From The Patriot Ledger:
A South Shore attorney and former state representative died in a drowning accident on Nantucket.
Mark Fitzsimmons, 55, of Marshfield, died Friday afternoon when he apparently became caught in a riptide off the south shore of the island near Clark’s Cove.
Mark was a good friend of my father’s and our family. It was Mark who bodily hauled my father out of class his senior year of high school and marched him down to the guidance counselor’s office to fill out an application to Harvard. Twenty-five years later, Mark—despite being a Yalie himself—helped me during my own admissions process to Harvard.
Mark and my father shared a good-natured rivalry for decades, my father being a Harvard Republican and Mark being a Yalie Democrat. I went to The Game (the Harvard vs. Yale football game) with my dad and Mark several times. He was a good man, a funny guy, and a damned good lawyer, from what I’ve heard.
Mark also got my dad a ticket to the 1999 All-Star Game at Fenway Park, where Ted Williams made one of his final public appearances before his death. My father said it was one of the best days of his life.
It’s still sinking in—everyone’s in shock. I offer my condolences to Mark’s family and friends. This is a very sad day.
That’s a shame. My condolences to you and your family and Mark’s.
Yikes. That’s terrible.
My condolensces to you, yours, and Mark’s.
Thanks all. I didn’t know Mark too well, but I wanted to put something up here. I appreciate the comments.
Sorry for my absence, I just returned from a vacation at a lake house in Maine. Sorry to hear this news – both for you and your fam (especially your Dad – my favorite Uncle). My condolensces!!!
Mark was a neighbor and good friend of ours when we lived in Ossipee, New Hampshire where he kept a summer home. What a terrible waste of an exceptional man. Wherever you are Mark, we remember you with love and thanks for all the good times.
Very, very sorry to have lost such a wonderful friend. He was the source of much of our laughter and was truly a great person. He joined us often in North Conway. Can’t believe he’s gone. Mike and Elaine
Mark was my Grandfather’s lawyer and a good friend of my family’s. I am saddened and shocked. He and I once ate five dozen oysters together. He was a great person to be with. I will miss him. Claire Stretch
I am deeply saddened at the loss of Mark who has been an extremely good friend since we were kids.
Mark had a huge heart and character that I will always remember and cherish.
My thoughts and prayers to the his wonderful family.
Rich LaFreniere
I remember playing wiffle ball with Mark and the boys in tne neighborhood in South Weymouth.I also remember going to his father’s “Joe’s store”. Mark and his family were a memorable part of mine and my sisters’ childhood. My sister, Laurie, especially remembers Mark for his humor and love of food. He once remarked to her that he had never had a bad meal. That was quite a testimony to his mother. The Gelas family gives our condolences to Mark’s family.
Mark was a fantastic, highly energized and vibrant person. He was a tremendous lawyer.
He never kept a person hanging in the wind.
If you called him at his office he would talk to you immediately. If he was in court he would always call you back later in the day no matter
what. He was the Real Deal. He would be there for you no matter how trivial or grand your issue might be. He leaves a tremendous void on the South Shore and other places that cannot be filled by anyone but him. He will be truly missed for all of our days to come.
Mark, we will always remember your humor,
dedication and kindness. You loved to Practice
Law. You were a total professional.
You had a way of putting people at ease in a high tension situation. When you did something it was always 200%. Your character was larger
than life and you cannot be replaced.
We All Hope You are at Peace.
Take Care Pal CP
Even thought we didn’t get to say goodbye to you. I say goodbye in my own way. You will be in our hearts forever. Mark you were the best of the best. I can’t believe you are not here. I watched the Notre Dame game the other night and was waiting for your feedback on it and I have no one to talk to about it. I really miss you and your sense of humor. Until we meet again.
I knew Mark for the past 12 years. He was a cherished friend and will always remain so. I was at his house often and we spoke at least 2 to 3 time weekly. I would love to talk to any good friend of Mark’s. Please write
I was stunned when I heard this, although we had not seen each other in serveral years we had been good friends. I remember an outrageously funny man who enjoyed every detail of life, I believe he would always be there for me if I needed him, there is an empty space that only he could fill.