Mark S. Szawerda, 61, of New London, passed away gently from this world on Sunday July 16, 2017 after a short illness.

Born on September 3, 1955 he was the son of the late Herman and Arlene Szawerda. Mark attended Meriden Schools and later enlisted in the United States Navy during the Vietnam Era. He and his partner Lynn relocated to the Connecticut Shore. They first lived in Montville and later in New London. Mark enjoyed boating, fishing, lobstering and clamming for many years.

He leaves to mourn his passing, his son Michael and his wife Meeghan and their daughters: Phoebe and Jiuliana; six siblings and their spouses: Lance Szawerda and his wife Linda, Susanne Service and her husband Jack, Jerry Szawerda and his wife Robin, Nancy Bedell, Richard Szawerda and his wife Beverly, Thomas Szawerda and his wife Darlene and many nieces, nephews and their families. He also leaves many friends in the New London area including neighbors Joan and her dog Skippy, Tom, Mark, Alice two Patty's and many more who became his "New London Family". Besides his parents Mark was predeceased by his life partner Lynn Costello.

Family and friends are invited to attend his graveside service at 11:30 a.m. on Monday July 24th in the State Veterans' Cemetery, Bow Lane, Middletown, CT. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Stempien Funeral Home, 450 Broad St., Meriden. To send an online expression of sympathy please visit www.stempienfuneralhome.com .

In lieu of flowers donations in memory of Mark Szawerda may be made to the Antique Veterans of Meriden, Post #1, c/o the Meriden Senior Center, 22 West Main St., Meriden, CT 06451.