Mark Gardner, 57

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Mark Denelli Gardner, 57, of Pittsfield passed away early Friday morning, December 7, 2018, at his home under the care of Hospice of Western Mass., following an eight-month battle with cancer.

Mark was born on May 21, 1961, in North Adams, Mass., the son of Rita (Jones) Gardner and the late Charles E. Gardner Sr. Mark married the former Lois Kenyon on March 28, 2009, on the beach at their favorite campground in Myrtle Beach, S.C. They made their last trip to Myrtle Beach this past May with their furry "kids," Lady Hannah Rose and Jacob, two adorable Bichons. Mark has now joined his first, and favorite, Bichon, the late "Sir Bailey of the Berkshires" and we are sure they are having a fun reunion.

Mark attended Williamstown Elementary Schools and was a member of the Class of 1979 at Mt. Greylock High School. Mark was a talented carpenter and had been employed for 30-plus years as a construction supervisor/ project manager with Allegrone Construction of Pittsfield. He was a member of Globe-Unity Lodge of Masons and Berkshire Snowseekers Snowmobile Club and he followed NASCAR.

Mark and Lois spent the months between April and October of every year traveling and camping with their large fifth-wheel camper, and he could be found out riding his snowmobile during the snowy winter months.

Mark is survived by his wife, Lois; step-daughter Kendra Holland and her husband Arthur of Pittsfield; his mother, Rita Gardner of Williamstown; his brother, Charles "Chip" Gardner and his significant other, Lisa Armstrong and her daughter, Kayla, of North Adams; his son Jason and his daughter Addison of Adams and son Joshua Parent, his wife Jaime and daughters, Lily and Alexandria, of Hoosick Falls, N.Y.; aunts, uncles and cousins in the local area; and his in-laws, Gary and Helen Kenyon of North Adams and Lois's brother, Mark Kenyon and his wife, Courtney, of Pittsfield.

The family would like to thank Hospice for the care given to Mark the help extended to Lois, Kendra and Rita, his daily caregivers. Thanks especially to his nurse, Arlene and his aide, Kathy.

Funeral notice: A funeral service to celebrate the life of Mark Gardner will be held on Friday, December 14, 2018, at 10 a.m. at the Flynn and Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals, West Chapel, 521 West Main Street, North Adams. Calling hours will be on Thursday evening from 4 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made In His Memory, to the funeral home.