Obituary of Mark DeLong

DeLong, D. Mark - It is with profound sadness that the family of Mark DeLong, of Moncton, announce his passing on Monday, February 24, 2025, at the Moncton Hospital, surrounded by family. Born in Saint John on August 27, 1954, he was a son of the late Donald and Margaret DeLong.

Mark Grew up on Watson Street on the westside of Saint John and graduated from Milledgeville North High School in 1973. Mark worked for Vipond Inc. for the entirety of his 47-year career. Mark began and ended his career at the Moncton office, however, in the late 70’s he transferred to Ottawa, where he remained until his return to Moncton in 2005. Mark retired from Vipond Inc. in 2022 as a well-respected estimator.

Mark had a large extended family of grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins with whom he formed very close and lasting relationships. Mark was especially close with his cousin Kathy Cameron, growing up together and resembled siblings more than cousins. Mark’s most treasured memories of his youth involved his cousins. Summers at the cottage in Martinon sailing on the river. Family trips to Ontario each summer to visit Aunt Helen and cousins Wanda and Cameron. Working alongside his parents, brother and extended family, The Alexanders, in the family business of 42 years at the Town and Country Drive-in and Camp Park. Family was most important to Mark. His brother, Brad, was his best friend. He was especially close to his nieces, Robyn and Nicole. There was not a Christmas or special occasion that the family, Marg, Don, Brad, Sue, Robyn and Nicole were not together. Mark so enjoyed the expansion of the family with partners and great nieces and nephews, adding more excitement and chaos to those gatherings.

Like his father, Mark was a skilled draftsman. He was artistic and excelled at woodworking, stained glass and design. Mark inherited his mother’s gift of cooking. Mark made the most delicious Sunday suppers and was famous with family and friends for his Saturday night pizzas and chicken wings. Prior to a decline in his health in recent years, Mark enjoyed spending his summers at his trailer camping at Gagnon Beach. Living alone for most of his life, Mark was a solitary man. He loved to be social but was also comfortable with his own company. He was a deep thinker, reserved, unassuming, stubborn and kind. His circle was small, but if you were in it, he was so very loyal, and you knew you were loved. 

Mark is survived by his nieces, Robyn (Kyle McKinnon) and Nicole (Mark Gillingham), his sister-in-law, Sue (Brad d. 2018), his great nieces, Ava, Mairin, Isla McKinnon and Bronwyn Gillingham, his great-nephew, Oliver Larson, his paternal aunt, Audrey Alexander, his maternal aunt, Donna Lloyd (Ray), many cousins with whom he was very close, and his canine companion Kade.

Mark is predeceased by his father, Don DeLong (2015), his mother, Marg DeLong (2022) and his brother, Brad DeLong (2018).

The family would like to thank Dr. Fiona Milne for her compassion and care of Mark in the last few months of his life.

Mark will be missed by many, probably more than he knew.

In keeping with his wishes, there will be no funeral service or visitation. A graveside service and family gathering will be held, at a later date, in the spring. Arrangements are under the care of Kennebecasis Community Funeral Home, 152 Pettingill Road, Quispamsis (506-849-2119). Donations in memory of Mark can be made to your local animal shelter in honor of his lifelong love of animals.