Mark McDonald

Born on June 11, 1952, in Staten Island, New York, Mark was the son of Louise and Don McDonald. Due to his father’s service in the United States Coast Guard, Mark and his family moved frequently throughout his childhood. Those experiences shaped the steady, adaptable, and independent man he would become. Mark attended high school in Ledyard, Connecticut, graduating in 1970, and later attended the University of Connecticut.

Mark built a career defined by integrity, intelligence, and an unmatched work ethic. He served as Chief Inspector for multiple Construction Management Companies, was the former owner of Artfab, a steel manufacturing business, and previously held the role of Technical Supervisor at the Yale School of Drama. Even while undergoing chemotherapy, Mark never missed a day of work, a testament to his strength, determination, and sense of responsibility.

Mark was known for being reliable, steady, and wise. He was the person people counted on, the calm presence in the storm, the problem-solver, the fixer. Mark loved building and repairing things and applying his vast knowledge to whatever task was in front of him. He was an excellent cook, a great storyteller, and famously sharp-minded, especially when it came to Jeopardy.

Mark is survived by his beloved wife, Nancy McDonald, who was the center of his world. Their partnership was one marked by love, devotion, and mutual respect. He is also survived by his children, Colleen McDonald, Lynn Bentaleb (Najib), Sean McDonald, and Patrick McDonald; his stepchildren, Nathaniel Stevens (Charlotta), Samuel Stevens, and Lucy Stevens (Lucas McGarvey); and his cherished grandchildren, Aliya McDonald, Ashlyn Brinkley, Brielle Brinkley, Rayan Bentaleb, Layla Bentaleb, Sky Oedekoven Stevens, Alice Star Oedekoven Stevens and his trusty best friend and companion, Gus, who will all miss him dearly. He also leaves behind his sisters, Pat Taylor (Edward), Allison Laming (Jim), and Nancy McDonald, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Mark will be remembered for his unwavering reliability, his love of his children and grandchildren. His presence was steady, his love was constant, and his legacy lives on through the family he so deeply cherished.

The family will hold a memorial service this spring. Details will be shared at a later date.