Mark the Park’s Memorial Bench

Hello all,

My name is Kurt Villon. On August 23, 2023, we lost an amazing son, brother, uncle, nephew, friend and person, Mark Gormley. Mark was like no other. He was truly one of a kind. If I could describe Mark in one word, it would be selfless. Everything he did was for the betterment of the people around him. Whether it was making us laugh or showing up for every party, Mark always had the best interest of his friends and family in mind. He did so much that he lost sight of himself.

Mark grew up in Brookline. He spent a good majority of his youth and adulthood in Eliot park practicing basketball trick shots or learning how to skateboard or unicycle. Hence the nickname, Mark the Park. In honor of our beloved friend, we are looking to install a memorial bench at Eliot park along the walkway directly in front of his house. We are hoping to have it installed in the spring of 2024 in time for his birthday, May 4.

After speaking with the Brookline recreation department, the cost of the installation is $5,000.00 and needs to be submitted with the application before Thanksgiving to make the cutoff for the Spring. We are asking for Mark’s friends to help support this effort as a surprise to his family. Mark loved his family and his family loved him. We couldn’t think of a better way to immortalize our beloved friend.

Thank you all for the support you have shown throughout this incredibly tough time and thank you in advance for you generous contributions.

Should we exceed our goal, we are looking into options for donations to charitable foundations or local community centers or schools. Updates to follow.