Obituary of Mark Christian Schoenwald

Mark Christian Schoenwald Obituary Mark Schoenwald, 79, of La Belle, FL passed away December 8th, 2022. Mark was born May 5th, 1943, the second of two sons, to Minnie and Herman Schoenwald in Ossining, NY. Mark attended Darien High School in Darien, CT and enlisted in the U.S. Navy after graduation in 1961 where he served as an Optical Man Petty Officer 2nd Class on the USS Fulton AS11 submarine. After serving in the navy, he worked as an Optical Engineer for Perkin-Elmer in Wilton, CT for over 25 years, during which time he worked on the lens for the Hubble Space Telescope. Mark married Nancy Powell in 1969 and had two daughters Erika Jane and Karyn Marie. In 1983, he completed an Associate in Science degree from Norwalk State Technical College. In 1991, Mark married Swea Nightingale and together they moved to La Belle, Florida in 2003. Mark was a kind and active person who enjoyed numerous hobbies over the years including boating, fishing, beekeeping, scuba diving and animal rescue. He was the past Commodore at the Ischoda Yacht Club in Norwalk, CT. As a veteran he was an active Life Member and the LaBelle VFW Post 10100 Quartermaster for years. He spent many volunteer hours working for our veterans; not only members of the Post but any veteran or their families in need. Mark will be remembered as a true friend to many. In his retirement he was a local drawbridge operator and manatee tour boat operator. Mark also became an auctioneer and started the LaBelle Auction House. He and Swea spent time traveling and supporting their local Humane Society. Their home “farm” consisted of numerous dogs, cats, and horses. Mark was a great friend to many and always willing to lend a helping hand. He was proud of his family and leaves behind wonderful memories for all who were fortunate enough to know him. Mark is survived by his wife Swea, daughter Erika Afeman, her husband Bj and two children Avery and Benjamin, daughter Karyn Godsman, her husband David and her three children, Anna, Cameron and Griffin. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Joan Schoenwald and nieces and nephew, Cathy Doughty, Carl Schoenwald, Christine Payne and Clare Schoenwald. Mark was predeceased in death by his parents and brother Herman Schoenwald. A celebration of Mark’s life will be held at the VFW in La belle, FL in January 2023. Additionally, a Missing Man ceremony and celebration will be held at Ischoda Yacht Club in Norwalk, CT in the Spring of 2023. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Mark’s name to the Caloosa Humane Society of La Belle, FL. https://caloosahumanesociety.org/how-to-help/donate/