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Mark Drinan Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Mark Drinan
Tip Lydon
November 1, 2010
Mark is an old friend. It brings to my mind, that movie "Stand by Me". I knew Mark as a young 12 year old growing up in Norwood. We would sleep out in his backyard on Arnold Rd. and sneak off into the wee hours with the other neighborhood kids exploring this and that. I've missed Mark over the years and regret that we never connected again. Life has a way of doing that. Rest in Peace. Your Friend.
October 29, 2010
I will always remenber the good times Mark and I had as kids. He surely will be missed.
Barry Shannon
October 28, 2010
I am so sorry to hear of you loss. No doubt Mark will be missed by those that loved and cherished him. As the days and weeks go by may you draw comfort in the God of peace.
L. Wiggins, (Maryland)
Neal McQueeney
October 28, 2010
All our thoughts and prayers for you and your family during this difficult time.
The McQueeneys
Proud Danny's Winners - Mark Drinan and Bill Griffin 2000
Gail Jamrok
October 27, 2010
Gail Jamrok
October 27, 2010
I met Mark in 2001 through our mutual friend and proprietor of Dandom.com, Hoops McKay, and we became fast friends because of our shared passions, Steely Dan and fantasy football. Although he lived in Boston and I live in Houston, whenever we got together, it was a joyous occasion. I even tried to talk him into coming to Houston for the Super Bowl in 2004 to watch his beloved Pats play! He was very considerate as he told me he couldn't. He had promised to watch with his group of friends that he watched football with on a regular basis and he didn't want to let them down. That was Mark--so truly kind and genuine and unselfish, as so many people have recognized.
To say that Mark was a legend in the Steely Dan community is a gross understatement. Everyone from far and wide came to Boston when a concert was held there and we always looked forward to his welcoming smile and his hospitality. And even if we couldn't come, we always wanted the t-shirt that was produced for it because Mark put his heart and soul into making sure everything was first rate. I was lucky enough to be in Boston for the shows in 2007. It was the last time he and his partner in crime, Bill Griffin, were together for a Steely Dan show, as we all mourned Bill's unexpected death several months later.
Yet, even after having said all this, I still feel that no words are adequate to describe the man that Mark was to so many people. My life is much richer for having known him and I will miss him so very much.
"After silence, that which comes nearest to expessing the inexpressible is music." Aldous Huxley
Beth McGrady
October 27, 2010
Mark was one of the kindest people I worked with Liberty. He had a great sense of humor and never had a bad thing to say about anyone. He always was willing to help others without being asked. Mark adored his daughters and talked about them often. He proudly displayed their pictures and items they had made for him on his desk. We will all miss him. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Jean King, RN
October 27, 2010
I was priviledged to have met Mark after his knee surgery in September, as one of his Visiting nurses. I came, very quickly, to know that he had had a very difficult life, but not one complaint or bemoaning of the facts over the course of a 2 hour meeting. He absolutely glowed when telling me about his beautiful daughters and the times he spent with them. I was with him the day he returned to Brigham not feeling well at all, and even that day, while we waited for the private ambulance to arrive to avoid a trip to CNH, he was most concerned about others.- His beloved niece Johanna, his friend John, if he was inconveniencing the local EMT's who were unable to make the long trip to Boston, and myself as he did not want to keep me waiting, even as I reassured him that that I would not leave him. I waited with him as he gathered his things and tried to put some things in order in his home. Selfless hardly describes his approach.
Girls, your father adored you, and loved you very much. Johanna, he spoke so lovingly of you. He was also concerned about the fantasy football league he was so passionate about- most concerned that he would be unable, in the hospital, to keep up with it for the members. Mark, may you rest in peace and rest knowing that you appear to have touched many , many people in your short life. Blessings to your family during this very difficult time .
Grace Paltrineri
October 26, 2010
I worked with Mark at Liberty for a few years. He sat in the cube next to me. I will always remember how he loved to talk about his two daughters and how great and beautiful they are. What a great guy. He will be missed.
Eric Gravlin
October 26, 2010
I met Mark when I was hired at Neworld Bank in 1989, my first job out of college. He quickly became a mentor and friend. Mark also introduced me to Fantasy Football that year and sparked my interest in Steely Dan. Mark was a great friend, had a hilarious sense of humor, and will be sorely missed.
Jack Tolman
October 26, 2010
I first met Mark in the 70's because he was friends with my older brother Bobby. When I became interested in music Mark gave me all his Circus and Creem magazines (after he cut out the Steely Dan articles!) and even let me tag along and watch him dj during his Boston College radio show. Mark had a hall of fame knowledge about music but never bragged about it. Reading about music, listening to music and going out to shows is what made him happy. I will miss our long conversations and I will miss his funny laugh. He was without a doubt the number one Steely Dan fan and listening to them will never be the same.
