Mark Francis Heinlein of Sandwich, MA, passed away on September 14, 2026 at his home after a long battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). He was born to the late Chester and Dorothy (Walker) Heinlein in Natick, MA on January 21, 1959.
Mark grew up in Dover, MA, attended Dover Sherborn High School, and obtained a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and his Master of Science in Theoretical and Applied Mechanics from Cornell University. After joining the workforce, Mark decided instead to pursue a career in botany before moving to Cape Cod, where he met his late wife of 26 years, Susan Heinlein.
Mark worked for many landscaping services as well as having a decades-long career with Mahoney's Home and Garden Center in Falmouth. Mark also served for a time as president of the Cape Cod Bonsai Club. In his spare time, he enjoyed traveling with his family, walking on the beach, watching Georgia football, drinking a cold beer, and mixing cocktails for friends in his "pub."
Mark is survived by his two daughters, Molly and Emma (Mei); and his brothers, David and Alan Heinlein, of Dover, MA.
Visiting hours will be held on October 3rd from 11am-2pm at Nickerson-Bourne Funeral Home, 154 RT. 6A, Sandwich, MA. A "Happy Hour in the Pub," or celebration of life will be held afterwards at the family home from 2pm-5pm. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Mark’s name to Compassionate Care ALS, a non-profit based out of Falmouth, MA that provided Mark with support and numerous services after his diagnosis. Visit ccals.org for more information.
