Mark N. Hallquist

Mark N. Hallquist, 43, of East Hartford, passed away suddenly on Saturday, (December 8, 2012) at Salmon River State Forest in Marlborough. Mark was doing what he loved, hunting deer with his best friends, who heroically tried to save his life. His last words entering the woods, was a joke with laughter and his famous ""Mark smile"" on his face. Mark was born on March 17, 1969 in Hartford, a son of Elizabeth ""Betty"" J. (Hill) Hallquist of East Hartford and the late Donald E. Hallquist, Sr. Mark was a life-long resident of East Hartford and a graduate of East Hartford High School, Class of 1987. Mark was an auto mechanic for many years and had been employed by AMR Ambulance Company, West Hartford for over the past 18 years as one of their mechanics. Mark was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing with his buddies. He loved his MOPAR vehicles, especially his Plymouth Barracuda. He also enjoyed his Sunday afternoons and evenings watching football and barbequing with his friends. Living at home with his mother, Mark especially enjoyed his mornings with a cup of coffee with her as they both worked on solving ""SODUKO"" and other word puzzles. Besides his father, Mark was predeceased by a brother, Douglas W. Hallquist of East Hartford. Along with his beloved mother, Betty, Mark is survived by two brothers, Donald E. Hallquist, Jr. and his wife, Marie, of East Hartford, Scott D. Hallquist and Kerin of Enfield; and his twin sister, Linda J. Libardi and her husband, Robert, of Glastonbury. He also leaves two aunts, Virginia Bedat of Stratford, Louise Hill of New Britain; several special nieces and nephews, Amanda ""Mandy"", Jessica, Matthew, Solange, Zack, Mariah, James ""Jimbo""; and many dear close friends.

A memorial service celebrating Mark's life will be Friday (December 14th) at 4 p.m. at South Congregational Church, 1301 Forbes Street, East Hartford with Rev. Al Turner officiating. Private burial will be held at the convenience of the family. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Mark's name may be made to the South Congregational Church, 1301 Forbes Street, East Hartford, CT 06118. The D'Esopo-East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford has been entrusted with the care of the funeral arrangements. For any on-line expressions of sympathy to the family please visit www.desopo.com. Mark's family wants everyone to know that Mark smiled to the very end.