Longtime WBCN Deejay Mark Parenteau Dies at 66

WORCESTER, MA—Longtime deejay and Worcester native Mark Parenteau, known as a prominent voice on Boston's WBCN for decades, died at age 66.

Parenteau died early Friday morning in Massachusetts General Hospital while recovering from surgery, and suffered from several conditions, reports The Boston Herald.

Fellow professionals in the field flooded social media with messages.

Veteran deejay Chuck Nowlin from WZLX wrote on Facebook, "Very sad to hear of the passing of Mark Parenteau. Growing up in Woostah listening to Mahhhk, I always thought his voice, wit, timing, and comedy were the best. When I got into radio and was on opposite him in the afternoons on WAAF, he always treated me as an equal, while busting my balls in the most creative way possible. Truly a Boston radio legend. RIP Mark.

Parenteau suffered a career hit and public disgrace after he was arrested for having sex with a teenaged boy in 2004, reports the Herald. He ultimately pleaded guilty to one count of child sexual abuse and was sentenced to three years in prison.

After he left WBCN, Parenteau hosted shows on XM Radio and Q104, until the arrest in 2004, reports the Worcester Telegram and Gazette.

Worcester personality and deejay LB Worm paid tribute on his Facebook page, stating, "RIP Mark Parenteau. My favorite DJ of all time."

"We knew the day was coming, but it doesn't change the fact that we are stunned to learn that Mark Parenteau has passed away," wrote Worcester radio personality Sherman Whitman on his Facebook page. "I was blessed to be a part of one of the great radio stations this world has ever known, WBCN. We had our go-rounds from time to time, but maybe that's what made Mark the person he was. He a was major part of radio that people listened to 24/7. His four hours on the air were magical and funny as can be. Though he has left us, he is no longer suffering. Thank you Mark for all those times. Rest In Peace."

Funeral arrangements are incomplete.

Photo: Mark Parenteau and LB Worm. Photo Credit: LB Worm