Celebrate Life & Honor Every Memory


Colonel Mark C. Glenn

February 15, 1970 - December 19, 2023

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Obituary For Colonel Mark C. Glenn

BEDFORD, NH - Mark Christopher Glenn, 53, of Bedford, NH formerly Reading, MA, died suddenly of cancer peacefully at Massachusetts General Hospital on December 19, 2023 with his wife in his arms. His young daughters were able to say goodbye to him privately in their own way earlier that day.

He leaves his wife of 17 years, partner for 23 years, Jessica (Johanson) Glenn of Bedford, NH; his daughters Erin, Mia, Julia, and puppy Calie also of Bedford, NH. He was the only son to Judy Walsh and Lester Glenn of Peabody, MA. Loving brother to Kerry Glenn of Peabody, Julie (Brian) Suter of Florida and Michele Delpapa of Marblehead, MA. He was the son-in-law (more like the son they never had) to Mark and Linda Johanson of Woodsville, NH. He was the brother-in-law (more like the brother they never had) to Adrienne (Stephen) Bentsen and Liv (Dave) Berg both of Maine. He was the proud uncle to Mike, Derek, Scott (his Godson), Paige, Jack, Ella, Mary, Clover, Paul, and Goddaughter Ella Mascovitz of Florida. He was the “prodigal son” (nephew) to Aunt Joyce Eastman of Haverhill, MA. He was also the nephew to Uncles Jake Daley of Beverly, Roger (Donna) Glenn of Nova Scotia (NS), Reginald Glenn of NS, and Joyce (Eddie) Ward of NS. He leaves behind many cousins on both sides with special relationships with Jeff Daley, Maura Eastman, and Chad Powell. He also leaves countless friends and a military family of so many that has amassed over his 35 year military career. Mark was predeceased by his beloved grandfather Frederick Walsh of Peabody, and grandmother Mary Walsh of Peabody and Sherman and Sarah Glenn of NS. He was also predeceased by cousin Army Specialist Scott Damon, and Aunts Mal Cassidy, Mary McGrath, Tishie Daley, Doris Bishop, Annie Glenn, and Jeanette Glenn; Uncles Dick Cassidy, Mike McGrath, and Jimmy Eastman. Mark was also predeceased by his close friend and colleague, LTC Mike Greene whom he served with stateside and shared a very loud laughter-filled office in Afghanistan in 2010.

Mark was born in Abington, MA but spent most of his childhood in Peabody, MA. He was educated K-8 at St John’s the Baptist School in Peabody. He was selected by 2 nuns at St John’s who insisted he continue his high school education at St John’s Preparatory School in Danvers, MA because “he had great potential.” He went to the Prep on a full scholarship. He received his undergraduate degree in Business Administration from UMass Lowell. He also received a Master’s Degree in Diplomacy from Norwich University in 2018.

At the time of his passing, COL Glenn was the Deputy Chief of Staff of Operations for the Massachusetts Army National Guard. He was posthumously advanced to Brigadier General (Massachusetts) and awarded a Legion of Merit in recognition for all he has contributed to and facilitated for our country and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for the past 35 years.

Mark enlisted into the United States Army Reserves, Combat Support Company 3rd Battalion 18th Infantry in 1988 soon after his 18th birthday. He would have enlisted on his 17th birthday, but his mother wouldn’t allow it. After boot camp at Fort Benning, GA in 1988, he spent 9 years as an enlisted soldier. Mark received his commission as an officer in the Massachusetts Army National Guard as a 2nd Lieutenant for Bravo Battery 1st Battalion 101st Field Artillery (101 FA) in 1998.

Mark became a full-time Active Guard Reserve (AGR) officer for the Massachusetts Army National Guard in 2009 when his first daughter was an infant and he was preparing for his 2nd deployment to Afghanistan. COL Glenn was an active duty soldier for almost 18 years.

