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Marc Alterio Obituary
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Marc was born in Medford, MA on July 20, 1945, son of Michael & Mary (McCannon) Alterio. Marc married Virginia Smith on November 10, 1967. Marc and his family lived in Wellesley, MA, raising their two wonderful children. They spent many happy years at Chadbourne House in South Berwick, ME as well.
Marc received his Bachelor and Master's degrees from Boston University and continued his advanced education at Northeastern University. Prior to his retirement, he was the Director of Health and Wellness for the Reading Public School System. Marc, a dedicated educator, brought forth many changes to the physical education world. He was a guiding light who changed educational views on how to incorporate body, mind and spirit.
Marc's love of gardening, woodworking, cooking, golfing and restoring Chadbourne House, the family's home in South Berwick, ME filled his life. The years growing and cultivating his garden were made apparent by all the flowers and vegetables he shared with family and friends. He enjoyed spending time with his beloved wife Ginny, the love of his life. Marc was so proud of his children and grandchildren's accomplishments and shared their accolades with many. Above all, Marc was the kindest and most supportive of his wife, children and friends. He always shared his infectious smile. Marc was an ever-present supporter of his community by serving on several organizations and boards.
Those left to cherish his memory, are his wife, Virginia, his son, Brendon Alterio and companion, Melanie Marston, of Pownal, ME; his daughter and son-in-law, Kristin & Mark McCarthy of Barre, VT; his 5 grandchildren, Olivia Alterio, Ella McCarthy, Julia Alterio, Ned McCarthy and Sophia Alterio; his brother, Brian Alterio and several nieces, nephews & cousins.
SERVICES: Services will be held privately for the family. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his memory may be made to the Old Berwick Historical Society, 2 Liberty St., S. Berwick, ME 03908 www.OldBerwick.org. Arrangements in care of the McIntire-McCooey Funeral Home, 301 Main St., S. Berwick, ME. An online guestbook can be found at www.TaskerFuneralService.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
NELS NELSON
August 4, 2024
I was on the Golf Course at Pease AFB. I am a Lefty who plays golf righty. He was on an adjoining fairway and yelled out "Hey Lefty "! Every golfer within hearing distance kept looking for the Left Handed Player! Nels Nelson RMHS
Tom Miller
June 2, 2024
First met Marc when I was 8 years old.
My brother Jim and I stayed at the Alterio´s home in Medford while our new home was being finished.
That early friendship continued on as we moved into adulthood.
We first met his lovely Ginny when we discovered they were renters on the same street as us in Waltham.
That adult renewed connection continued on for 54 years.
Our families settled in Wellesly. Our kids went to the same school.
Recently we had the privilege of opening our home to Marc while he supported Ginny´s recovering from a double lung transplant. Marc was born to be a caring, giving person whose friendship was second to none.
We were saddened to the core upon the news that he had passed.
I miss him!
Heidi Doucette
May 28, 2024
When I was 12 years old I was diagnosed with juvenile Rhematoid Arthritis. During Gym in junior high, which I couldn´t participate in due to my JRA, I was made to sit and watch the kids play. Then I was told to collect the balls and put them away. It was mortifying.
Then, when I went to Reading High, I was assigned to Mr Alterio along with another girl who also couldn´t participate in gym. Instead of making us sit things out, he gave us stretching exercises and fun activities that would help us move our joints, instead of just sitting still. I remember the day that all the kids had to try to climb the big rope hanging from the ceiling. They all gave it a try, and were sent outside for the rest of gym. I asked if I could try, now that no one was around. He said absolutely. He showed me how and I actually made it up a few feet and Mr Alterio cheered! That was something no one had ever done for me in school. That small little act made such a difference in my life. Between that and my parents, I learned I could do anything - maybe just a little differently. I never forgot him.
Then 40 years later I answered the phone on my unit, I am now a nurse. There was this sweet man looking for a family member. She wasn´t on our unit. In fact, she was in a completely different building. I´m still not sure how his call was sent to our unit. I went to look up where she was so I could direct his call to the right unit. As the computer was coming up I asked for her last name. He spelled it for me A-l-t-e-r-I-o. I said oh, Alterio. I once had a gym teacher named Mr Alterio! Long pause.... He said, did you go to Reading High? I couldn´t believe he was on the phone that I just happened to pick up by chance! After all these years he remembered me. I was able to tell him how much what he did for me meant to me, even all these years later. I am so glad I had the opportunity to tell him and now you what an enormous influence he had in my life.
My condolences to you all at this difficult time. May memories keep you wrapped in a warm embrace.
Lynn Wildnauer
May 13, 2024
As his neighbor, I remember getting up with my youngest at 4:30 am and seeing him out looking over his garden. The memories built over the next 25 years of having such wonderful neighbors and friends.
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The Meyer Family
May 12, 2024
Marc, you will truly be missed by many, our heart felt sadness for your beautiful companion Ginny at this time, your relationship always portrayed the love for each other.
When you visited at the Lyons cottage you could be sure there was always a golf story and self accolades which you made us laugh, we cherish those memories.
Thank you for the friendship of many years.
Kristin and Brendan will comfort Ginny.
Rest in peace,
The Meyer Family
Jane (Gagnon) Greenlees
May 11, 2024
Today I was heartbroken to hear the news of Marc´s sudden and unexpected passing at his home in South Berwick. My most recent memory of Marc was visiting Ginny last summer when I traveled to Maine for a family wedding from my home in England. He was there quietly letting us have our visit, making coffee and then lunch and just doing what he loved...being at home caring for his wife and "pottering" in the garden. I will always remember that day (as I do the many visits with my children and late husband, Malcolm) and I would like to send my sincerest condolences and love to Ginny and all the family. I will see you again soon dear friend.
RIP dear Marc xx
Phil and Nancy Mundy
May 11, 2024
Condolences from our family to yours. Marc made us feel welcome as new residents of South Berwick and its historic district three years ago. He was a font of knowledge about the neighborhood and the town. His kindness will not be forgotten.
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