Mark E. Quinlan

After a yearlong, courageous battle with cancer, Mark E. Quinlan, 71, of Worcester, passed away on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his loved ones.

Born in Worcester on May 4, 1955, he was the son of Edward Quinlan and Marilyn “Sis” (Mara) Quinlan, who predeceased him, along with his sister, Patricia (Quinlan) Newcomb. Mark spent the majority of his life in Grafton Hill, a community he loved, surrounded by close family and lifelong friends whom he considered family. He graduated from North High School and Nichols College before beginning a career as an accountant and controller. He worked for various manufacturing companies throughout the region until his retirement a decade ago. In retirement, he was a proud volunteer for Audio Journal, where he read the newspaper over the radio for visually impaired listeners.

Mark loved being outdoors. He greatly enjoyed hunting, fishing, spending time on the water, whether on a boat or at the beach, and relaxing at his “perch” on the patio while listening to his favorite music. He was a diehard New England sports fan and an avid reader who could finish a book in a day or two, and he faithfully began each morning with the newspaper, especially his favorite section, the “funnies.” He also had a deep love for classic rock, which provided the soundtrack to his days at home. He was also incredibly proud of his 100% Irish heritage and of the Quinlan family motto, “True to the end,” which he embodied throughout his life.

Outside of his hobbies and interests, the most important thing to Mark was his family. He loved his wife of 47 years, Sandra (Direnzo) Quinlan, his children, Scott and Kerry, and his beloved granddaughter, Madison, with all his heart. In addition to his immediate family, he cherished his many aunts, uncles, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. He stayed connected with them throughout his life, often hosting holiday parties at his home, where there was never a shortage of meatballs, music, or laughter. You could always count on his quick wit for a good laugh.

Mark is survived by his wife, Sandra; his children, Scott and Kerry; his granddaughter, Madison; his in-laws, John and Rose Direnzo; his nephews, John Jr. and Bob Direnzo (and family); his beloved aunt, Joy; his lifelong best friends, Donny Porcaro and his wife, Lena, and Paul Foley and his wife, Chris; and many other cousins and dear friends. He was predeceased by his parents, his sister, and many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. His family finds comfort in knowing he has been reunited with them and is keeping the music and the party going once again.

Calling Hours for Mark will be held on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester. Funeral Services for Mark will be held on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at the Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel. Family and friends are welcome to begin gathering at 10:00 a.m. Immediately following the service, Mark will be laid to rest at St. John’s Cemetery in Worcester.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Mark’s memory to Ducks For Cancer at http://www.ducksforcancer.com/. The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers from VNA Hospice, Senior Helpers, and Bayada for the compassionate care and support they provided to Mark.