Mark R. Poklemba

1960 - 2021

Mark Robert Poklemba, brilliant scholar and dramaturge, after bravely battling cancer, died at the age of 60 on February 20, 2021. Born in Plainfield, New Jersey, Mark attended two years at South Plainfield High School before moving to Acton, Massachusetts where he graduated from Acton-Boxborough Regional High School in 1979. Without any undergraduate degree, Mark was among a limited number of specially selected students recruited and admitted by Harvard University Graduate School's The A.R.T. Institute for study in dramaturgy. Considered an inquisitive student artist, whose intelligence, talent, enthusiasm, and cultural curiosity could pioneer and lead the theater of the future, Mark's studies included being sent to Russia where he received special training by The Moscow Art Theater School. He greatly enjoyed writing and having his scholarly analytical writing published in the academic journal, Experience The A.R.T. and his critical film and music reviews published in the The Boston Phoenix. Mark graduated from Harvard University, in 2005, with a Master's of Liberal Arts, completing a double major of Dramaturgy and Literary Management. Most importantly, Mark will be lovingly remembered by his family for his thoughtful nature and esoteric approach to life. He had a contagious sense of humor, an insatiable curiosity, a desire to connect with peoples of different cultures, and an uncanny ability to transform any situation to be interesting and entertaining. He is survived by his parents, Helen and Robert Poklemba of Groton, Massachusetts, his sister Joyce Poklemba of Groton Massachusetts, his sister Debra, her husband Stephen, and their three children Paige, Brooke, and Axel of Littleton Massachusetts, and his fiance Shoko Kanamori of Cambridge, Massachusetts. Mark loved spending time at the Boston Athletic Club and would want us to thank Carla, Josh and all who worked there for their generous support, especially during his difficult days. Special thanks to Father Michael Harrington for his attendance at Mark's bedside, and to Michael Lemere and John Dagdigian for their unique friendships that made Mark's life rich and full from beginning to end. A private Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, February 25, 11AM at Saint Catherine Church in Westford, Massachusetts. Donations in Mark's memory can be made to Colon Cancer Coalition at https://colon cancercoalition.org/. Arrangements under the care of Badger Funeral Home, A Life Celebration Home, Groton. To share a memory or offer a condolence visit: www.badgerfuneral.com.