Saul Jack Mark

My husband of 66 years, Saul, passed away on Wednesday, May 22nd. His last six days were spent in the ICU at Carolina Coastal Hospital, where he was treated with kindness and expertise for which we, his family, are most grateful. He was discharged from the hospital and returned home where he died sixteen hours later. Saul was born on February 23, 1924 in New York City's Harlem to immigrant parents, Jennie and Joe Margolis. His older brothers, Max Margolies and Murray Mark predeceased him, as did his younger sister Leona Mermelstein. Saul was a graduate of Seward Park High School in Manhattan and New York University's Stern School of Business. In his sophomore year at N.Y.U., he was drafted into the U.S. army. During World War II, he was scheduled to go to officer's training but he was placed instead into the infantry. He fought in Patton's army in the Battle of the Bulge, an experience that haunted him for the rest of his life. When the war in Europe ended in May 1945, Saul was sent home on leave and was to be deployed to fight in the Pacific. It was at that time, on July 23, 1945, that we met. I was eighteen years old and he a twenty-one year old. Fortunately for us, the war in the Pacific ended in August of 1945 and Saul was spared further combat. He resumed his studies at NYU and was graduated in 1947, the year we were married. Two years later, Saul became a Certified Public Accountant. In 1951 we began our family, three children in rapid succession. Saul worked in private practice and had a long and successful career, often working night and day to provide for his family. In spite of ever-increasing loss of eyesight he managed to serve the remaining clients of many years till his final days. After eighty-three years as New York residents, we were blessed to move here to Sun City. Saul was already in failing health. Thanks to the many doctors who attended to him, he was able to enjoy his remaining years. We are grateful to Dr. Hy Sussman, his nephrologist, whose medical acumen and personal attention sustained Saul's life. Our friends and neighbors in the Sun City Community gave Saul a special quality of life. Our everlasting gratitude goes to the Okatie Creek Duplicate Bridge Club and its directors, Fred Ferguson, Roy Richardson, Tom Schneck and Barbara Porter. Saul was treated with dignity and respect, despite his failing eyesight and hearing. Saul's golf buddies, Jim Connor and John Phillips, lifted his spirits beyond belief. As true friends they made playing golf a possibility. After every golf game Saul expressed his love for them. Saul's children and grandchildren were the pride of his life and his legacy: Claudia, her husband Andrew Simon and their daughters Joanna and Samantha; David, his wife Nancy and their daughter Jennie; Toby, her husband Ken Miller and their children Alison and Brian. We all mourn his passing but celebrate his life. We are hoping to memorialize him by spreading his ashes in the waters under the Brooklyn Bridge, his favorite place in the world.