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Mark Portelance Obituary
Born April 15, 1958, in Norwich, Mark graduated from N.F.A., where he was active in gymnastics, swimming and diving, and where he forged many friendships with classmates and teammates. During the summers, Mark could be found waterskiing off the shores of Point 'O Woods Beach, breathing in the ocean air, and meditating. His love for the ocean eventually led him to settle in Niantic.
Mark was a kind soul, giving what he could to those in need. Having obtained a degree in psychology from Southern Connecticut State College, he worked to help those struggling with mental illness.
Mark leaves behind a son, Troy Portelance; two grandchildren, Scarlett and Briggs; and three sisters, Diane Portelance, Lois Spielman and Sally Albertson; as well as several nieces and nephews. We will fondly remember his warm smile, laugh and beautiful soul.
May he rest in peace.
A private family service will be held at a later date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mark Portelance
Eryne Howard
February 6, 2025
I used to work with Diane and Lois at FINAST in Niantic. This is how I eventually got to know of Mark. Such a nice guy as were his sisters. I´m so sorry to hear of Mark´s passing. Condolences to the family. I will keep you all in my prayers.
Sandra Bosko
February 2, 2025
Diane, my heartfelt condolences go out to you and your family at this difficult time.
Mary given
February 1, 2025
Mark was a great person very thoughtful to a lot of people he cared about. He´s gonna be well missed special to me. I´ll never will forget. Mark opened my heart every day. God bless the family.
Nancy Gartley
January 31, 2025
Dear Lois, Diane and all the family: I am so very saddened to hear of Mark's sudden passing and I'm thinking of you all. I was always remember the long conversations on psychology we would have, working together at the Chopping Block Restaurant and how much he loved you all. Wishing you peace and light during these dark days and hope happy memories replace dim some of your sadness. Love, Nancy
Sheila Ring
January 30, 2025
I had the good fortune of working with Mark many years ago while we both worked for the department of mental health and what a sense of humor he had. If you didn´t listen closely you´d miss his funny remarks he was so quick witted, which I truly appreciated. His looks, charm and personality always shined through. Sally and Diane I am so
sorry to hear of his unexpected passing and my heartfelt condolences to you and your entire family. May the memories of Mark give you comfort in the days and weeks to come.
Debbie and James Rutigliano
January 30, 2025
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Cousin rob
January 30, 2025
My cousin marc i love u very much i miss you talking to you calling u and seeing u visiting aunt rose was great u are were the best cousin i love u very much i will see you again love always and forever cousin rob and denise xox
Lori Edgecomb
January 30, 2025
I worked with Mark in the Connecticut mental health system. He was an excellent coworker and his patients always look forward to him coming to work, as did I. I really enjoyed his company and his perspective on the world. He helped me adjust to a difficult situation. Rest in peace Mark.
Kerry Sullivan
January 30, 2025
I was saddened to read about Mark's passing. I first knew him when he lifeguarded at Pleasure Beach. We had a lot of good memories. Mark would surprise me every now and then and stop in at the Recreation office in Waterford and we would go to lunch and reminisce. It has been years since we had seen each other. My deepest sympathies to his sisters, I know you all meant so much to him.
Lois Spielman
January 29, 2025
Mark was my 1 yr, 8 month older brother as he often told me:). I would love playing with matchbox cars with his friends and he would often be heard calling out, "Mom, Please tell Lois to get in the house now and stop bothering my friends and I." I looked up to him. He was a great slalom water skier who loved jumping the tow boat's wake and tried to teach me how to get up on one ski, which I never mastered, but I could get up on two skis and drop one. He was very patient with me. Mark had me announce all of the dances and breakfasts over the high school's PA system as he knew that I was very shy and made sure that I overcame that. We enjoyed working together at the Chopping Block and dancing to Rock Lobster. I will miss his laugh and kind soul. He is resting now and at peace with his family members in heaven. Love and miss you, Lois
Paula surprenant fontana
January 29, 2025
I knew Mark as our lifeguard at Pleasure Beach in Waterford. He was an excellent gymnast and took the time to help me become a better gymnast too. I was just a kid but he was generous with his talents. So very sorry to hear of his unexpected passing. He was a kind soul and sweet person.
Doreen Arnold
January 29, 2025
So sorry to hear of Mark's passing. Met him on the beach years ago. Used to come dinner party's @ my house. May he RIP
Sally
January 29, 2025
1962 Mark with his 3 sisters, whom he fondly referred to as "the girls"
Lisa moreira & jordin
January 29, 2025
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Dave Fairman
January 29, 2025
Rest in Peace
High School!
January 28, 2025
Diana Rebman Lookabaugh
January 28, 2025
Found some photos of Mark and I during college.
Diane Portelance
January 28, 2025
I am Mark's sister Diane. The family was devastated by the sudden death of Mark.
He died peacefully and he passed in his comfort place which was the Morton House in Niantic. He was kind and would give people rides to doctor appointments when needed. He was a great swimmer and diver
and love to waterski at an early age. He attended NFA and had a degree in psychology from Southern CT where he earning a degree in psychology.
Diana Rebman Lookabaugh
January 27, 2025
This makes me so sad to hear. Mark and I were good friends from the YMCA, high school and college. We taught swimming, diving and volunteered for many activities at the Y. We also did gymnastics together there and were both divers on the high school swim team our junior year. We both went to the same college and continued doing gymnastics there as well as elected freshman class officers. We continued to be friends throughout college. After college I lost contact with him. He was a good friend, fun to hang with and an all around kind person. Condolences to his family and pray the Lord comforts his family and give them peace in their loss. I'm sure he will be missed by all his family and friends.
Deb Banas Jones
January 27, 2025
I remember Mark from very early school days and bus stops. We rode the same bus and went to all the same schools. He was always so kind and had a warm smile. I'm sad to hear of his passing. My prayers for peace and comfort are offered for his family and friends.
Marlene Peer
January 27, 2025
I am deeply saddened to hear of Mark´s passing. A beacon of light in my life. At a young age, I had the pleasure of being the family´s babysitter. Mark would often stop by and visit with his Aunt Rose. She was always glad to see him as Mark was a great conversationalist. With heartfelt condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Cousin Marlene
D.j. Albertson
January 27, 2025
Mark called me his brother the first time I met him and many times after marrying his sister. Very smart and interesting and insightful man. Great smile and sense of humor. I will miss him.
Heather Ziemba
January 26, 2025
I remember Mark as Diane's younger good looking little brother. My sister Judy was in his class and I wanted to get them interested in each other as he was so nice. How fun would that be to have my sister end up with one of my best friends. I am so sorry to hear this sad sad news. Knowing you are in loving hands, Mark. Deep condolences to Diane and the family
Sally
January 26, 2025
Thank you for teaching me how to ride a bike, spell the word esophagus in 4th grade, getting us safely to Rocky Neck on a flimsy raft during crazy waves, for the many hysterical laughing fits we shared, the list goes on forever...
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