Wales – Mark "Chink" P. Gelinas, 70, passed away peacefully at his home on January 10, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born on November 9, 1955, in Northbridge, Massachusetts, Mark was the cherished son of the late Clayton and Gloria (Allain) Gelinas. He attended Palmer High School, where he formed friendships that lasted a lifetime, and graduated with the Class of 1973.

Mark dedicated many years to caring for others as a Direct Care Shift Supervisor at Monson Developmental Center before later fulfilling a dream of owning his own business, A&D Hauling, where his strong work ethic and reliability were well known.

Mark found peace and happiness in the outdoors. Whether hunting, fishing, or simply tending to his yard, he was most content with fresh air around him and his hands busy. He also had a lifelong love of sports, playing softball for more than 40+ years in both the Palmer Softball League and Western MA Relics from Ludlow Over 55 League. His competitive spirit carried into his time in a pool league and onto the golf course, where he enjoyed many rounds with friends.

He had a fondness for antiquing and tag sales, always on the lookout for hidden treasures. But above all else, Mark’s greatest pride and joy was his family. A devoted husband, father, and especially “Papa,” he rarely missed a grandchild’s game or event and could always be found cheering the loudest from the sidelines.

In addition to his parents, Mark was predeceased by his beloved sister, Karen Aliengina.

He leaves behind his loving wife of 48 years, Susan (Dupont) Gelinas; his children, Todd Gelinas and his wife Emmi of Palmer, Danica Griswold and her husband Jesse of Monson, and Erica Gilmore and her husband Scott of Brimfield; and his treasured grandchildren, Jesse Griswold Jr., Gavin Gelinas, Kinsley Gilmore, Hunter Griswold, Kaedyn Gelinas, Grayson Griswold, Ellisyn Gelinas, Arianna Gilmore, Theodore Gilmore, and Penelope Gilmore. He is also survived by his siblings, David Gelinas, Larry Gelinas, Joanne Chaffee, Barry Gelinas, and Cindy Battles, as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends who will miss him deeply.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 16, 2026, from 3:00–6:15 p.m., with a funeral ceremony beginning at 6:15 p.m. at the Beers & Story Palmer Funeral Home. A celebration of Mark’s life will be held the following morning at Francesco’s Restaurant at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Mark’s memory may be made to Mass Wildlife at www.mass.gov/nhesp or Baystate Hospice via www.baystatehealth.org/foundation