Obituary: Mark L. Gaylord, 69, Of Meriden

MERIDEN, CT — (From Meriden Memorial Funeral Home): On Saturday, October 21, 2023, our loving brother, son, and friend, Mark Gaylord unexpectedly and peacefully passed away after a brief illness, at age 69.

He was a lifelong resident of Meriden and loving son of Dolores (Schipritt) and Harris Randall of Meriden. He attended grammar school in Meriden and Wallingford, Washington Middle School and Wilcox Tech. He was a talented man of all trades- electrician, carpenter, mechanic, rugged outdoorsman, and adventurous.

There is no doubt that Mark was a special kind of guy who touched the heart of those people who were an integral part of his life.

Besides being the hardest worker you will ever know, one of Mark's greatest qualities was compassion.

Throughout his life he demonstrated the quality of having positive interactions and real concern for others in need. He was kind and helped people feel good during their bad moments. Even the kids in his neighborhood loved seeing him outside and interacting with him. Mark had a big heart and unselfishly shared his love.

His love didn't stop with people. Since he was very young, he had a special connection with Mother Nature. His love and gift with animals was a basic part of his being: ducks in Star Lake, horses, dogs, cats and all wildlife. All the family dogs, horses and pets were especially attached to their uncle Mark whenever he came to visit.

Mark had understood the meaning of life at an early age and despite any hardships that were thrown his way, he had the courage to confront them and continue on his path. He was a man of many experiences and each experience taught him something. His university was life itself.

There are no words or actions that can take the place of Mark. He had a unique soul and there is no replacement for him. He left each of us something to remember, perhaps something that we can laugh with him about, or something he has given us inside of ourselves, or a guiding light on a darkened road, or simply happiness from having him in our lives.

We will miss him more than we can ever express. He was always present and brightened our holidays and numerous parties, and he was always inquisitive Mark.

Mark was predeceased by his parents and oldest brothers John Gaylord and George Randall. He is survived by John's daughter Tracy Butcher and husband Doug; his younger sister Jacqueline Randall and son Ryan; Mary Jean Giannetti and son Nick and wife Brenna; brother Wayne Gaylord and wife Marina, and three sons Wayne, John and Christa and great niece Gianna, and Bryan and Mel; and his brother Edward Gagliola and niece Amber and great nieces Alina and Aniah. He had a great appreciation for his Schipritt family and cousins.

Mark leaves behind his lifelong friend and buddy Stephen DePaulo. Steve, his wife Lynne, family and grandchildren meant the world to Mark. We thank you so much for being so special in his life. Now Mark has found the secret of eternal life because he will live forever in everyone's hearts.

Mark, we will always be with you and you will always be with us, nothing can ever change that and we know you are where you loved the most- with Mom and Dad, and the whole nine yardzzzz.

There are no calling hours. A private memorial service is being planned for family and friends. Mark was a naturalist. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to your favorite wildlife charity, Wolf Conservation in NY, Friends of the Lakota Nation, or your local humane society in his name. He would love to know that the those in need might be helped.