Mark John Espeleta

Mark John Espeleta

April 5, 1956- March 2, 2024

Mark John Espeleta, 67, of Canterbury, CT died on Saturday, March 2, 2024, after a brief illness, surrounded by his family.

Born on April 5, 1956 at the Groton Sub Base, he attended Norwich Free Academy.

He was married to Valerie (White) Espeleta. Val was a loving wife to Mark. They had a mutual love for gardening, camping and hiking. He was an avid gardener with a knack for producing copious amounts of food - sharing the harvest with family and friends. Mark was multi- talented, holding positions as a Print Shop Worker, Painter, Carpenter, Cook, Auto Emission Technician and Molding Operator.

He was a hard worker and enjoyed having a good time celebrating with family and friends. He was not shy and "had the gift for gab" starting conversations with people he never met before, especially on his window shopping excursions to Wal-Mart. He was an animal lover and enjoyed feeding the birds and spending time with his dog Mack by his side.

Mark is survived by his wife Valerie (White) Espeleta of Canterbury, his mother Gloria Cheverette of Plainfield, his son, Joseph Richard Espeleta of Canterbury; his step-daughter Samantha Coty of Montesano, WA, three brothers, Scott Espeleta and his wife Darlene of Sterling, CT, Todd Espeleta and his wife Christina of Plainfield, CT, and Shane Espeleta and his wife Valerie of Plainfield. Mark is also survived by his nieces, Neco, Chelsea, Cira and Jocelyn, one nephew, John, and his sidekick "Mack" the dog.

Mark's father, John Joseph Espeleta, a brother Lance Espeleta who died at birth, and his sister Robyn Espeleta all predeceased him.

Mark's relatives and friends may attend a Mass at Saint James Catholic Church, 12 Franklin Street, Danielson, CT, on Friday, March 15, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. All are welcome to attend a Celebration of Life at Hope Lodge, 1 Lake Street, Moosup, CT on Saturday, March 16, 2024 from 12:00-3:00 p.m.

A private casting ceremony will take place at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Mark's memory to Hospice and Palliative Care of Northeastern Connecticut, P.O. Box 632, Putnam, CT 06260