Michael C. Mark

Michael C. Mark

Hooksett, NH - Michael "Mike" Christopher Mark, 61, of Hooksett, died unexpectedly on March 1, 2024 at Catholic Medical Center following a heart-related incident.

Mike was born on September 25, 1962 in Lebanon, New Hampshire. He was the second of five children born to Margaret Mark Faneuf and Bradley Mark. The Mark family lived in Claremont for a few years before moving to Concord in 1969, where Mike lived for most of his life. He and his family were members of the Immaculate Heart of Mary parish, where Mike was an altar server with his brothers, Tim and Tom, in the 1970s.

Mike had a deep faith in God. Should anyone need or want prayers, Mike was always on it, no questions asked. He preferred privacy when praying and did so alone. Watching weekly Sunday Mass online at IHM was a regular part of Mike's life.

God gave Mike the gifts of humor and of comic timing. Family and friends found his wit and commentary to be hilarious, and at large family gatherings, he was always the funniest one in the room.

As a young boy, he quickly found his personal hero in Carl Yastrzemski, number 8, on the Boston Red Sox. Mike's license plate on his Honda Fitt read SOX-8, and was visible to all in the Concord area. He dreamed of becoming a professional player, as many boys do. At age 7, he met lifelong friend, Dave Naylor, while playing Little League on the Concord Heights. In their twenties, Mike and Dave coached Little League for two years. They were motivated by their love of baseball and the simple pleasure of having fun with the young players.

Mike remained a lifelong Red Sox fan and a serious baseball enthusiast. Like most fans of Red Sox Nation, he was riveted with hopes rising and then sadly dashed - until the Sox had their famous triumph of 2004. Mike basked in the victory of his beloved team winning the World Series.

Mike graduated from Concord High School in 1980, where he was active in drama club and baseball. He attended St. Anselm College and performed with the Anselmian Abbey Players.

In 1986, he accepted the position of drama coach at Concord High School. Mike maintained a sharp recollection of the students he worked with at CHS and held many happy memories of their performances. As one former student posted on Facebook, "Many of my favorite memories from CHS include Michael. He was an instrumental mentor in my HS years. A prince of a man who always aimed to keep those around him laughing."

His love of theater pinnacled in January of 1990 when he and long-time friend, Jim Speigel, formed SandCastle Productions. SandCastle produced a variety of dramas, comedies, and musicals in the Concord area for 10 years. Michael excelled both as a performer and as a director. The close knit friends that grew out of SandCastle Productions became Mike's second family.

Following his marriage to Tammy Gullage, his beautiful son, Colin Michael, was born. Mike's most important role in life was being a father to Colin. Throughout the years he was faithfully devoted to his son and to all his extended family. Mike and Colin enjoyed the closest of father/son bonds; they were truly each best friends. They treasured many trips together to Washington, DC and to York Beach, Maine. Sunday afternoons were often spent visiting various microbreweries and restaurants. They cherished their Irish heritage and wore the traditional tweed caps frequently.

Mike was a familiar figure for over 40 years in downtown Concord. He excelled as a salesman and worked at various retail establishments. Most recently, he was the kind face behind the counter at Speer's Fine Jewelry on Main Street.

Michael was predeceased by Tammy Gullage Mark in 2016, by his father, Bradley Mark in 2019, and most recently by his mother, Margaret Mark Faneuf, in 2023. He leaves behind his son, Colin Mark of Concord; his sister, Geraldine Dubis and husband, Douglas; his brother, Timothy and wife, Lynn; his brother, Thomas and wife Kim; and his sister, Maureen and husband Todd DiOrio. He also leaves behind a multitude of devoted friends as well as many nieces and nephews, all of whom loved and adored their Uncle Mike.

Mike will undoubtedly be remembered for being a peacemaker. He got along with everyone, no matter how much or how little they had in common. He found common ground everywhere. He was a friend to all and possessed a generous spirit.

He will be deeply missed.

Calling hours will be on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, from 3:00pm to 6:00pm at Waters Funeral Home, 50 South Main Street, Concord.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, March 7, 2024 at 11:00am at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 180 Loudon Road, Concord.

Burial will follow at the Blossom Hill Cemetery, Concord.

Flowers may be sent to Waters Funeral Home or donations made to Mike's favorite charities: The Jimmy Fund- www.jimmyfund.org or The Red Sox Foundation- www.redsoxfoundation.org.