Mark R. King, 51, of Hamden, loving husband of Catherine Testa King, passed away on December 24, 2022, at Yale Smilow Cancer Center in New Haven. He was born in New Haven on March 24, 1971, the son of Richard and Jean Kalweit King. Besides his parents and wife, Catherine, Mark leaves his twin daughters, Kyla and Ava King, sister, Kristen Walsh, her husband Robert, his father and mother-in-law, Francis and Sandra Testa, and sister-in-law, Andrea Testa. He was predeceased by his grandparents, Felix and Elizabeth King, and Henry and Margaret Kalweit. Mark graduated from St. Joseph High School and St. Anselm's College. He owned Fairfield Teachers' Agency, and he and his staff helped thousands of educators secure employment. When Mark was not working, he spent most of his time with his family.

Above all else, Mark was a great husband and father. They enjoyed taking trips, staying at their cabin in New Hampshire, and skiing. His wife, Cathy, was his rock. They were the best of friends, and she was the love of his life. Her devotion to him during his year-long illness was remarkable. His daughters, Ava and Kyla, were the other two loves of his life. When they were young, Mark coached them in soccer through elementary school. Upon attending Sacred Heart Academy for high school, he became their cheerleader and videographer. Mark's efforts played a major role in helping the girls receive soccer scholarships at Fordham and Stony Brook University. It was with great pride and satisfaction that he was able to watch them defend the soccer net and complete their first semester.

Mark had a keen sense of humor and no one enjoyed it more than his mother, his number one fan. Their daily talks were filled with laughter which made his 15-month illness more bearable for both of them.

Mark and his sister Kristen are only 16 months apart and had a special bond. They were the best of friends as children and this happy, loving relationship became even stronger in adulthood. Kristen and her husband, Rob, were dedicated to researching about Mark's illness and exploring various treatment options.

Mark was also very close to his in-laws, Frank and Sandy. They were a constant presence in his life and the lives of his children. As art and music teachers, they spent countless hours teaching Kyla and Ava in their youth, and their passion for the arts remains today because of them.

Mark and his dad shared a mutual love of humor, sports, fishing, and nature. Their canoe fishing trips to ponds in New England and the Florida Everglades created everlasting memories, as did their many years working together at Fairfield Teachers' Agency.

Mark had a lot of friends, many of them from his days at St. Joseph High School. They were very important to him, and he loved the competition and trash-talking in whatever sport or game they were playing. His friends were an incredible support and source of much needed laughter during this past year.

His friends and his family will remember Mark for his kindness, honesty, and unforgettable sense of humor.

In 51 short years, Mark lived an incredibly full life, filled with love, adventures, and numerous accomplishments. His family is grateful for every year they were able to be with him.

Finally, we cannot thank the dedicated staff at Smilow enough for their professional and compassionate care. They made a difficult year of treatment manageable. We are eternally grateful for their support throughout Mark's journey.

Friends are invited to visit with Mark's family on Monday, January 2nd from 4-7 p.m. at BEECHER & BENNETT, 2300 Whitney Ave., Hamden. MASKS REQUIRED. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, January 3rd at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul VI Parish/Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 2819 Whitney Ave., Hamden. Interment will follow at the Mount Carmel Burying Ground in Hamden. Memorial contributions in his name may be made to Smilow Cancer Center, by mailing funds to Yale-New Haven Hospital, Office of Development, P.O. Box 1849, New Haven, CT 06508, or by going to www.givetoynhh.org .