Death of Miami Beach Commissioner Mark Samuelian stuns, saddens

June 23, 2022 admin Florida, Government, Local News, Miami, Politics

Most people were shocked when they learned that Miami Beach Commissioner Mark Samuelian died Wednesday.

Mayor Dan Gelber announced the death late in the commission meeting, one of several recent meetings that Samuelian had missed, right before they took a 30 minute recess.

“Mark was a brilliant and thoughtful man who cared deeply for our residents. He was never afraid to stand up for a principle in which he believed,” the mayor later wrote on his Facebook page. “He was always collegial with those he served with and respectful of the public.

“In the years that I have known and served with him, he has always demonstrated the highest degree of integrity and commitment and served with the greatest measure of honor,” he wrote.

Only a few people close to Samuelian knew that he was battling some grave illness. They said they didn’t know what it was. Samuelian was very private about it. Whatever it was put him in the hospital for the last three days, a City Hall insider told Ladra.

Samuelian’s life partner didn’t tell anyone on Wednesday what the cause of death was. But Laura Dominguez paid homage in an poignant and heart-rending post on Facebook.

“I am completely heartbroken. Today, I lost the love of my life and my best friend. Mark Samuelian was truly a wonderful person. He was a man of principle, integrity, and character. He was a true gentleman and treated everyone with respect. From a young age, he showed determination at everything he tackled. Mark learned to play chess at five-years-old and as a teenager became one of the youngest national chess champions in the state of Massachusetts, where he grew up. He later played chess at Georgia Tech. Mark’s passion for chess continued into adulthood where he became a volunteer tutor for the chess clubs at Miami Beach High and Nautilus Middle School. He also helped sponsor kids for the chess program at South Pointe Elementary and recently helped organize a chess event on Miami Beach with the help of the Parks department Mark bought his first home in Miami Beach in 2003. After a successful business career, he decided to venture into local politics because he felt his engineering background and Wharton MBA could be put to good use helping the beautiful City of Miami Beach that he loved so much. Mark fought tirelessly for the community and was beloved for his efforts. Mark enjoyed fitness and could often be seen running the Venetian, walking or riding bike around Miami Beach. Mark was a proud Armenian-American and one of our greatest trips was visiting Armenia in 2018 with dear friends. Mark had a close group of lifelong friends that he routinely kept in touch with and loved very much. We enjoyed almost ten years together, and he was a kind, loving, and generous partner. We loved each other deeply and enjoyed a special bond that I will always cherish. Mark loved live music, and we would often go to the Fillmore and other South Florida venues to catch our favorite artists. This picture of Mark is with our new puppy Wendy that we recently adopted. I will always remember Mark for his genuine spirit, willingness to help others, and how loving he was to me.”

— Laura Dominguez

Born in Boston, Samuelian moved to Miami Beach in 2003. He was an avid runner, chess master and financial investor. He first ran for office in 2015 and lost to John Elizabeth Aleman by 77 votes. He ran again in 2017 and beat Rafael “Wild Willy” Velasquez with a whopping 68% of the vote.

Last year, he was automatically re-elected after a judge ruled that his challenger, New York City sociality and reality TV star Fabian Basabe, be disqualified for living outside the city.

But Samuelian would have won anyway. Everyone loved Mark. He was a truly an organic activist who got fed up and ran for office. Then he never lost his grassroots roots, continuing to represent the best interests of residents.

Commissioner Kristen Rosen-Gonzalez said he was her biggest ally and that she wouldn’t have been elected this last time without his support.

“He was kind, just, compassionate, intelligent beyond belief and he always made me think hard about the decisions I made,” Rosen Gonzalez posted on her Facebook page. “Mark loved Miami Beach, and today our city lost an advocate.

“I still can’t believe he’s gone,” she wrote. “Rest in Peach dear Mark. You will be remembered and cherished by all of those close to you.”

Former Commissioner Michael Góngora was also saddened and told Ladra that Samuelian’s death showed that the good die young. Samuelian was 58.

“Mark was an incredibly kind and thoughtful friend and a very smart and hard working commissioner,” Góngora wrote on his Facebook page. “It was a pleasure to serve with him as he always put the residents first.

“Mark left his mark on Miami Beach and we are better because of his service. My deepest condolences for his partner Laura who was right there at his side until the end.”

Said Commissioner Ricky Arriola: “Very sad day today. I lost a friend Mark Samuelian and the City of Miami Beach lost one of its most passionate and hardest working commissioners.”

Said Commissioner Alex Fernandez: “Commissioner Mark Samuelian was a wonderful human being, a true gentleman, and the personification of honorable public service. The city will sorely miss his passion — and I will miss my dear friend.”

Said Daniel Ciraldo, executive director of the Miami Design Preservation League and a frequent activist at City Hall: “We will never forget Mark Samuelian and his pro-resident legacy. RIP Commissioner. You will be missed.”

Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava tweeted her condolences to Dominguez, his family and all of Miami Beach: “The passing of Commissioner Mark Samuelian is a profound loss for our entire community. He was one of the most kind, big-hearted public servants – a truly rare and special person we will miss dearly.”

He will be difficult to replace.

Samuelian had just won re-election last year and there are more than three years left on that term. The city could appoint someone, but it is expected that they will add the commission group to the November election.

According to Deputy Supervisor of Elections Suzy Trutie, municipalities have until late July to submit questions for the November ballot.