Mark Hennessy

Mark Hennessy, 67 of Cummaquid, MA passed away peacefully at home on May 6, 2022, after a courageous battle with Multiple Myeloma. Mark was born on October 6, 1954 to Mildred and Robert Hennessy.
Mark began his education at St. Joan of Arc in Orleans, and went on to be a 1972 graduate of Dennis-Yarmouth Regional High School. He was captain of the soccer team and an incredible athlete on the Cape Cod All Star Soccer Team. His love for the game continued as an adult, becoming a referee, under the tutelage of his beloved mentor Richard Maxwell, for Cape Cod S.O.A. and a Hall of Fame referee for the Massachusetts Interscholastic Soccer Official's Association.
Mark honed his athletic skills early playing baseball and basketball with his brothers where there was a court underneath the family restaurant, Hennessy's Steakhouse in Dennisport.
In addition to soccer, Mark was an avid golfer. Mark could be found at his favorite courses with his golf buddies, who he considered to be his family on the links. "H," also known as the "Great One," walked the many fairways of Naples and Cape Cod, including his home course, Bayberry Hills Golf Course..
Mark's athleticism did not stop there. He loved his weekend ritual of lacing up his basketball shoes and battling others half his age, teaching them the art of the pick and roll. Mark was the number one defender on Shankman's court.
Early on, Mark was influenced by the jazz musicians that played at Hennessy's Steakhouse. Mark had an innate rhythm and love for music which he developed at a young age. He first picked up the guitar at age 9 and just went with it.
Mark went on to build a career on Cape Cod doing what he loved, playing music for his many fans. In the early days, Mark's original bands were The Hennessy Brothers, with brother Bobby, Hen House, Tequila Mockingbird, before forming the famous Cape Cod Slackers. Whichever the band, Mark spent his life doing what he loved, he started at Teen Town and Sub n Pub, in West Dennis. He went on, playing gigs at clubs of yore, such as The Windjammer, Steamers, Starbucks, The Mooring and The Irish Pub, in addition to his most recent haunts like Chapins', Ocean House Beach Bar, The Lost Dog and of course, The Woodshed. Mark also had the honor to play countless weddings, benefits and celebrations, and despite his humble demeanor, touched everyone who had the honor of hearing him play. The world was Mark's stage.
Mark spent decades playing with musicians locally, in Florida, Vermont and the Caribbean. He is best remembered for his collaboration, The Cape Cod Slackers with his longtime musical partner Jeffrey "Hollywood" Hayward. His music was dynamic and his iconic smile lit up every room.
Mark enjoyed traveling, with his guitar never far out of reach. In the early 90's Mark traveled to St Croix to play The Lost Dog with Jack Leydon. He also drove south to Florida to visit his brother Michael and play in Naples, Fort Myers and Isles of Capri, where many friends would gather to hear him play. He would make a pit stop in Hilton Head Island, SC for a Sol, a burrito and a round of golf with longtime friends. For years, Mark traveled north to play Killington and Mount Snow as well as rocking Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket for Figawi. Additionally, Mark had two very special places in the Caribbean, Nevis and Grand Cayman which he shared annually with his love Amy Carroll, her family and their island friends.
Mark could often be found zipping down 6A on his motorcycle, heading toward Millway Beach for a solitary swim or a stroll in the sand.
Family was extremely important to Mark, his daughter Briana, "Breezi", whom he could not be more proud of, was the apple of his eye. Breezi's mother, Deb Tripp and Mark have shared a unique friendship for over 50 years and spent many days being her cheerleaders from the gymnastics mat to Nashville. Breezi and her Dad shared a love of mini golf and would spend many weekends at Storyland or Pirate's Cove followed by a sandwich at The Mercantile and a blueberry sundae at Sundae School Ice Cream Parlor.
He also enjoyed sharing time with his siblings, whether it was discussing music with Bobby and Michael, sharing a fried clam plate with his late brother Willie, or taking a long walk with sister Ann.
Mark met his partner in life, Amy Caroll, at Starbucks Restaurant in 1997. Their connection and love of music bonded them instantly, and both of their lives were forever changed. Mark and Amy enjoyed spending time together, enjoying walks along the beaches of the globe, tending to the garden, listening to music, discussing love and dreams and mostly supporting each other with a mutual respect for their passions and careers. Their lives changed one ordinary day in 2018, when Multiple Myeloma entered their life. Amy graciously, without question, accepted the emotionally difficult task of courageously caring for her best friend and partner in life until the very end. The love Amy and Mark shared made their house a home. "To the world you may be one person; but to one person you may be the world."-DS
If you were a friend of Mark, he considered you family. Mark was a humble, kind and honest soul, who exemplified the idea of friendship. Mark would do anything for anyone with a huge smile and a "don't worry about it." His dear friends, who are simply too many to list, will hold beautiful memories of Mark. Some will remember swimming in the Herring River, beach trips to Nauset and Sandy Neck, Celtics games, breakfast dates, long walks, knocking back a Corona, trips to Ogunquit and Martha's Vineyard or having a Sundae School treat.
Mark is survived by his beloved daughter, Briana Tripp and her mother Deb Tripp. Mark also leaves behind the love of his life of 24 years, Amy Carroll. In addition, he leaves his siblings; Michael Hennessy (Nancy Ward), Ann Hennessy, Bob Hennessy (Marie), he is preceded by his brother William as well as a legacy of family, friends and fans.
Mark will be missed by his kitties, but surely will be greeted by Kai and Alice.
The family would like to send a special, heartfelt, thank you to the amazing team at Dana Farber Cancer Institute, led by the remarkable Dr.Omar Nadeem, of Hematologic Oncology.
Additionally, the family would like to send overwhelming gratitude to the unbelievable efforts and support from the Davenport Mugar Cancer Center team.
Please raise a glass to the eternal coolest guy in the room.
Mark will be remembered on May 24th, visitation 1-4pm followed by a short service at Chapman Funerals & Cremations, Harwich Center, MA.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mark's name to:
Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Hematologic Cancers/Multiple Myeloma DONATE TO DANA FARBER
Cape Cod Healthcare Foundation/Cape Cod Hospital (support.givetocapecodhealth.org/donate) DONATE TO CAPE COD HEALTH
Or to ArtWestfallFoundation DONATE TO ART WESTFALL FOUNDATION FOR LIVESTREAM CLICK HERE