amazing son, Anthony, and a perfect daughter, Maryland. When he was able to be with them, Mark was a wonderful father to them both. He loved teaching them to fish and swim. Mark was happiest by the water, the beach, the pool, a pond, or even a canal. In Florida he was intrigued with native plants, orchids and bromeliads. He loved lighting off fireworks for any occasion.

Some of his most favorite times were just being with family, especially his little brother Vito, who he referred to as “Gott”.

Mark played many roles in his life such as son, brother, nephew, grandson, cousin, father, and significant other. All will always tell you; his heart was bigger than life. His soul beamed through his eyes. His smile drew you in and, his kindness was like no other.

Markie loved to help others, neighbors, friends, family and strangers. He had many friends, starting as a child in Alban Park who we are so grateful to, for continuing to keep in touch with all of us.

 Although there were many years our whole family suffered due to his battles with “The Beast” (addiction) we feel blessed to have shared in his life, both ups and downs, but, the good in him will always outshine that “Beast” and, we are never going to let it beat us, because Mark’s soul has been united with our Lord who always knew his truth.

 So to all who knew and loved Markie, he would say “Keep your chin up.” STRENGTH

He is survived by his loving parents, Mark and Angela Smolka of Fort Myers; two loving children, Maryland Smolka of Lewes, DE and Anthony Smolka of Wilmington, DE; as well as four siblings, Angelina Krietzman (Eric) of Orlando, FL, Julianna McMahon (Amanda) of Punta Gorda, FL, Brian Smolka (Jackie) of Bradenton, FL, and Vito Smolka of Fort Myers.

Private family services will be held.

Memorial Contributions in memory of Mark Anthony Smolka, Jr. are suggested to Charlotte Behavioral Healthcare, 1700 Education Ave., Punta Gorda, FL 33950.

Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Fort Myers, is entrusted with final care.

Guestbook

  1. Marti Denis Sep 3, 2020 at 4:33 pm

    Dear Mark, Angela and Family,

    We are so sorry for your loss. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

    Love,
    Marti (Hillis) and Jack and the Denis Family

  2. Lisa Edler Sep 3, 2020 at 4:48 pm

    I never saw Markie without a radiant smile. It will be missed. My heart bleeds.

  3. Julie Durdak Sep 3, 2020 at 4:50 pm

    What a beautiful tribute about a super, sweet, man….Markie was always very kind to me when I was at the house….. My heart goes out to your entire family.
    Please know I am praying for fou all, sending love and am deeply sorry for your loss.

  4. Ruth Gregg Sep 3, 2020 at 5:02 pm

    My heart broke when I saw this. My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family. I am sure he has a special place in heaven.

  5. Skip Brown Sep 3, 2020 at 5:20 pm

    Mark and Angie so sorry for your loss . losing a child is the hardest thing you’ll ever go through as I’m sure you know already. You and your family are in my prayers SKIP

  6. Terry Cirdrey Sep 3, 2020 at 6:00 pm

    Mark and Angela
    Dan and I are so so deeply sorry on the loss of Markie..
    You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers 🙏🙏🙏
    Please accept our deepest sympathy ❤️❤️❤️
    Love Danny and Terry Cordrey

  7. Debby Funk Sydnor Sep 3, 2020 at 6:19 pm

    Dear Angela and Mark

    My heartfelt sympathy to you and your family. Thinking of you in my prayers

  8. Hillary Sep 3, 2020 at 6:22 pm

    This is beautiful. Wish we could all be there. <3

  9. Judith Schenk Sep 3, 2020 at 6:32 pm

    I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. It’s especially hard when it’s a child. My love and prayers to your whole family.

  10. Jackie Wheeler Sep 3, 2020 at 6:54 pm

    Thinking of you all. I knew Mark from childhood. He was always a happy go lucky friend!

  11. Jackie Necastro Sep 3, 2020 at 6:55 pm

    Thinking of you all.

