Mark Andrew Palen

Mark Andrew Palen, age 61, of Canton, Ohio died of cancer January 21 2018. Born on May 6, 1956 to Michael T. Palen MD and Martha (Tillman) Palen. Graduated from Glenwood High School and went on to receive a BA in Philosophy University of Michigan '79; a BA in Education '89; Social Studies Certification '99 and a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership and Administration 08' all from The University of Akron. Teaching was his passion and his enthusiasm for lifelong learning will live on in the many students he taught while employed by ECOT for over 12 years as a High School Social Studies teacher. He made it a point to keep in touch with family and friends and never forgot a birthday. A great cook, his specialties were old family recipes like corned beef and cabbage, and "from scratch" pie. He loved being outdoors in the sun. An animal lover, he rescued many cats who showed up at his door. He never missed a University of Michigan football game. Mark was passionate about jazz music and was an accomplished and in demand bassist. Mark is preceded in death by his Dad Michael Palen. Survivors include his Mom, Martha Palen, sisters, Stephanie (Sam) Godfrey of Austin, Texas; Patricia (Pete) Michaels of Boston, Massachusetts; and brother John Palen of Canton, Ohio. The family would like to thank the staff at the Cleveland Clinic and Akron General Visiting Nurse Service Hospice for their wonderful care. To honor his memory, donations may be sent to the Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration, Santa Clara Monastery, 4200 Market Ave N, Canton Ohio 44714.