Mark D. Willard

Brookfield, MA - Mark D Willard, 69, of Brookfield, MA, passed away peacefully on May 23, 2025, returning to the loving arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

He was born in Worcester, MA on December 19, 1955; the son of Donald L Willard Sr. and Ruth (Carlson) Willard. He is pre-deceased by his former wife, Linda Leake, and survived by his two children, Jason and Jennifer Willard. Mark is now watching over his youngest brother and sister-in-law, Eric and Carol Willard of Fiskdale, as he rests with his 4 pre-deceased brothers: Dana, Glenn, Donald Jr, and Gary Willard. Mark extended family reached long and wide who he faithfully stayed in touch with throughout his life, including many nieces and nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles, as well as childhood family friends across the country. Mark’s family meant everything to him.

He was a 25-year resident of Nanatomqua Mobile Park in Brookfield where he cherished the dear friendships of so many generous and kind neighbors who always watched over him to make sure he was well looked after and cared for. Whether it was his delivering Christmas cards, mowing the park lawn, fishing on Quaboag River, or seeing him on his daily walks; being part of the Nanatomqua community was an enormous part of what Mark considered his family, and it allowed him to thrive.

Mark’s deep familial ties extended to his fellow believers of Holland Church where he was a 20yr member. Whether it was haircuts from Margo Gilardi-Wood, to playful banter with Bill Hardy, riding with Mr. Hussey to attend Men’s Bible Study with Tyler Hutton and others, or the many visits and constant check-ins from Mark Murphy, Jon Stevens, and the entire body of church members - Mark always knew and felt very loved to be a cherished Child and Friend of God.

Mark was not only a lifelong New England Sports fan, not many know he was the 2nd leading scorer on Auburn High School’s 1973 State Champion Hockey team and affectionately nicknamed “Rowdie” for his passion of chasing both puck and competitor into every corner in hot pursuit of his next goal. He was an avid fisherman who enjoyed the simple pleasures of quiet time sitting in the sun. Mark loved all kinds of music and listening to the radio. It was a given every year from Thanksgiving to the New Year, he’d be listening to Christmas songs every day, all day long.

In lieu of flowers, Mark would be honored if people consider keeping him in your continued prayers, as well as our country’s soldiers and all God’s little children who were always a constant in his heart and mind.

Arrangements are private and under the care of Belanger-Bullard Funeral Home, located at 51 Marcy St., Southbridge.

Celebration of Life for Mark at the Holland Church will be announced shortly. 

An online guestbook and video tribute is available at www.BelangerFuneralHome.com.