Mark had 3 combat tours. The first was with the HHB, 42nd DIVARTY to Iraq in 2004-2005 and the second was with HHB 1st Battalion 101st FA to Afghanistan in 2010. He recently returned from his 3rd deployment in April 2022 where he commanded the 1st Battalion 101st Field Artillery which had units deployed throughout the Middle East.

COL Glenn was the Battalion Commander for the 1-101 FA (Field Artillery). During his command, he oversaw over 600 troops throughout the Middle East. He commanded the last artillery unit to exit Afghanistan on August 30, 2021; a 20-year war.

COL Glenn had extensive military awards including 3 bronze stars, one for each deployment, awarded to him for his outstanding contributions to each mission. His actions and leadership during the most recent deployment made him eligible to be nominated for a Legion of Merit but he declined this opportunity because he wanted a bronze star so he could have "one for each girl.” That’s the kind of human he was; he was always thinking about his children.

Mark previously worked at State Street Bank, later US Bank in Boston 1993-2009. He would drill with the Guard on the weekends and 2 weeks in the summer during this time.

If you asked him, he would say his favorite and most important jobs were father and husband. He will be missed by all those who loved him.

ARRANGEMENTS: Per his wishes, there will be a funeral Mass on Friday, January 5, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at St John the Baptist Church, 17 Chestnut St, Peabody, MA with full military honors at Cedar Grove Cemetery in Peabody. Calling hours will be held on Thursday Jan 4, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St., Peabody. For directions and online guestbook please visit www.ccbfuneral.com. In lieu of cards, please write or type a few things you loved about Mark or a funny memory or story so a scrap book can be made for his daughters. Any Rated R stories will be made into a book for his wife. If you have any photos, the family would love those too. Please include any details or stories relevant to the photos. Please consider making a donation in Mark’s name to the Fisher House Foundation which pays for lodging for military families whose loved ones are hospitalized. This allowed his wife and children to stay at a hotel close to Massachusetts General Hospital so his wife could be with Mark every single day instead of commuting back and forth from Bedford, NH to Boston, MA. His family will be forever grateful for this opportunity the Fisher House provided which most cannot afford. https://fisherhouse.org. Our Military Kids (OMK) is also a non-profit that supports children who have parents deployed with the military. They gave each of Mark’s daughters $600 grants in 2021 during Mark’s recent deployment that helped offset the costs of camps, sports, and dance. https://www.ourmilitarykids.org/. A fund has also been set up for the Glenn Girls if you so choose. https://gofund.me/06ceaf94.

Services

4 Jan

Visitation

04:00 PM - 08:00 PM

Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home 82 Lynn Street Peabody, MA 09160 Get Directions »
5 Jan

Funeral Mass

10:00 AM

St. John the Baptist Church 17 Chestnut Street Peabody, MA 09160 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

  • February 26, 2024

    I served with Mark in Iraq with the 101st C-RAM mission. An amazing man, a family man, a true warrior. What I remember most is that he loved to make you laugh. He had jokes for days and was easy to talk with. He cared about his troops, those people in his life and it showed. He also loved to talk about his family. My heart goes out to you all who knew him, we lost a good one. For those that didn't have the opportunity or didn't take advantage of knowing him, you missed out. "God will give us only as much as we can handle." Rocket Buddies for life, Godspeed Sir. Mr. Mike

  • January 22, 2024

    My condolences to all the Glenn family as well as Mark's many friends. While I only had the privilege to meet Mark once it was an honor. A solid guy as they come and an"giver" in life. Thank you for your service. #RIP

  • January 17, 2024

    To Uncle Lester, Aunt Judy, Kerry, Julie, Michele, Jessica, Erin, Mia and Julia: So sad to hear of cousin Mark's passing! So proud of his and Uncle Lester's military careers. My mother, Joyce, always kept me up to date with everything 'Glenn' in the US. As long as I can remember, she told me stories about growing up with Reginald, Roger, Doris and Lester. Reading what others have written about Mark tells me that he too is a strong person with a great sense of family and sense of humour. Please know your Canadian family is thinking of you. You will always have fond memories of Mark. He will always be with you ❤️. Love and respect, Cousin Glenn

