It was such a pleasure and a privilege to work with Mark. He contributed enormously to economic justice for everyone, particularly struggling individuals and families. I always looked forward to seeing him at Consumer Assembly and greatly valued his wisdom, kindness, and dedication to consumer causes.  I'm going to miss him. He was a mensch. My sincere condolences.

Mark leaves an important legacy for consumers throughout this nation.  I worked with him on some issues and found him to be brilliant, self-effacing and hard working.  We needed him over the past forty years, and we need Mark Silbergelds now more than ever.   Bob Fellmeth,  Price Professor of Public Interest Law, Director, Center for Public Interest Law, Univ. of San Diego School of Law

Dear Marylu,
I would like to express my deepest sympathy to you and your family. Although I never met Mark, I know that he brought happiness to your life from the sparkle in your eyes when you spoke of him. My thoughts are with you.

We wish to express our sympathy in your loss and to let you know that our thoughts are with you. 

Columbia Consumer Education Council, South Carolina

Marylu,

Our sincere condolences to your and your entire family.

I am so sorry for your loss. I knew Mark when I was a young staffer at the Alliance of Nonprofit Mailers and he was a vital member of our Board. I learned a tremendous amount from mark about nonprofit mailing issues and about nonprofit issues in general. He was kind and thoughtful and always took the time to explain something to this young 'un in a way that was respectful and encouraging. He was an excellent example of a leader, a coalition-builder and a professional.

Mark was an early mentor of mine.  By his wonderful examples, he taught me to bring professionalism, patience and a sense of humor to my work.  I sincerely adored him.  I will always honor his memory.

Marylu, Nicholas and Sophia. I met you three only once.. and that at the Baltimore RR station as I traveled with Mark one evening on his daily commute from his work in Washington. I am one of many thousands of your father's friends scattered all over the world in the consumer  and public interest movement. 

Mark made such a great difference in this world. He had a far greater impact than he ever knew. I work with a Chicago consumer group but Mark's name would bring a welcome smile and a good story from those who live in Tokyo, Santiago or London  because he had influenced activities in all these cities and many more. The husband and father you knew in Baltimore had made promises and kept those promises to individuals and groups around the globe. . By doing so he gave strength when groups were feeling overwhelmed and individuals wondered if their daily efforts to protect consumers were worth the hardships and challenges which came from those who wanted no change. 

Mark loved music as you know. By his gentle manner and legal wisdom Mark also made music in others hearts all over. Few were as skilled in negotiation as was Mark. None were as eager to work with former opponents if both could bring a greater good for this world. Google his name and you'll see but a hint of the depth of Mark's work. 

Mark loved listening to many of the  arias of opera and stage. I smile tonite at the thought of how so many of those  heroic arias could well describe your father and husband.In his memory I'll start tonite to renew my acquaintance with those works.

Mark  is a great loss but his life's work will continue in so many hearts.

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Dear Marylu and Family,

My deepest sympathies in the loss of your dear Mark.  He was a lovely man who seemed to embrace friendship and affection so very easily.  I was honored to know him - even if only for a little while, and I'm glad he was there to make your lives brighter and happier.  My thoughts are with you.

Dear Marylu,Mark was a fighter and you are too.  You have together faced Mark's illness with grace and bravery.  I want to send to you my sympathy for your loss, Marylu. Mark made all the difference in your life and I am grateful for that.  Love, Claire

Mark, who used to quote that "Song is divine speech" had a special access to
it, and thanks to his generous nature  he knew  how to share it with his friends.
This and other wonderful human qualities make him unforgetable. Thank you
for your invaluable friendship, Mark. We will cherish your memory.
                                                          Jose M. Neistein, Centreville, VA

I never had the honor of meeting Mark. But if the happyness he created in the life of Marylu is any indication, the world is indeed a better place because of him. My sympathies are with Marylu and Mark's family.

Let there be peace.

Dear Maruylu,
Please accept my heartfelt sympathy for your loss.  Your emails and facebook entries over the past few years described a wonderful life you and Mark made for yourselves despite hardships.  In my mind you are both heroic.  Clare Barkley

Dear Marylu and Family, 
  You have our deepest sympathy at this difficult time.  Please let us know what we can do to help in any way.  We are  lucky to have you as our friend. .We are  happy that you and Mark had so many happy years together.
   Love, 
     Fay and Dave

Every now and then you meet someone who immediately makes you feel comfortable and at ease.  Mark was such a man and made me feel this way from the first moment Marylu introduced us.  He was always kind and thoughtful and his company intellectually stimulating and interesting. I feel richer for having known him.  Rest in peace, Mark.  I shall miss our visits.

OBITUARY

Alan Mark Silbergeld

20 January, 1940 – 10 February, 2012

Burgee-Henss-Seitz Funeral Home Inc.

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