Mark D Gregory, 71
The family of Mark Douglas Gregory is deeply saddened to share the news of his death on Wednesday, February 11. His integrity, gentle nature, wry humor, and selfless service had a profound impact on those lucky enough to know him.
Mark was the son of Robert Gregory and Evelyn Souza Faria of South Dartmouth, Massachusetts. Born on September 29, 1954, he was the grandson of English and Portuguese immigrants and recognized his great fortune growing up safe, well fed, and secure. He cherished his hometown and a childhood with abundant friendships and neighbors who looked out for him. Mark was a high hurdler in high school and college, and valued all sports - especially hockey and baseball – for the chance to contribute to a team and for the many memorable friendships. Mark graduated from UMass Dartmouth and received his Masters degree in occupational therapy from Virginia Commonwealth University, where he met Cynthia Quirk, his wife of 25 years who died unexpectedly in 2007. Mark was honored to serve in the Air Force Medical Service as an occupational therapist and was stationed with his growing family in California, the Philippines, England, Ohio, and Andrews AFB in Maryland. After retiring from the Air Force, he worked as a pediatric occupational therapist for Prince Georges County Public Schools.
Mark’s role as a father was precious to him. He was a steady presence in the lives of his children and a dependable source of laughter and wisdom to them and his grandson.
In 2011, Mark married Barbara Trader of Annandale, VA. They never took their incredible good fortune at finding each other for granted, and enjoyed a happy and fulfilling partnership, as well as a retirement driven by shared values of social justice, gratitude, and service. Through the Literacy Council of Frederick, Mark was a tutor for adult immigrants as well as a contributing member of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Frederick and of the Mankind Project, fostering male bonds and personal accountability.
A quiet and thoughtful man, Mark was known to land a well-timed zinger or a practical joke for the joy of laughing with friends and family. He never sat still for long and loved being outside and moving - on a bike, on a hike, playing sports, or in the garden. He was a magnet for little kids, cats, and dogs who rightly sensed a playmate in him. He had a knack for spotting people who needed a little encouragement and offered it generously. Mark was moved by the mystery and majesty of nature and found both solace and awe in the woods, waters, and hills surrounding us, even as his disease progressed. He offered warmth and compassion readily and lived his “one wild and precious life” with purpose. He was well loved, contributed much, and will be deeply missed - always with a smile.
Mark and Barb are deeply grateful for the many kindnesses extended to us throughout the past three years following a diagnosis of colon cancer. We could not have experienced many joys and happy memories without you. Mark is preceded in death by his parents and his first wife, Cynthia (Quirk). He is survived by his loving wife and partner, Barb; children Ryan, Meridith, and Matthew Gregory; stepdaughter Erin Holland; grandson Oliver Gregory; and siblings Glen Gregory (Frances) of Hubbardston, Mass and Janet Raffa (Nick) of Somerset, Mass.
A celebration of Mark’s life will be held on Sunday, April 12th, 2:00 PM at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Frederick (UUCF). Gifts in memory of Mark will be gratefully received by the Literacy Council of Frederick and the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Frederick.