  12. Jennifer Snyder Sep 3, 2020 at 7:28 pm

    I am so sad to hear this!! My sincerest condolences to the Smolka Family. I will forever cherish all of the memories I have with Mark!!

  13. Kimmie Williams Ingram Sep 3, 2020 at 8:02 pm

    With deepest sympathies.
    So sorry for your loss-
    May he RIP –

  14. Margaret Roche Sep 3, 2020 at 8:07 pm

    Mark and Angela, I know you won’t remember me, but I’m PJ Scarpello’s aunt and I remember Mark very well he and PJ hung out in grade school and were friends. He was such a kind young man and always so polite. PJ lost his younger brother to pain killers and you’re so right addiction is a beast. I want you to know that I am praying for your family and for Mark and as soon as Church opens back up I will have a Mass said for him. With sympathy Margaret Roche(PJ Scarpello’s aunt.

  15. Heather Hall Sep 3, 2020 at 8:09 pm

    My heart and prayers go out to you all at this very sad time.. Markie and I went to school together since 1st grade at St. Anthony’s. He was the first boy to ever give me flowers at our 2nd grade communion. He always knew how to light up a room with the sparkle in his eye and that contagious simile! I will hold the years full of memories in my heart.. I’m so sorry for your loss, he will be truly missed! ❤️

  16. Paula M McGowan Sep 3, 2020 at 8:12 pm

    I have fond memories of Mark as his teacher at St. Anthony’s. May he rest in peace, and you find strength from family, friends and beautiful memories of Mark.
    Paula Markey McGowan

  17. Dominique Daniago Sep 3, 2020 at 8:16 pm

    To all: the Smolka family,
    I am so sorry for your loss! This obituary is beautiful, honest and bravely written. “The Beast” as you call it, has taken over far too many lives & families. You are all in my thoughts and I hope that you can find peace & comfort during this difficult time. I have fond memories of Mark & your whole family, from our many years together at SAS. That smile of his sure did light up a room 💖… remember the good, always. 🙏🏼

  18. Susan Barczak Sep 3, 2020 at 8:26 pm

    Mark, Angela & Family,
    We are so sorry to hear this sad news. We will keep you all in prayer as you navigate through this very difficult time.

  19. Gina Giannattasio Sep 3, 2020 at 8:41 pm

    Oh God … I am beyond sorry to hear this. He pray he’s at peace and you both know you will see him again. Thats the beauty of faith that I believe will give you comfort. I’m praying for your family 🙏🏻💔

  20. PJ Scarpello Sep 3, 2020 at 8:56 pm

    My heart goes out to the Smolka family. I have many great memories of Mark and I from middle school. Spent many nights over in a downtown and Mark always went out of his way to make me feel at home. I am devastated for Mark’s family and will keep all of you in my prayers.

  21. Teresa Tassone Alfieri Sep 3, 2020 at 9:21 pm

    I am so sad to hear this. Thoughts go to all of your family and friends.

  22. Christine Burgess Sep 3, 2020 at 10:24 pm

    I don’t know you, but I do know what it’s like to lose a son. I am so very sorry for your loss. Addiction rips our children from us. We get to see a few glimpses through short periods or sobriety. For some it may be days, weeks, months or if lucky years. My sons struggle was short lived and finding help, good help, almost impossible. And even then who knows. All I know is that it looks like your boy truly lived even between the dark days. My son too. He once told me he was happiest fishing. On a boat in a pond. A creek. Anywhere. He said when he fished he worried about nothing. Seems the same w your son. We’re broken. There are a lot of us. Try and stay strong. That’s what my Mikey used to always say. He lost his battle 11/24/16. Thanksgiving day. He was 22. Had his whole life ahead of him.
    I wholeheartedly believe had he made it he’d still be struggling today. I don’t know what’s worse the watching him struggle or his death. Again so sorry. A beautiful soul now. Perhaps he’s fishing in heaven w my Michael.