  • January 05, 2024

    To the Glenn family, I'm so terribly sorry for your loss. Mark Glenn was hands down one of the best battalion commanders I had the pleasure of serving with. We first met 20 years ago when we deployed to Iraq together, and the entire time I knew him, he was a no-nonsense, but kind hearted and fun loving man. In life, you sometimes have to make unpopular or otherwise tough decisions that can upset others. Mark had a knack for tackling these decisions in such a way that there was no ill will or resentment hanging in the air afterwards from either person. He was a man who preferred funny stories and jokes to doom and gloom and my military career is better from having known him for almost the entirety of it. Rest easy sir, I'll see you on Fiddler's Green! -CW2 Armand Hunter

  • January 04, 2024

    We did not know Mark but Mia is on our daughter, Maddy's CYO basketball team. We are so sorry for your loss and will keep the Glenn family in our prayers. - The Durrell Family

  • January 03, 2024

    Mark and I had known each other for some time in the Artillery community but we did not get to serve together directly until about 2006-2007 at the Yankee Brigade HQ. I am grateful I had the opportunity. We exchanged a lot of war stories and joked that going to drill was therapy. He told a story one morning about a news report of a shark in Lynn harbor that still makes me laugh. You will be missed, Mark! Vincere et Vivere

  • January 03, 2024

    My deepest condolences to the Glenn family. Words cannot overstate the loss you must be feeling. Mark was the consummate warrior and professional. He superbly commanded 1-101 FA during the most recent deployment and earned the 86th IBCT nickname of the "Brigade Ace" (many times over) for the number of drones and incoming rockets his Soldiers shot down. His unit's performance during this non-standard mission was exceptional and he set the standard for others through his personal attention and leadership. Mark fervently cared for his Soldiers, and I am honored to say that I had the pleasure of serving with him.

  • January 03, 2024

    I never got to know Mark, but what an amazing life of service. I'm so fortunate to have Julia in my class and it's easy to see where she gets her tenacity, independence, bravery, and imagination. Wishing you a measure of comfort through this difficult time and always. -Tom C.

  • January 02, 2024

    Joyce ,, Maura and the Glenn family I am so sorry for you loss Mark will be watching over all of you especially his beautiful daughters and wife.

  • January 02, 2024

  • January 02, 2024

    We were lucky enough to have spent some time getting to know Mark at Johanson family reunions in TN and UT. Sadly, way too little time, but enough to recognize a man that was a loving husband and father. Those who have served, and the loved ones of those who served, REALLY understand that freedom is not at all free. Colonel Mark C Glenn is a true American hero. God rest his soul and watch over his family. From Dave and Patty Johanson

  • December 30, 2023

    I first met COL Glenn 25 years ago when I came to the MA Guard from active duty. It's been over 20 years since I served with him directly but, I've never forgotten him or who he was as a leader. He would light up a room and could make you smile in the worst conditions. I pray that God will ease his family's sorrows and provide comfort. Until we meet again Sir. -MAJ(ret.) Jack Parisi

  • December 30, 2023

    Legally, he was my son in law. In reality he was my son. I had so many laughs with him, hours around the campfire, sharing music, a bit of Single Malt or a beer, and serious discussions about life. I'm crying as I write this and can't believe he's gone. Jess hit a home run when she found you. Erin, Mia and Julia were blessed to call you dad. God's peace be with you, Mark, till we meet again.

  • December 30, 2023

    Uncle Lester, Aunt Judy and families, I was shocked and very saddened to learn of the passing of cousin Mark when my mother Joyce Glenn Ward told me. We would always look forward to visits from our US cousins when we were younger. I got to see the girls more as we got older as Mark was busy with the reserves. We were so proud of his academic accomplishments and followed his military career with pride. Mark was a fine man and will be missed by all wio knew him. Thinking of you all at this most difficult time. You are certainly in our thoughts and prayers. Hold tight to all of your precious memories of Mark. Sending much love, Cousin Brenda

  • December 29, 2023

    I'm so sad to see this. He was my Battery Commander when I was in. A soldiers soldier. God Bless.

