There’s a big hole in our hearts and our family now that Mark has passed away. He left this world on May 3, 2020 following a period of declining health. We can only imagine the reunion he’s making with those who’ve gone before him (and how many tickets he’s sold to the concert he’s planning!)
Born in Waterbury, CT on October 11, 1954 to the late John J. and Ann Jean (Buckley) Donelan, Jr., Mark Francis Donelan was raised and educated in Manchester (by the beautiful sea.) A 1972 graduate of Manchester Jr.-Sr. High School, he went on to earn a B.A. in Business Administration at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell, spent many years in sales of plumbing and heating supplies, and until very recently was an inside sales representative for Avon Supply in Wakefield.
Mark was a proud father and grandfather, a good friend, and a cool brother. He loved family, music, sports, and – forever – the weather. He was a no-nonsense kind of guy, a gentle giant who had a killer sense of humor, was a good cook, and was a gracious host. He had a generous spirit and he always, quietly, made sure no child went without a chance to play or watch a game, have a place to sleep, or enjoy a hot meal.
Mark is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Kelly Donelan, and their children Mark Daniel and his wife, Erica Donelan of Dracut and Amy E. and her husband, Jeffrey Peabody of Danvers and his darling granddaughters Abigail and Annabel Donelan and Lydia and Natalie Peabody. He is also survived by his siblings: Mary-Jane and John Beach of Yarmouth Port; John J. Donelan, III of Middleton; Nancy and Charles Sabanty of Danvers; Susan and Daniel Burke of Malden; Gael and Robert Tarleton of Seattle, WA; and Karen Donelan and Philip Amrein of Belmont; along with aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, and cousins by-the-dozen.
A celebration of Mark’s life will be held when we can safely gather to sing and tell stories. Donations in his memory may be made to The Danvers People-to-People Food Pantry, P.O. Box 2076, Danvers, MA 01923. We would particularly like to thank the staff at North Shore Medical Center in Salem for their compassionate care during this difficult period.
