Mark Kevin Speer

Mark Kevin Speer, 52, of Berkley, MA, died peacefully at home on Saturday, October 5, 2013 after living courageously with brain cancer. Born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, on April 27, 1961, he was the son of the late John "Jack" Hilton Speer and Annmarie Speer of Colchester, CT, and the stepson of Marion Speer of Stratford, CT. Mark moved to Tewksbury, MA as a child, where he remained for the rest of his school years. Mark was a 1979 graduate of Shawsheen Valley Technical High School, and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering at the University of Massachusetts at Lowell. In his youth, Mark was an avid camper and active Boy Scout, earning the rank of Eagle in 1978. He was awarded the Hoyt Vandenburg Award in 1982 for his continued support of the Boy Scouts. He moved to Berkley in 2001 and was fortunate to marry the love and "rock" of his life, Cindy Ann (Pope) in 2003. In his professional life as an environmental engineer, Mark worked on the clean up of various sites to ensure the health and safety of future generations. Mark was also an active member of the Berkley community, serving as a member of the Town Office Building Committee, the Soil Conservation Board, and as a coach for his son's T-ball team. In his leisure time, Mark enjoyed snowboarding, golfing, biking, and being with family and friends. In addition to his wife, Mark leaves his beloved children: Joseph Hilton, age 8, and Grace Catherine, age 6, both of Berkley; his brother and sister-in-law, Glenn & Mary Kate Speer of Colchester, CT; a stepbrother, Evan Bush; a stepsister, Kathleen Bush; three nephews: Jack Speer, Sam Pope and Max Pope; his mother-in-law, Susanne Pope; and his father-in-law, Ernie Pope. Mark was also lucky to have a second family that was just as near and dear to his heart: Herbert & Helen Ramsdell of Tewksbury; Kenneth Ramsdell of Wilmington; and James Ramsdell of Tewksbury. Mark is also survived by many other family members, and friends who are like family. Mark's wake and funeral will both be held at the Berkley Congregational Church, 13 South Main Street, Berkley. Calling hours are Wednesday 5-8 p.m. Funeral will be held on Thursday at 10 a.m. For full notice, please visit www.Dyer-LakeFuneralHome.com . In lieu of flowers, volunteerism or donations in Mark's name can be made to "Par Fore the Cure", whose efforts benefit the Jimmy Fund to specifically fund brain tumor research at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute: www.par4cure.com .