  • December 29, 2023

    I am shocked and saddened hearing the news of Mark's passing. I have not seen him in a few years as many retired soldiers will see people at the Hanscom complex. I think I saw him at the commissary in exchanged a few kind words. I did serve with Mark at the 51st true command where I was the logistics officer and Mark was the training officer and we would sit in his office by the back door and shoot the breeze for what felt like ours with our past experiences in our views on whatever political thing was happening that day. Reading his obituary made me feel that he was able to achieve what he wanted on this earth, just hearing he leaves such a wonderful family to carry on his memory. It seems like yesterday we lost Mike Greene and now another true warrior. Mark until we see each other again. Rest in peace. -your friend, Mike Currie

  • December 29, 2023

    To Uncle Lester, Aunt Judy and family: I am deeply sorry for the loss of your dear Mark. As a cousin, I am very proud of his military accomplishments and of the fine person he was. My late mother, Doris (Glenn) Bishop, always spoke highly of your family and of Mark. May your precious memories bring you peace and comfort with time. With love, Jeanette (Bishop) Baker

  • December 29, 2023

    Aunt Joyce let us know of Mark's passing. This was saddening news. We think of you folks often, especially since Mom and Dad are both gone now (Earle and Doris). We send our deepest sympathies to all of you and hope that you find peace. Take comfort in the great memories you have of Mark and cherish each other. Much love and respect, Gary and Marlene (Bishop) Maddison.

  • December 29, 2023

    The world is a lesser place without you Mark. You were a great friend, father, husband, soldier and leader. You had a great sense of humor and knew more jokes than any other person I've ever met. You always had your friends' backs and would stand up to bullies to protect the defenseless. You sacrificed so much for your country, family and friends. We owe you a debt of gratitude. Godspeed.

  • December 29, 2023

    I am so saddened to hear of the loss of a very true friend. My sincere condolences and fervent prayers for strength go out to Mark's family. Know that Col Glenn is in a far better place than we are. I'll see you again Sir!

  • December 28, 2023

    I will forever remember Mark for his unwitting nerve to be around the Johanson/Bergman family. For all the stories we told, he was steadfast in love and it was an honor to be around him. He was sacrificial, and undeserving of his illness. He loved a beautiful woman and their 3 children whom he adored.

  • December 28, 2023

    I remember that smile when Mark came into our dorm room a ULowell 35 years ago. He was wearing fatigues and carrying a footlocker on his shoulder. We bonded over Led Zeppelin and love of sarcasm. Making each other laugh was our goal for the next 4 years. I can still recall some of his best jokes and laugh out loud today. We had tons of adventures, two poorly planned trips to Montreal, and even went to a class or two. A true Patriot who loved his family! You will be missed, but never forgotten.

Tributes

  • Sacred Duty Spray

    Taylor Mascovitz sent Sacred Duty Spray for Colonel Mark C. Glenn - January 03, 2024

    "Uncle" Mark will be deeply missed. A true friend, a brother-in-arms, a wonderful and caring Godfather and Uncle to my girls, an outstanding human being! Love, the Mascovitz family.

  • Sacred Duty Spray

    William Neuendorf sent Sacred Duty Spray for Colonel Mark C. Glenn - January 02, 2024

    Our deepest sympathies Lesley & Bill Neuendorf

  • Ocean Devotion

    Ocean Devotion was sent for Colonel Mark C. Glenn - December 28, 2023

  • Red and White Floor Basket

    Johnathan Smith sent Red and White Floor Basket for Colonel Mark C. Glenn - December 28, 2023

    To a great family, the Glenn's. We give you our love, condolences, and continued support. COL Glenn will be forever cherished. Thank you for sharing him with us. Respectfully, John and Erica Smith

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