Master and Commander
Posts: 1005
Location: NE Florida | Subject: Sunday Obit
BALLOU ... Mark A. Ballou, 75, of Pawcatuck, CT passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of his family after a 15 year battle with ALS on Monday, September 11, 2023 at Westerly Hospital. He was the loving husband of Joyce M. (Earnshaw) Ballou. Born in Morehead City, North Carolina he was the son of the late John A. Ballou and Mary (Strickland) Ballou.
Mark was a 1966 graduate of Penney High School in East Hartford, CT and proudly served 6 years in the nuclear submarine service of the US Navy - on the USS Nautilus and the USS James K. Polk - during the Viet Nam Era. He had a long career at Millstone and Northeast Utilities and, for several years, owned The Cool Moose Liquor Store and Beach Shop in Old Lyme, CT. In 2002 he retired from Northeast Utilities and purchased Greenhaven Marina in Pawcatuck, CT where he remodeled and rebuilt the buildings and docks and completed lots of yard work with help from many great friends. He loved animals, vacationing with friends and family, gardening, hunting, Budweiser and fishing on his dream boat - his 35' Cabo. He enjoyed entertaining large crowds and was known for his smoked barbecue ribs, brisket, chicken, turkey, sausages and many other great dishes. He had a fantastic sense of humor (remember the shower sign?) and enjoyed many days of laughter and sharing his one liners and words of wisdom. Mark always chose to have a good day and had a great big smile, a wonderful laugh and a twinkle in his eyes. He loved making people laugh and accepted his diagnosis of ALS with grace and dignity. He truly enjoyed having his feet massaged every day.
Besides his wife Joyce, he leaves his children Michele Infante (Stevan) of Glastonbury, CT; Mark C. Ballou (Erin) of Mansfield Center, CT; Jenna Litwinko (Mark) of Colchester, CT and seven grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers Michael Ballou (Diane) of Hernando, FL and David Ballou (Cathy) of Ft. Wayne, IN; his sister Alicia McGrath (Richard) of Wolcott, CT and five nieces.
Known as "The Dad" to his children, he was so proud of all their accomplishments. Having them visit and talk about the memories they shared was always a time filled with moans and groans and lots of laughter.
Mark had many lifelong and new friends. Among these are his special caregivers - Lisa Carling (singing in the shower); Amelia Panciera (sharing Hershey's and Reese's) and Sharon Gregarick (totally devoted and the best foot massager) who cared for him and loved him for over ten years. They all gave so much of their love and time to help Mark have a better quality of life and he loved them all. Tabitha and Jeff Brown, Kathy and Steve Fortmuller and Paul and Barbara Sieczkowski are friends who made it possible for him to still enjoy Florida as his ALS progressed. Josh Kennedy, Bob Hutchinson, all the "marina guys" and Nannette and Jay Sawyer, who always made sure he had plenty of good meals, are just a few of the people who supported him through the many years of his illness and gave him many happy days. Mark also appreciated his sister Lisa, Gail and Walt Hastings, Judy and Pete O'Biso and Lita and Gary Shepherd who got Joyce out of the house for much needed breaks. Dr. Patwa and the ALS team at the VA in West Haven were also a source of great care and support.
All of Mark's friends are invited to a celebration of his life starting at 3:00pm on Saturday, October 7, 2023 at Greenhaven Marina in Pawcatuck. A Budweiser toast (no Bud Light, per Mark's instructions) to Mark will take place at sundown.
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Sunday Obit
