Mark S. Bourdeau, 72, of Auburn, MA, passed away on Sunday, October 22, 2023, with the love of his life and partner of 31 years, Germaine Fernandes, by his side.

Mark was born in Worcester, MA, the son of Aurele and Ruth (DeCaro) Bourdeau, and grew up on Grafton Hill, in a close-knit community that included several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He is already missed by his son, Mark, of Worcester; daughter, Nicole D’Ambra (Lindsay) of Lincoln, RI; five grandchildren, Madelyn and Andrew Bourdeau; Matthew, Benjamin, and Nicholas Cormier; brother, Paul (Patricia) of Webster, MA; sisters, Mary Sprino (Michael) of Millbury, MA and Susan Auger of Chepachet, RI; several nephews and nieces; and close friend, Teresa Tronerud. He was predeceased by his parents and brother, David.

Mark graduated from Sacred Heart Academy and joined the Army National Guard, spending nine years as a Communications Specialist in the Combat Support Company, 1st Battalion/181st Infantry. He worked for both State Mutual Life and People’s Bank prior to a 22-year career with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as Recreation Supervisor and Director of Treatment. Unable to sit still in retirement, he became a groundskeeper at Green Hill Golf Course in Worcester.

Speaking of unable to sit still, Mark was fondly recognized as “Coach” around Worcester County, having coached youth baseball and softball for 46 years. A proud Yankees fan, he nevertheless hosted trips to Fenway Park for the kids in his life that rooted for the “other team.”  He was a competitive bowler and social golfer. He embraced a passion for acting in his 60’s and made a name for himself at the Stageloft Theater in Sturbridge, MA. Generations of Bourdeaus, Cormiers, Fullens, Simones and Creamers will remember him as Santa Claus, easily his most beloved role.

Calling hours at MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME, 370 Plantation St, Worcester will be held on Thursday, October 26th from 4-8 pm. His funeral Mass will be held on Friday, October 27th at 11:00 am in at St. Ann’s Church, 654 Main St., North Oxford, MA, where Mark served as a lector, and produced the Christmas pageant for many years. Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Mark’s Memory to Mass General Hospital in support of the Transplant Fund, which was always a source of hope and Strength for Mark.  Gifts in memory of Mark may be made to Massachusetts General Hospital online at https://giving.massgeneral.org/donate or mailed to the MGH Development Office, attention: Lily Guttentag, 125 Nashua Street, Suite 540, Boston, MA 02114. Checks may be made payable to Massachusetts General Hospital.