Mark Donald Paquette

Mark Donald Paquette, 72, most recently of Belchertown, Massachusetts, died on 14 October 2026. A deeply loved husband, father, grandfather and friend, Mark will be remembered for his kindness, honesty, curiosity, humor and the generous love and care he gave to others. Born in Holyoke, Massachusetts, on 5 May 1954, Mark was the son of Nancy and Donald Paquette. He grew up in Granby, lived in New York for many years, and spent time in the United Kingdom before returning to New York and later Massachusetts. Most recently, he had lived with his mother in Belchertown until her death in May 2026. He was also predeceased by his father Donald and his sister, Lori Klekotka.

Mark and his wife, Emma, first met 30 years ago at a horse farm where his son, Tim, rode and worked. Their friendship endured through the years, with a shared love for their family, Tim, Jade, Sam and Beca, and later Jack. They reunited as a couple and married on 4 September 2025. Mark loved Emma tremendously, and those close to him could see how happy he was with her. He was eagerly preparing to move to the United Kingdom to live with Emma, a move planned for just one week after his death. He had also been looking forward to seeing Tim on his way to the UK. To Emma, Mark was the kindest, most loving, and most caring person she has ever met. What she will remember most is his ability to remain kind and loving and to see the best in people, even in the darkest of times. Visually impaired since birth, Mark never let his sight hold him back from embracing life.

He was an active and committed member of the National Federation of the Blind, attending regular meetings of the Greater Springfield chapter and offering help, ideas and friendship. Theadora, a fellow chapter member, remembered how much everyone loved him, how deeply he cared for his family, and how openly he shared his stories. Mark put his enthusiasm for technology to practical use at the NFB’s annual conventions, providing sound and lighting equipment and supervising its use. Alongside his friends John Oliveria and Mika Pyyhkala, he visited Capitol Hill in Washington to advocate for legislative changes benefiting blind and visually impaired people. John remembered Mark as someone who helped move their work forward, as well as an easygoing friend who was great company. Mark and John also worked together at summer camps for blind children. Mark helped oversee the waterfront, took children out in canoes, and lent a hand in the craft house. He got along well with everyone and was always ready to contribute. He was also involved with his local Lions Club, attending meetings, and supporting fundraisers. He loved volunteering to cook pancake breakfasts and often did this for the staff at Knoll Farm where he lived with Emma for awhile.

Technology was both a lifelong interest and an important part of Mark’s working life. He loved flying drones, exploring new technology, and learning how things worked. He could fix just about anything. Over many years working with his good friend Iain, both as a colleague and at Iain’s IT company, Mark became known for his determination to find a better way, and his extraordinary work ethic. He would work through nights and take early shifts to get things done. His business relationships often became lasting friendships. Vik, his business partner in India for more than ten years, and Varun, who also worked with him, remembered his kindness, honesty and trustworthiness. Vik recalled once sending Mark $500 rather than $300, thinking he might need the extra money. Mark immediately returned the additional $200, a simple act that said much about his character. Just two days before Mark died, he and Vik spoke, with Mark greeting him as warmly as ever despite his poor health. Vik will cherish their friendship for the rest of his life. Mark’s longtime friend Ken Sperling also spoke of his loving nature and the happiness he had found with Emma. There were lighter memories, too. His Aunt Jane, his mother’s sister, recalled the day a young Mark took to the yard in a battery-powered car his parents had given him. The family gathered to watch, only to find themselves running for cover when he lost control, until his father managed to bring him to a stop. His sense of humor remained with him throughout his life. Emma remembered staying with Mark at a friend’s house in Boston when a group of blind friends came to visit. As one prepared to take a shower, Mark began chuckling. “Hold on,” he said. “You do realize my wife is sighted?” “Oh yes,” his friend replied. “She’s European, so it’s fine!” Tom Kluck, a longtime friend of Mark and Tim, remembered a moment at Buster’s around the pool table. Mark scooped up a handful of hot, spicy food, prompting Tim to warn, “Dad, be careful, that has more than just a kick!” Mark replied, “I am a warrior!” “And yes,” Tom added, “he was.” Away from work and volunteering, Mark enjoyed music of every kind, especially country, and food of all varieties. Above all, he cared deeply about the people in his life.

Mark leaves his beloved wife, Emma; his son, Tim; Jade, Sam, Beca and Jack; his granddaughter, Tori; and Hank, who was raised as his grandson. He will be deeply missed by his family and by the many friends whose lives he touched. His son Tim’s words express the lasting bond they shared: “No matter where we were, whether it was a quarter of a mile away or halfway across the world, you’ve always been with me and always will be. Whether I’m driving, riding, or sitting by a fire pit with a Corona, every time I look up to the heavens, I know you’ll be watching over me. Love you, Dad, till I see you again. Love, your son.”

Donations in Mark’s memory may be made to the National Federation of the Blind’s Greater Springfield chapter https://nfbma.org/donate-now