MEDWAY: Mark Steven McWade

Mark Steven McWade died, at the age of 68, the night before Thanksgiving, in his “tiki bar” overlooking Narragansett Bay in Cranston, Rhode Island. He wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. He was found in the tiki bar with clicker in hand, two tv’s on simultaneously, and rock music blasting. He wasn’t planning this – that’s for sure. That same morning, after a doctor’s appointment in Boston, he made plans to purchase a camper and excitedly called Susan and Paul to share the news. He was going to tow two motorcycles to Florida this winter and Maine come summer– and wherever else the wind took him.

During that call he made a list of beer and wine selections to bring to Thanksgiving dinner the next day. Thanksgiving was his all-time favorite holiday and he was looking forward to spending time with the family, eating great food, having a few cocktails, and playing Yahtzee. God had other plans.

In his daughter Michelle’s words, “Mark was a strong-willed, hilarious, no BS, go-getter. He had a tough exterior but was sweet on the inside.”

A habitual thrill-seeker, Mark lived life in the fast-lane. He snow skied only in places with the highest vertical drops, jet-skied as fast as he could make the thing go chasing ferry’s to ride in their wakes, and making anything that could go fast, go faster. Mark enjoyed long rides on his motorcycles, boating and travelling anywhere there was sun and a water view. He loved his oceanfront home which really made it like he was on vacation every day. He was a rabid Boston Bruins and New England Patriots fan. If they were playing at the same time, no problem – he had two TVs in the tiki bar so he wouldn’t miss a beat. He spent a lot of time on the phone with his Mom – also a big Bruins fan – taking about the games.

He did a lot in his 68 years. He was an optician, a business owner, a mystery shopper!, (which was very mysterious), and during the past few years of his “retirement” he became a Craig’s List wheeler dealer – he bought canoes, kayaks, snowblowers, cars, motorcycles – anything he thought he could fix, shine-up and make a profit on – he bought and sold, and he did quite well at it.

Mark was born on March 13, 1957 in Brookline, MA, grew up in Medway, MA and enjoyed the remainder of his life in Cranston, Rhode Island. He was the son of the late Paul Edward McWade and Adell (Letizia) McWade. He graduated from Medway High School in 1975 and earned an Associates Degree/Opticians License in 1977.

Ann Marie Sylvester was the love of Mark’s life and together they shared many happy years cruising, boating, hosting pool parties and travelling. Life was grand for this happy couple until a tragic accident took Ann Marie away from us on April 6, 2020. Ann Marie had a connection with Mark that no one else on the planet was able to achieve. Upon her death, Mark’s heart was broken, and he was never able to mend it. When we think of him going forward, let’s think of him and Ann Marie, together again, throwing balls to Marley and Molly in Paradise.

Remaining to cherish Mark’s memory are: Michelle Lee McWade (daughter); Adell McWade (mother); Susan McWade Surapine and her husband Paul (sister); Paul E. McWade, II and his wife Tracie (brother); Zachary Surapine (nephew); Joshua Surapine and his wife Haley (nephew); Tristan McWade (niece); along with many dear cousins and friends he made throughout his life.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a time of visitation on Tuesday, December 9 from 9:00-10:30 AM at the Ginley Crowley Funeral Home, 3 Barber Street, Medway, MA ginleyfuneralhomes.com followed by an 11:00 AM funeral Mass at St. Joseph’s Church, 151 Village Street, Medway. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mark’s memory to The Medway Senior Center, 76 Oakland Street, Medway, MA 02053, or to the charity of your choice.