SWAMPSCOTT, MA –Mark N. Schlafman, 81, of Swampscott, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 22 at the Bertram House. Mark was born in Boston on April 27, 1942, to Henry and Sally Schlafman.
Mark graduated from Winthrop High School, class of 1960. His passion for sports was evident from a young age, as he played baseball and even served as the captain of his high school baseball team. Mark’s love for the game continued into his college years at Brandeis University, class of 1964, where he proudly represented his school on the baseball field.
In the early 1970s, Mark’s career took an exciting turn as he became an NBA referee, officiating some of the most thrilling basketball games of the era. He had a deep appreciation for sports, including the Red Sox, Celtics, Bruins, and Patriots, with a special affinity for Tom Brady.
The majority of his professional life was spent in sales across several organizations. From computer equipment to advertisements to skiing, Mark was a passionate and successful salesman.
Later in life, Mark found fulfillment in working with young adults across the North Shore, where he openly shared his wisdom and passion for life. He had a knack for providing guidance and inspiration to anyone who would lend an ear, leaving a lasting impact on many.
Mark Schlafman’s life was marked by his love for sports, his dedication to mentoring the next generation, and his creative spirit. He will be fondly remembered by family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched with his wisdom and kindness.
Mark is survived by his sons Jonathan and Julianne Schlafman of New Canaan, CT, Steven Schlafman and Eliza Blank of Stone Ridge, NY, David and Genna Schlafman of Los Gatos, CA; and Hayden Schlafman, who preceded him in death; and his daughters Stacey and Christopher Koch of Amesbury, MA, Angelica Rosa of North Andover, MA, and Nashua Rosa of West Roxbury, MA. He also leaves behind many grandchildren: Henry and Lucas Koch, Riley, Haley, Lily and Jack Schlafman, Greta and Miriam Schlafman, and Faye and Florence Schlafman. Mark is also survived by his first and second wives, Ellen Schlafman and Maura Lockwood. He is predeceased by his brother Barry Schlafman.
ARRANGEMENTS: Private services will be held to honor Mark’s memory. Please make contributions in memory of Mark Schlafman to Dementia Society of America, PO Box 600, Doylestown, PA 18901. Arrangements are in the care of the Kevin B. Comeau Funeral Home, 486 Main Street, Haverhill. For additional information, please visit Comeau Funeral Home on Facebook or www.comeaufuneral.com.
Condolence(1)-
Derek Janaury says
October 27, 2023 at 6:08 pmStacey, David, Steven & Jonathan,
My deepest condolences to all of you. Your dad was a wonderful man and always so good to me when I used to ask the same questions over and over about officiating every time I saw him. You are all in my thoughts.
Derek January