LUDLOW - Mark Raymond Castonguay, 69, passed away on Friday, February 6, 2026 after doing exactly what he loved: driving himself to the Tigers Club, signing the book, and sharing a few last laughs with his buddies. If there were ever a perfect ending, this was it. Mark was born on a snowy March 19, 1956, in Springfield, Massachusetts, to Christine (Tina) Mutti and Raymond Castonguay. The oldest of five boys, Mark learned early how to look out for others, especially his mom. Growing up in the projects with four boys sharing one bedroom, he still managed to be the responsible one, helping with the younger ones, getting groceries for the family, and keeping the house clean to Tina’s standards (not an easy task). As soon as he got his license, he became Tina's personal chauffeur, proudly driving her to work and wherever else she needed to go. Mark graduated from Westfield State College and later moved to New York with his best friend Rich Peloquin for work, adventure, and what we assume were very bad ideas that turned into very good stories. Eventually, Massachusetts called him home. It was back in Massachusetts that Mark met Ruth Rokowski, his future wife. He courted her in true Mark fashion. Handwritten cards, nonstop jokes, and, inexplicably, biting her and her friends. This did not go over well. Ruth famously declared she was never going to talk to him again and left to travel the country. But when she returned, fate reunited them at September’s Bar in Chicopee, and the rest is history. Mark and Ruth married in 1984 and welcomed their son Bruce-Michael in 1985, followed by their daughter Brittany in 1987. Mark was a devoted and deeply proud father. Family life was filled with countless sports games, camping trips, Friday nights at the bowling alley, road races, and endless moments of cheering, teasing, and laughing. After many years with Job Corps, Mark proudly worked for the Ludlow County Sheriff’s Department where he spent about 18 years. He also spent time in the Chicopee Public School System as a special education and substitute teacher, a role that suited his patience, empathy, and ability to connect with just about anyone, especially those who needed someone in their corner. In 1997, the family moved from Indian Orchard to Oakridge Street in Chicopee. Mark could be found running up and down Memorial Drive and became a regular at the Tigers Club, which he proudly considered his second home. The Tigers was where he signed in for the daily pool, played Keno, had a couple beers, and caught up with friends. He loved that the club supported youth sports and was especially fond of the clambake and the many events held throughout the year to raise money for the community. Mark and Ruth eventually decided to live separately but stay legally married, a situation that absolutely no one understood. Somehow, it worked for them. Over the past decade especially, they became close friends and each other’s support system. They talked often, showed up when it mattered, and proved that relationships do not have to look traditional to be real, meaningful, or full of love. Mark would have found it funny that people were still confused by this arrangement, and he would not have explained it. In 2021, Mark took on his favorite role yet, Pops. He was endlessly proud of his grandchildren. Nolan (4) and Riley (2), children of Brittany and her partner Nick, and Aliviana "Livy" (3) and Josephine “JoJo” (8 months), daughters of Bruce and his wife Carey. Being Pops brought Mark more joy than anything else in his life. Some of his favorite recent memories were attending a Red Sox vs. Yankees series for his 60th birthday with his two kids, where he could be seen wearing shorts in frigid temps (as per usual) and screaming “CHICOPEE!” at the top of his lungs. He also attended the Waste Management Open and got to stand at the 16th hole, his dream par 3, and saw Hootie and the Blowfish at Fenway. Trips to Minnesota and Boston to visit his kids and grandkids are what he treasured most. Mark is survived by his wife and best friend Ruth Rokowski Castonguay, his son Bruce, his wife Carey, and their children Aliviana and JoJo, his daughter Brittany, her partner Nick, and their children Nolan and Riley, his brothers Paul and wife Sue of Florida, Michael, and Steve. He was predeceased by his parents Tina and Raymond and his brother Bruce. He also leaves countless friends, some from childhood, who will miss him dearly. All Mark ever wanted was to make people laugh. Whether it was a pity laugh, an awkward laugh at an inappropriate joke, or a full belly laugh, he truly did not care which one he got, as long as he got one. We imagine Mark now with a cold beer in hand, a grin on his face, and a joke lined up that he absolutely should not be telling. And of course, he is telling it anyway. His family will receive friends on Sunday, February 22, 2026 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the St. Pierre-Phaneuf Fairview Chapels, (413-533-3307), 506 Britton Street, Chicopee, MA 01020, followed by a Celebration of Mark's Life at 3:30 p.m. at the Tigers Athletic Club, 14 Montgomery Street, Chicopee, MA 01020. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Tigers Athletic Club, 14 Montgomery Street, Chicopee, MA 01020. For more details and to send his family condolence messages, please visit: www.stpierrephaneuf.com
