LEONARDTOWN, Md. – The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office is providing additional details regarding the funeral services and procession for Sergeant Mark Porter #44, who passed away while on duty on July 1, 2025. Members of the public are invited to honor Sergeant Porter by attending the services or observing the funeral procession safely.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, located at 41590 Fenwick Street in Leonardtown. Prayers will be recited at 7:00 p.m.
Funeral services will take place on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the same location. Parking is available at the funeral home and in nearby lots. Due to the expected large numbers of mourners, attendees are asked to allow extra time to park and arrive promptly.
Following the funeral, a procession to the graveside services at Charles Memorial Gardens, located at 26325 Point Lookout Road in Leonardtown, will begin at approximately 11:00 a.m.
Due to limited parking at the cemetery, those attending the graveside service are encouraged to park at the Shops at Breton Bay shopping center.
Procession Route
The funeral procession will depart Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home and travel the following route:
- Lawrence Avenue
- Tudor Hall Road
- Camalier Drive
- Courthouse Drive
- Washington Street
- Baldridge Street
- Leonard Hall Drive (through the Governmental Center)
- Exit onto Hollywood Road
- Northbound on Route 5 through Leonardtown
- Arrive at Charles Memorial Gardens
Public Participation
Members of the public are respectfully invited to pay their respects along the procession route. Citizens are encouraged to do so from sidewalks in the Town of Leonardtown, within the
Governmental Center, or other safe areas. Please avoid standing in the roadway and follow all traffic safety directions.
Traffic Advisories
Motorists should be aware of the following impacts to traffic on Wednesday, July 9, 2025:
- Increased traffic volumes are expected in and around Leonardtown beginning at around
9 a.m., as attendees arrive for the funeral service at Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home. Drivers should plan accordingly and allow for extra travel time. - Temporary road closures and delays will occur along the funeral procession route between approximately 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Emergency vehicles and/or state or county road crews will be stationed along the route to assist with traffic control.
The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation as we honor the life and service of Sergeant Mark Porter.
In Case of Inclement Weather
- Due to the potential for inclement weather, funeral arrangements may be moved, if necessary, to the Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department, 24801 MD-235, Hollywood, MD, on Wednesday, July 9. Any changes will be announced by noon on July 8. Please follow the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram for the latest updates.
Sergeant Porter, 60, served in St. Mary’s County for more than 34 years before retiring in 2022. Following a brief break in service, he returned as a contract deputy and continued to serve until his passing.
He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and the community he served so faithfully.