Dr. Mark Franco

Columbia, South Carolina - After battling a prolonged illness, Dr. Mark Franco, 65 of Columbia SC, passed away at Lexington Medical Center on April 16, 2021. Dr. Franco passed peacefully and was surrounded by his family. Per his wishes, Mark will be buried at St. Michaels Cemetery in Ansonia CT, near his parents. A graveside service will be scheduled this summer to honor and celebrate Mark's life. Memorials may be made to Senior Resources: https://www.seniorresourcesinc.org/donate/ Mark was born September 4, 1955 in Derby, Connecticut to Ralph and Sophie (Piotrowski) Franco. He graduated from Derby High School in 1973, the University of New Haven in 1981, and Drexel University College of Medicine (Hahnemann University School of Medicine) in 1988. After completing his medical residency at St. Francis Hospital in Hartford, Connecticut, Mark practiced medicine for nearly 25 years, primarily in North Carolina and South Carolina; dedicating his practice to serving patients in rural communities. He also taught pre-med students, published many articles and received the Excellence in Teaching Award/Medical Residents from the Brody School of Medicine in Greenville, North Carolina. In 1989, Mark married Mary Beth Belin of Clearfield, Pennsylvania and was blessed with two daughters, Meredith Franco and Meghan Franco, both of Columbia, South Carolina. Mark enjoyed simple pleasures, including reading and spending time with his family. Mark is preceded in death by his father Ralph ("Fuzzy"), mother Sophie and his beloved aunt, Theresa Franco of Derby, Connecticut. He is survived by Beth, Meredith and Meghan, his sister Sandy Lombardi and brother-in-law Robert Lombardi of Derby, Connecticut, and countless cousins, nieces and nephews, and other family and friends, who have loving memories of Mark. Family and friends may sign the online tribute wall at www.southcarolinacremation.com.