As one of M’s Founders, a Principal of the highly successful Member Firm CMS Companies, a longtime MFH Board member, and a participant on a variety of M committees, Mark was a driving force behind M’s growth, values, and culture. He consistently noted there are two kinds of people in the world: miners, who take from the ground with little regard for what is left behind, and farmers, who enrich the soil so that others can harvest benefits well into the future.

Mark was always the consummate farmer, planting seeds that would benefit M and various other communities. From revolutionary concepts like proprietary products, in-force management, and forming a reinsurance company, to selflessly mentoring his fellow M Community members by sharing insights that elevated success, Mark was always driven by a desire to leave things better than he found them.

Those who knew Mark well recall his inspirational leadership, kind and generous nature, larger-than-life personality, insatiable curiosity, and great sense of humor. He was also a devoted husband and father.

Mark’s impact beyond M is also significant and lasting. In Philadelphia more than 25 years ago, Mark’s leadership raised the funds necessary to convert the Gesu School, a failing inner city grammar school, into a thriving independent school for low-income children. Today, Gesu School students and graduates are sought out by the best high schools and prep schools in the area.

Mark also co-founded CB Community School for foster care children in the greater Philadelphia area, providing a path for older, undereducated individuals to become responsible members of society. Mark served on the school’s board of directors till the very end. Dr. Robbin Smart, Head of CB Community School, wrote a message to the school’s community and placed it on the school website’s homepage upon learning of Mark’s passing:

“On any given day, Mark could be found sitting outside in our urban garden area or in our community room, always surrounded by students,” Smart wrote. “Accompanied by his beloved dog Cole … Mark’s presence on campus was ever so apparent. When there was a need to find Mark, the path was always the same — follow the sound of laughter, look for the trail of dog treats, and breathe deeply of Mark’s love for our community.”

In Israel, Mark’s impact is also meaningful. More than three decades ago, he read about Yemin Orde, an orphanage with 500 children from 22 countries who had no future in their birth country and found their way to Israel. After visiting Yemin Orde, he fell in love with the school and its mission and led efforts to raise millions of dollars to expand the orphanage in Israel and into other countries, bringing hope and support to thousands of children in crisis.

Mark served on many boards and received many awards. But it was his ability to “farm” and his passion to advocate for young people to produce life-altering changes that will forever be his legacy.

A memorial service for Mark was held Monday, October 2, 2023.

Please join us in extending our heartfelt thoughts to Paula, the entire Solomon family, and the many personal and professional colleagues who had the privilege of knowing Mark. We will all miss him.