PA — In a loss that has sent ripples through both the candy industry and the heart of Berks County, Mark Schlott, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice-President of R. M. Palmer Co., passed away in June 2025. He was 58.
Born and raised in Reading, Pennsylvania, Mark’s journey from a humble mechanic to a visionary executive was more than a career story — it was an emblem of persistence, principle, and people-first leadership. His passing has left a bittersweet emptiness among family, colleagues, and the countless lives he touched through decades of tireless service.
“Mark was the kind of leader who remembered your name, asked about your family, and quietly made things better without needing the credit,” said Richard Palmer, Jr., 1991 Candy Hall of Fame inductee and longtime friend and mentor. “His loss is deeply personal.”
Mark’s impact within R. M. Palmer Co. was transformative. Starting in 1986 as a maintenance mechanic, he rose through the ranks, leading critical projects and driving innovation. In 1996, he helped launch a new chocolate line, doubling its output in record time — a move that would solidify his reputation as a problem-solver and forward thinker. By 2023, he was not only COO but also served as CEO, guiding the company through an era of steady growth.
Beyond the factory floor, Mark was an advocate for the entire confectionery industry. His involvement with the National Confectioners Association (NCA) included Board roles, policy work, and awards for his unmatched advocacy. In 2019, he was named NCA’s Advocate of the Year and later nominated for the prestigious Kettle Award.
But his deepest roots remained in Reading, where he served on boards, mentored future leaders, and gave back through the United Way and other civic initiatives. He believed in second chances, hard work, and that “success is the sum of small efforts repeated day in and day out.”
He lived that mantra daily — not only at work, but also at home, as a devoted husband, father of four, and proud grandfather of three. His wife, Karen, whom he married in 1987, was his lifelong partner. Together, they built not just a family, but a life of meaning.
Mark Schlott’s legacy isn’t just etched into the chocolate industry; it lives on in the community he helped lift, the people he mentored, and the family who loved him deeply.
A public celebration of his life will be announced by the family. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Mark’s name to United Way of Berks County or the NCA Scholarship Fund, continuing his commitment to giving others a chance to succeed.
Rest in peace, Mark Schlott. You left the world sweeter, stronger, and better than you found it.
