Mark Ernst

SWAMPSCOTT -- Mark "Ernie"? Ernst , of Swampscott, passed away at Care One in Peabody on April 19, 2016, at age 54, after a long battle with Diabetes. He was born on July 20, 1961, to Lester and Janet Ernst. He attended Swampscott schools and graduated from Swampscott High School in 1979. Mark was a force when it came to cross country, winter and spring track, setting many records throughout his high school athletic career. Mark was even inducted into the Swampscott Hall of Fame for his achievements in running. He continued making great strides academically and athletically at Northeastern University, where he lettered in all three sports, was named Cross Country MVP (in 1981) and received his bachelor's degree in criminology. There was nothing Mark loved more than the annual canoe trip he took with his friends and brothers, lounging at Cocktail Beach on Frye Island, Maine (where he and his family owned a summer home), watching the Red Sox and eating fried clams at Woodman's. Mark is survived by his parents, Lester and Janet, his wife, Dianne, his two daughters, Caitlin and Heather (not to mention his four-legged son Rockford who he adored), his brothers, Peter, Phil and Paul, and his sister, Maryellen. He is also survived by many supportive in-laws, nieces, nephews and cousins. Many of you may remember Mark not only for his running, but also for his quick wit, intelligence, sarcasm and unique sense of humor. We assure you those qualities we all loved so much about him did not diminish towards the end. We know Mark is finally at peace and probably wearing a Hawaiian shirt while blasting some '70s music and looking for the next baseball card to add to his collection. Here's to Mark finishing his race one last time. Service information: A celebration of life will be held at St. John's Church in Swampscott on Wednesday, July 20 (what would be Mark's 55th birthday) at 11 a.m. Festivities will continue after at one of his favorite local watering holes. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Mark's name to the Joslin Diabetes Center. Assisting the family with the arrangements is The O'DONNELL Funeral Home , 46 Washington Square (at Salem Common), Salem. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit Odonnellfuneralservice.com .