  23. I am so so sorry for your loss. Sep 3, 2020 at 11:07 pm

    I am so so sorry for your loss.

  24. Gillespie Sep 3, 2020 at 11:09 pm

    Mary my heart is breaking for Anthony. I pray from the bottom of my heart that Anthony knows how much he is loved. And he will always have a guardian angel watching over again. Please say Anthony’s daddy rest in peace God bless you all. At this sad time in each one of your life.

  25. TJ Sywy Sep 3, 2020 at 11:29 pm

    I will always remember Markie and Brian with the other kids, including my brothers, from the neighborhood always playing together. Us older guys called them the “cribs”. He was such a funny outgoing young man. My prayers are with your family.

  26. Eddie Graney Sep 3, 2020 at 11:54 pm

    I can picture Markie, Brian, and our marathon games of street hockey on Coleman St. in the summers – and sledding that beastly hill out back in the winters. It’s been a long time since those days, but the memories still bring a smile to my face. I don’t have a single bad memory of Mark.

    Brian, Angela, Mark Sr., I’m thinking of you all – and your family, which has grown a lot since Alban Park.

  27. Jason Harmon Sep 4, 2020 at 9:11 am

    Mark and ang sorry for your loss love u guys

  28. Diane chicklo-robbins Sep 4, 2020 at 1:26 pm

    To joanne and the smolka family, i am so sorry for the loss of this wonderful man. My thoughts are with and hope thay comfort wilk find you soon.

  29. Stacy G Sep 4, 2020 at 8:40 pm

    My Heart broke when I saw this, my thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Rest Easy Mark!!

  30. Helen and Jack Riley Sep 4, 2020 at 9:56 pm

    Cousin Angela, Mark and family…
    Please accept my sympathy and prayers. I have no magic words to take away your pain or I would write them. I have no quick cure for the suffering you feel. But, I do bring you the love, compassion and understanding that comes from being family. Jack and I will keep you in our thoughts and pray that comfort comes to you. Markie will always be held in the hearts of our big and loving family. May eternal rest be granted to him, oh Lord. And, may perpetual light shine upon him.♥️ Love always.

  31. Jeanne (Abbott) Giordano Sep 4, 2020 at 10:33 pm

    I am so deeply sorry for the loss of your son, Mark.
    Please know that my heartfelt thoughts and prayers for peace are with the entire Smolka family.
    May his memory be eternal.

  32. Marianne Antonini Sep 5, 2020 at 10:40 am

    Angela, So sorry for the loss of your son! My heart is heavy! My thoughts & prayers are with you.
    Marianne ( customer from Chez Nicole

  33. Becky Fuqua-Spuhl Sep 6, 2020 at 3:45 am

    I am deeply sorry for your loss. You are sadly not alone facing the Final Assault of Addiction, It has taken so many beautiful souls. Those that suffer the most in life are closer to who they were created to be because of it. Those that fight themselves and no one else are warriors who lived to understand this world needs more kindness, compassion and empathy. Your child is beautifully restored and will patiently wait to dance again. At the moment he was caught during his final fall he turned quickly and reached for the love he received while here to take with him, He keeps it safe, just on the other side of the thin veil. He may be out of sight but that does not mean he has left the room.. Believe!☝️

    I pray your hearts are gentle on all of you.

    All my love, Jena’s Mom 💋 💋 💋

    Humanizingaddiction.com

  34. Doris Person Sep 6, 2020 at 10:54 am

    Sending condolences to Maryland’s family.

  35. Marie Callahan Sep 7, 2020 at 5:04 pm

    Angela and Mark. I am very sorry for your loss. I will never forget that little blond boy with the infectious smile in our Kindergarten class. I am so glad I have that wonderful memory of him many years later. You and your family are in my prayers. God bless his children. 🙏💕

  36. Michael Smolka Aug 12, 2023 at 11:46 am

    Hey uncle Marty I miss you and I hope that you’re doing good in heaven. I miss you and love you so much 🥲

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