Mark M. Pendergast, 70, of Whitinsville, MA, passed away Sunday, September 22, 2024, at Rose Monahan Hospice in Worcester, after a period of declining health, with his wife at his side.  He is survived by his devoted wife of 18 years, Franceen Moran.  He also leaves behind four sisters-in law: Kathleen Roy, of Whitinsville; Margaret Conlee and her husband Jim, of Frederick, MD; Dorothy Lash, of Whitinsville; and Judith McNeil, of Providence, RI.  In addition, he leaves several nephews, nieces, great nephews and great nieces, and many cousins and good friends.  He was predeceased by his parents, William and Barbara (Brown) Pendergast, and his brother John “Jack”. 

Mark was born June 3,1954, in Worcester and grew up in Northbridge.  He attended the Northbridge school system and graduated from Northbridge High School in 1972.  He was an outstanding athlete and excelled in football, basketball and track. He graduated from Brown University in 1976, where he played varsity football for four years. He was a second-year inductee into the Northbridge Hall of Fame in 1994. 

Mark’s distinguished career in the U.S. Army began in 1978.  He was a Field Artillery Officer and Mid East Foreign Area Officer.  He was stationed at several posts in the U.S., Europe, and the Middle East.  He was a Gulf War Veteran, serving with the 101st Airborne Division as Regimental Fire Support Officer.  He was awarded the Bronze Star for his action in the Gulf War.  He loved the military and serving his country.

After retiring from the Army as a Lt. Colonel in 2000, Mark served as Dean of Students at Northbridge High School.  In 2006 he made the decision to accept a position in Afghanistan as a government contractor where he spent the next 8 years.   While there, he served the Afghan Chief of Staff as his civilian advisor in Kabul.  In 2010, he accepted another position as senior operations mentor to the Afghan National Army’s Special Operations Command.  He retired in 2014 and returned home to the Blackstone Valley. 

Mark loved all animals, especially his cats, “his children” Andy, Abbie and Libby.  He was a Keno “expert” and enjoyed many trips to the casinos.  Throughout his life, Mark kept in touch with a broad group of friends from all stages of his life.  He loved his friends and spending time together and socializing. 

Mark’s family would like to thank the staff at UMass Memorial Medical Center, 3 Lakeside ICU, especially Dr. Matthew Gottbrecht and nurse Jeremiah Morgan, for their compassionate care and exceptional family and friends support.  They also would like to thank the staff at Rose Monahan, especially Patti.  Lastly, they would like to thank the Northbridge EMT department for their quick and professional response to assist Mark during the last 2 years.

Calling hours will be held from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, Monday, September 30,2024, in the Carr Funeral Home, 24 Hill St., Whitinsville, MA.  A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at 10:00 AM at St Patrick’s Cemetery, Providence Rd, Whitinsville, MA.

Please omit flowers. Memorial donations can be made in Mark’s name to Worcester Animal Rescue League, 139 Holden St, Worcester, MA 01606, the Northbridge High School Athletic Booster Club, c/o Amy Gahan, 15 Plummer Park, Whitinsville, MA 01588, or the Northbridge Fire Department, Ambulance Account, 1681 Providence Rd, Northbridge, MA  01534.