John Mark Hartley, 64
John Mark Hartley, 64, of Rochester, Massachusetts, passed away unexpectedly on September 28, 2026, while at work in Brookfield, MA. His passing leaves a profound void in the lives of all who knew and loved him.
Born May 21, 1962, Mark was the oldest of four children of Meryden Kirby and John “Jack” Hartley. A lifelong resident of Rochester, he was well known and loved throughout the Tri-Town community.
An industrious self-starter, Mark began working at age 12 at Lionberger’s Farm. He later worked for his grandfather at Geo. Kirby Jr. Kirby Paint Co. and spent many years as a foreman on the cranberry bogs for A.D. Makepeace Co. Mark graduated from Springfield College in 1984 with a B.S. in Biology. His love of nature remained constant, even as his career shifted to trucking. He drove for AGAR Supply Co. and Precision Motor Transport Group before joining Intercity Lines in 2018, where he was highly respected by his coworkers.
Mark was happiest outdoors, especially during family gatherings at the Cottage on Snows Pond, where he loved sunrises, swimming, bonfires, and teaching others to fish. He was a wonderful host, always ready with a story, a thoughtful question, or a plate of his famous pancakes—reserving one for himself as the “pancake tax.”
An avid reader, crossword enthusiast, and Scrabble ace, he enjoyed horseshoes, ping-pong, pool, bowling, baseball, and softball, playing in local leagues with his many friends under the nickname “Lumber.”
He was also a creative spirit who loved wood carving, painting, and riverboat racing, winning first place with Dana Barrows in 1988. A devoted student of the Bible, Mark loved the Lord Jesus Christ and lived with patience, kindness, and generosity. He will be remembered for his vibrant humor, deep love of family, and distinctive style.
He leaves behind his five children, Salem, Levi, Celeste, Ari, and stepdaughter Heather Bryant; mother, Meryden Kirby; siblings Shawn-Ann, Dana-Lyn and her husband Lon, Matthew, Nicole and her partner Justin, and their families; nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and many dear friends and coworkers.
His visitation will be held Friday, October 16th, from 4:00–7:00 p.m. at Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Mattapoisett. His Funeral Service will be Saturday, October 17th, at 2:30 p.m. at the First Congregational Church, 11 Constitution Way, Rochester. Burial will follow in Sherman Cemetery on Pine Street (across from Rochester Memorial School). A Celebration of Life dinner reception will follow in the church Fellowship Hall. All are welcome. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.
