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Mark Vesligaj Obituary

Old Saybrook - Sunday, March 28, 2021, Mark Vesligaj, loving husband, and devoted professor passed away unexpectedly at age 50, in Old Saybrook. He was born March 22, 1971, and was reared in Brighton Beach, N.Y.

Mark was a Fulbright Scholar and Professor of Engineering Science and Technology Studies at Three Rivers Community College since 2016. At the College, he also served as the Campus Director for the Connecticut Advanced Manufacturing Council, the Program Coordinator of the CT College of Technology, and the Campus Director of the NASA CT Space Grant Consortium. Prior to that, he held a similar position at Quinebaug Valley Community College after ten years working as an engineer in the private sector. Vesligaj is the holder of four patents; has been the recipient of over $7,000,000 in grants and funding awards to support his higher education work; and has been twice recognized with the Connecticut Congress Merit Award. He was a fierce advocate for, and an integral part of, the Eastern CT Manufacturing Pipeline Initiative (MPI), and a great friend of Eastern Advanced Manufacturing Alliance (EAMA). In 2019 he was accepted to the Harvard Graduate School of Education and declined in order to bring the Manufacturing Apprenticeship Center (The MAC) in Groton, to fruition. He holds a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University and a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from North Carolina State University.

As accomplished as Mark was in his work, his grounded spirit and appreciation of the world around him matched his intellect, rounding out the person we all knew and loved. Mark (more fondly known as Markus) had a passion for helping animals and observing nature. Markus was a gentle person filled with empathy for all living things. He hiked regularly and provided personal nicknames for each beautiful trail, unique rock, and precious sunset. A sunny game of frisbee-golf was his number one reason for playing hooky. He also loved drawing, and he combined his favorite hobbies with the help of his wife, Jenny, to create original art known as "freak-notes" by JaM (Jenny and Markus). He was also an avid music lover and collector of Grateful Dead memorabilia, which his car, Jelly Bean, displayed proudly. He was known for his quick wit, contagious laugh and his kind, compassionate spirit; a treasured friend who made everyone feel special in their own way.

Markus is survived by his wife Jennifer Reilly; his parents, Zeljko and Martha Vesligaj; and his sisters, Veronica and Brenda Vesligaj. He leaves behind an enormous amount of family and friends around the world who cherished his authenticity, especially those in his ACOA circle.

A funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m. April 16, at St. John's Church in Old Saybrook, followed by a private garden party hosted graciously by Hart House Public Heritage Gardens for family and close friends (Covid Restrictions). In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Hart House at 350 Main Street, Post Office 4, Old Saybrook, CT 06475.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Day on Apr. 13, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
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Grace Carlos

April 30, 2021

Professor Veligaj was an awesome person! If it wasn't for him I would not be graduating this year. Even when I wasn't in his class anymore he still supported me and assisted me with many things. I am going to miss seeing his smile in the halls and chatting with him. He was such a beautiful person.

Margaret Morgano

April 25, 2021

Mark was the sweetest person I ever met.
Always happy , positive and just a lot of fun.
Jenny so sorry for your loss.
Mark keep Michael company!!❤
RIP!❤

Tim

April 22, 2021

I met Mark a few years ago, and he was a fantastic guy. He was positive, very intelligent, and unpretentious. He always made me feel like the most important person in the room. He was generous and empathetic, and a real blessing to be around. He was taken from us too soon, and sorely missed by everyone who knew him.
To Mark: I love you, and may God grant you peace and a place with the righteous. I miss you, but I’m thankful for our times together.

Donna Sohan

April 20, 2021

His kind heart, positive outlook, and wonderful laugh are the first things that come to mind when I think of Mark. And, of course, his great love for Jen, the animals they have saved (including my beloved Blackie), and his tireless efforts to help students achieve their goals. I haven't seen him since our QVCC days, but always felt fortunate to call him a friend.

Manny & Kathy Souza

April 20, 2021

Jenny we are so sorry to hear about Marcus. You were such great neighbors. Remembering your positive attitude and zest for life. We will get in touch with you and hope to see you soon.

Scott DeShong

April 20, 2021

Mark was a wonderful colleague of ours at Quinebaug Valley Community College. He worked tirelessly on behalf of his students, those who struggled to understand the material and those who excelled and had the ambition to go on to greater things. Everyone he knew will miss him deeply.

Kevin Anderson

April 19, 2021

I am very sorry to hear this. I worked with Mark at Quinebaug Valley Community College. Mark always had that easy going attitude and ready smile. He was very well liked by both staff and students at QVCC. He will be missed by all.

Toni Moumouris

April 19, 2021

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always. May Mark's memory be eternal✝✝

Tihana

April 17, 2021

Na Mark,dragi neak,voljeni brati nikada nee biti zaboravljen.Ostavio nas je u tuzi,neoekivano otiao,vjerujemo u bolji svijet u kome e nai ono to nije ovdje na zemlji.Dragi na neprealjeni Mark,ovo nije ZBOGOM,dok ivimo ivjet e i Ti.Vole Te Tvoja teta Gordana,Vlado,sestrine Vlatka, Tihana,Tea i Robi.

Lisa Pauley

April 15, 2021

Mark Vesli "good guy", an inspiring teacher who brought out the best in me. He quietly lead by example making everything he touched better. Thank you for your patience, honor, integrity, commitment which reminded me it only takes one person to make a profound difference.

Steve Sanson

April 15, 2021

Markus, you will be missed by many... Your memories will live through everyone who loves and adore you. Rest in peace, my friend...

Gerry Lane

April 14, 2021

A true Gentleman and fun to work with.

Tenzin Choedhar

April 14, 2021

Markus, I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything. You are truly an amazing human being and a great friend. I cannot believe that you are gone and the world doesn’t believe that. You are a great role model and words cannot explain how much you mean to this world. Thank you Markus for everything. Rest In Peace, I am forever grateful for your presence.

Jim and Jane Reilly

April 14, 2021

Such a beautiful soul. We loved him so much and will miss him greatly.

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Apr

16

Funeral Mass

10:00 a.m.

St. John's Church

Old Saybrook, CT

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