Mark Schlott of Reading, PA Death – The confectionery world and the Berks County community are mourning the passing of Mark Schlott, a beloved industry leader and community advocate, who died in June 2025. Born on January 26, 1967, in Reading, Pennsylvania, Mark’s life and career were rooted in his hometown, where he left an indelible mark on both business and civic life.
Mark’s career at R. M. Palmer Co., one of the nation’s leading candy manufacturers, spanned over 35 years. Starting as a maintenance mechanic in 1986, he climbed the ranks through sheer hard work, innovation, and leadership. His defining career moment came in 1996 when he was entrusted by company leader Richard Palmer, Jr.—a 1991 Candy Hall of Fame inductee—with a key production challenge. Mark not only rose to the occasion but exceeded expectations, doubling output in just three months. His success catapulted him into a series of leadership roles, eventually culminating in his position as Executive Vice-President of Operations, Chief Operating Officer, and finally CEO by 2023.
Richard Palmer, Jr., along with many others in the candy industry, has expressed deep sorrow over Mark’s passing, remembering him as a brilliant operations strategist and a mentor who always championed innovation, people, and purpose.
Raised in a working-class family by Elmer and Marie Schlott, Mark never forgot his humble beginnings. He graduated from Reading Senior High School in 1984 and briefly studied engineering at Penn State Berks before beginning his journey at R. M. Palmer. His work ethic, rooted in strong family values, helped define the culture of the company and inspired everyone around him.
Beyond his professional success, Mark was deeply involved in the broader candy industry and public policy advocacy. He served multiple terms on the National Confectioners Association Board, earning the NCA Advocate of the Year award in 2019 and a Kettle Award nomination in 2020—two of the highest recognitions in the confectionery world.
Locally, Mark was a stalwart supporter of Berks County initiatives. He contributed over 20 years to the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance Board and served on the Berks County Workforce Development Board. A longtime supporter of the United Way, he believed in strengthening families and economic opportunities through grassroots leadership.
Mark’s personal life was as rich as his professional one. He married his high school sweetheart, Karen, in 1987, and together they raised four children and welcomed three grandchildren. Family was always central to his life, and he often said, “Success is the sum of small efforts repeated day in and day out.”
Mark Schlott leaves behind a legacy of visionary leadership, community service, and unwavering integrity. He is survived by his wife Karen, their children Bret, Laura, Anthony, and Ryan, grandchildren, and his siblings Sue and Dennis. His life will be honored in an upcoming celebration, with donations encouraged to the United Way of Berks County or the National Confectioners Association’s scholarship fund.
Mark’s story is one of perseverance, impact, and purpose. His absence will be deeply felt, but his contributions will continue to inspire generations to come.