Mark Daniel Roarabaugh, Sr., of North Windham, Connecticut, passed away peacefully at 64 on August 19, 2026, after a courageous 10-month battle with cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer).

Born on July 13, 1962, in Altoona, Pennsylvania, Mark was the son of John Roarabaugh and Joan (Anspach) Drew. He graduated from Windham High School and spent most of his adult life in North Windham, where he built a life centered around family, friendship, hard work, and helping others.

Throughout his career, Mark worked for Orlando Annulli & Son, Manafort Brothers, SNET/SBC, Sears, The O.L. Willard Company—where he earned the nickname “Smoke”—and, most recently, Teleflex Medical in Coventry.

In 1982, Mark married the love of his life, Susan (Ives). Together, they made their home in North Windham for more than 35 years. They were blessed with two sons, Mark Daniel, Jr., born in 1982, and Eric Ives, born in 1991. Mark’s greatest joy grew even further with the arrival of his granddaughters, Lucy Jane and Hallie Rose, whom he loved deeply and cherished beyond words.

Mark had a zest for life and a way of making people feel welcome. He loved listening to Bob Seger, traveling, spending time with friends, meeting new people, and gathering around a campfire with his camping family. He was happiest when surrounded by the people he cared about. He enjoyed completing challenging Lego sets, experimenting with new grilling and smoking recipes, and was especially famous for his hot wings. A true foodie, Mark loved discovering good food and sharing those experiences with others. One item on Mark’s bucket list was to visit Martino’s Pizzaria in Watertown and try their pizza. This past March, he and Eric made that trip together, creating one more special memory for them to share.

Mark was a cherished member of the Matilda Bay group of friends. He especially enjoyed the time he spent with his best friend, Jerry Misak. Mark was the kind of person who was always willing to lend a hand. If a friend needed him, he was there. He will be remembered as someone you could always count on, a loyal friend, a devoted husband and father, and a loving grandfather.

Mark leaves behind his beloved wife, Susan (Ives); his son, Eric, and daughter-in-law, Lauren, of Gales Ferry, Connecticut; and his cherished granddaughters, Lucy and Hallie. He also leaves his sister and brother-in-law, Lucinda and Miguel Mendes, and their son, John Giverdon; his step-brother and sister-in-law, Paul and Laurie Hogaboom; and his Pennsylvania family, with whom he shared a particularly close bond, including his aunts and uncles Mary Ellen Hazenstab, Susan and David Heininger, Ann Louise Roarabaugh, and Maxine Adelsberger; and his cousins Cindy and her son, Jerre Brumbaugh, Michael and Diane Hazenstab, and Kevin Hazenstab. He also leaves behind his dogs Ranger and Ruby, and his cats Tawny and Amber.

Mark’s life was defined not only by the years he lived, but by the love, laughter, friendship, and memories he created along the way. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him, but his memory will live on in the stories shared around campfires, in family gatherings, in the friendships he treasured, and most of all, in the hearts of those he loved.

He also leaves behind many dear family members and friends who meant the world to him and whose lives were made better by knowing him.

Mark was predeceased by his parents; his oldest son, Mark Roarabaugh; his brother, John Roarabaugh; his uncle, Raymond Hazenstab; and his aunt, Carol Rhone.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, August 27, at 5:00 p.m., followed by a service at 6:30 p.m. at Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson Street, Willimantic, CT 06226.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mark’s memory to the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation, 5526 West 13400 South, #510, Herriman, Utah 84096, or through www.cholangiocarcinoma.org.