Kevin Kinch
October 26, 2010
Mark's smile touched so many people, I am so thankful to have been among them. May the comfort of God help you during this difficult time.
Jack Tolman
October 26, 2010
I first met Mark in the 70's when he hung around with my older brother Bobby. When I became interested in music Mark gave me all his old Circus and Creem magazines (after he cut out the Steely Dan articles!) and even let tag along and watch him dj during his radio show on the Boston College station. Mark had a hall of fame knowledge about music but never bragged about it. Listening to music, reading about music and going out to shows is what made him happy. I will miss our long conversations and I will miss his funny laugh. He was without a doubt the number one Steely Dan fan and listening to the Dan will never be the same.
Olimpia Carmone
October 26, 2010
I will always remember Mark with warmth in my heart.
Rose Torello
October 26, 2010
Mark had a truely great sense of humor...I worked with him for several years at Liberty. My heart goes out to his children and family.
Cindy Trainor
October 26, 2010
I was so very sorry to hear of Mark's passing. He was a very kind man, and a wonderful person to work with. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. May he rest in peace.
Sandra Frongillo
October 26, 2010
I met Mark when he came to work at Liberty Mutual. I remember him talking lovingly about his daughters which meant the world to him and his movie script he was always working on. World lost a truly great, loving man. RIP Mark!!!
Elizabeth Pierce
October 26, 2010
My heart goes out to Laura and Megan. Please take care of yourselves.
Paul Malette
October 26, 2010
I met Mark over 40 years ago in 1966 - when we both moved to Norwood. I lived the next block over and his dad used to drive us to St. Catherine's School in the morning. Then he would drive our brothers (both Mikes)- who were still attending Catholic Memorial in West Roxbury. At the time Mark was in 3rd grade and I was in the 2nd.
We were both originally Boston kids. Mark was from Hyde Park and I was from West Roxbury.
Since we both knew each other for over 2 generations - he was definitely my oldest friend. One of my favorite memories was during summers after high school playing "hearts" at Mark's parent's house with my other friend Bobby Tolman. We used to play until 5 in the morning sometimes and it was a lot of fun.
God bless you Mark! You definitely went through a lot physically. You were a great friend and a wonderful generous man!! You will always be in my heart and thoughts!!!
October 26, 2010
A great friend,a great fan,I will miss our conversations,thanks for so many great memories,you will live on in so many peoples lives,until we meet again........ Paul Mahoney
Kevin Johnson
October 25, 2010
I met Mark more than 20 years ago and almost instantly I was taken by his warm nature. He was kind when he had every right to be upset and always greeted you with a smile. Every year I made it to Boston from Georgia for the draft and I always looked forward to Mark's warm smile. His ingenious humor kept you smiling almost looking forward to the next thing that either came out his mouth or if you were lucky enough to catch his early fantasy league writings.
Mark will be missed for the great person he was and the legacy of friends that seek to honor him.
We all loved you Mark....
October 25, 2010
Mark you will be truly missed by our family You were the best!!!!!!!!! You will be KING OF FANTASY UP THERE TED ( SR ) and Jean Carmone
October 25, 2010
One of nicest people ( and biggest Steely Dan fans) that I've ever known. Till we meet again.....RIP
Pete Fogel
October 25, 2010
A pleasure to have known you Mark Alan H Willis Onset , Mass
Denise LeBlanc
October 25, 2010
Such a fine person, such an immeasurable loss.
Ted Carmone
October 25, 2010
Sundays won't be the same without you. I'll keep you in my thoughts and Prayers
Ted Jr.(Butchies)
Al Pechulis
October 25, 2010
I don't know where to begin. There is a story I tell people about Mark. About 15 years ago, Mark lost his brother Mike, father, sister Cathy, and mother all within 2 years time. While attending his mother's wake, I told Mark that we had to stop meeting this way! We were standing in front of his mother's coffin, when Mark told me that his company, ASA, was looking for a guy with my skills. He then brought over his boss and his boss's boss to introduce me and I ended up getting a job at ASA and working side by side with Mark. He was the most selfless man I have ever known, a wonderful father, and a true friend. I am a better person for knowing Mark Drinan. I love you, man!
David Jones
October 25, 2010
I had just re-connected with Mark through face book and was looking forwatd to meeting with him and Al Pechulis. My heart and prayers go out to his Family. David Jones
Colin Reilly
October 25, 2010
You will be sorely missed. A true gentleman, on every occasion that we met, with never a bad word to say about anyone. Rest in peace my friend.
Kevin Drinan
October 25, 2010
My heart is heavy and I cannot imagine what life will be like without my uncle Mark in it. He was truly a special person -- an inspiration to me and to my family, and will never be forgotten by the many people who loved him.
Fionna Kazanow
October 25, 2010
We will miss you very much Mark. Boston Rag will now have a very different meaning for me. Be sure to have a great Danfest with Bill and Raj and say hello.
Fionna (Fife) Kazanow
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