Robert Mark Swec

Robert Mark Swec, known to family and friends as Mark, of Ellicott City, Maryland, passed away on October 28, 2026, at the age of 66. Born on October 8, 1960, in Baltimore, Maryland, Mark fought like hell through a difficult battle with gastric cancer. During his final hours, he was home, surrounded by the love of his family.

Mark is survived by his beloved wife of 39 years, Carol Ann Swec (née McDonald); his daughter, Brittany Elizabeth Smith (née Swec), and her husband, Justin Thomas Smith; his beloved "grand-dog," Oshie; and his mother, Florence Nelline Swec (née Moore).

Through his marriage to Carol, Mark was blessed with two sisters-in-law, Brenda Bailey (Bill Bailey) and Susan Kandel (the late Mark Kandel), and a brother-in-law, Charles McDonald, Jr. His family extended far beyond those closest to him. Mark leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and countless friends whom he loved and cherished.

Mark was preceded in death by his father, Robert Joseph "Bob" Swec, as well as several aunts, uncles, cousins, and beloved family pets, including the Swec/Smith family dog, Sarah, affectionately known as "Snaggletooth." We take comfort in imagining that all were there to welcome Mark home with open arms.

For more than 40 years, Mark dedicated himself to his career as a Mechanical Designer, including 28 years as a devoted employee of CACI. His professional life, much like his personal life, was defined by hard work, determination, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to perfection.

Outside of work, Mark enjoyed many passions and hobbies. One of his greatest loves was bowling, where he accomplished what many bowlers only dream of: two perfect 300 games and three 800 series. Bowling also held an especially important place in Mark's heart, as it was where he met the love of his life, Carol. And, in a fitting family tradition, 21 years later, Brittany met the love of her life at that very same bowling center. The difference? Brittany wasn't dancing on top of the bar!

As the years went by, Mark developed a passion for trapshooting. He became an active member of a trapshooting league at the Carroll County Gun Club, affiliated with the Maryland State Sportsmen's Association (MSSA). This passion gave Mark and Carol the opportunity to travel together, participating in tournaments throughout Maryland and across the country. In recent years, Mark was able to check off a special bucket-list item when he traveled to The Grand American World Trapshooting Championships in Sparta, Illinois.

Mark also treasured spending time with his family and enjoyed camping, hunting, and, in more recent years, taking up one of his father's favorite pastimes: coin collecting. Whether pursuing a lifelong passion, discovering a new hobby, or simply spending time with those he loved, Mark found joy in life's experiences and in the people who shared them with him.

Mark will be remembered for his determination, his dedication, his competitive spirit, his sense of humor, and, above all, the love he had for his family and friends. His presence will be deeply missed, but the memories, stories, laughter, and love he leaves behind will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Carol and Brittany wanted to choose an organization that would truly honor Mark and what he had a passion for. Carol and Brittany have requested in lieu of flowers, for donations to be made to the Maryland State Sportsmen's Association (MSSA) in memory of Robert Mark Swec. Contributions made in Mark's name will support MSSA's Youth Shooting Program, helping introduce and inspire the next generation of young shooting-sports enthusiasts.

Checks may be made payable to MSSA, with the memo line indicating: "Mark Swec Donation to Youth Programs."

Please mail donations to:

MSSA
C/O Janice Feaga, Secretary
840 Driver Road
Marriottsville, MD 21104

Friends and family may gather at Candle Light Funeral Home Tuesday, November 10, 2026, from 2:00pm-4:00pm and 6:00pm-8:00pm.