At my father’s celebration of life, Mark stood up and shared some memories. I don’t remember anything he said except that he said my father was the best man Mark had ever met. I would like to say the same thing about Mark. Next to my father, Mark was the best man I’d ever met, and I see that character in his children and grandchildren.

My family became intertwined with the Halperins almost 45 years ago. Diane and my mother, Michele, were close friends. Mark and Diane were a second set of parents to me. I spent a great deal of time in their home, their pool, their lives - their kindness and generosity were  incalculable. 

Over those years, Mark was always the quiet voice of reason, the stable family man, the man who made stuff happen without fanfare. His wry sense of humor was always a joy and his wisdom borne of experience proved priceless to me, although I didn't know it then. He was just "Mr. Go-to." He was a man who knew exactly what to do.

As fate would have it, Dave and i would graduate HS and attend college together as roommates and we had many adventures. We embarked on careers that would take us far and wide, but I have never forgotten how much more enriched my adolescent experience was because of the love and care of Mark and his family.

In 2019, my wife and I were able to host Mark and Diane here in St. Pete and it was the greatest thing to spend time with them. During that visit over dinner one night, Mark turned to me and in his inimitable way said, "Well, you turned out ok." Vintage Mark. High praise.

RIP, Sir, and thank you for all your family has done for mine. You will be missed.

Sending all of the Halperins our deepest condolences. Mark was such a kind and sweet person  who always made me feel important and valued.  I have so many fun memories of our families spending vacations together in Florida. I could always tell how much he loved being with the family. When Sarah got sick I got to spend more time with Mark in NYC. I was able to have a first hand view of what a loving and devoted father and grandfather he was. Lena had tons of energy and you could see him  give  his all to keep up with her.  I will miss my Uncle Mark (favorite uncle) and will cherish all of the incredible memories I have. Sending you all so much love and light  from The  Barofsky family.

Mark was such a lighthearted presence every time I got to spend time with him. He always seemed present in the moment, and he looked you in the eyes while you had a conversation.

While we didn’t get to hang out too much - one of my fondest memories of him was on a cruise we took with the Stones and the Lawsons.

Someone on the cruise was doing temporary tattoos and Mark said he always wanted one. He got a sparkly blue anchor on his shoulder like the real navy man he was and I felt like he had fulfilled a long lived dream. 

There’s a good life lesson in there somewhere.

Blessings to you Mark, and thanks for all the blessings you shared with us. Until next time 
*salute*

OBITUARY

Mark Halperin

May 2, 1939 – October 18, 2026

Poole Funeral Home & Cremation Services

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