Mark G. Groleau

ORANGE - Mark Girard Groleau, 54, passed away peacefully Thursday, July 13, 2017, at the VNA Respite House in Colchester. His family was at his bedside.

Born on September 9, 1962, in Barre, he was the only son of Marcel and Annette (Cotnoir) Groleau. He attended school in Barre and graduated from Champlain College in Burlington.

Mark married Christine Blodgett on October 1, 1988 and together they built a home in Orange. They had a daughter Bailey in 2000. His main focus was his family, his friends, and his love of many hobbies.

Soon after graduating, Mark joined the family business, Groleau Construction Inc. and worked alongside his father. Together they grew a reputation for high quality craftsmanship and a great attention to detail. In 1994, Mark and Christine became full owners when Marcel retired. Many around town knew him best for his honest, good-natured personality, and natural ability to talk to anyone.

In 2010, Mark was chosen as “Remodeler of the Year” by the Home Builders & Remodelers Association of Northern Vermont (HBRANV). In 2012, he won an award for “Best Commercial Construction” from HBRA of Northern VT for his work completing a 10,000 square foot renovation at Vermont Butter & Cheese Creamery.

Mark’s many interests included playing golf with his friend Greg Giles, playing horseshoes, and watching NASCAR with his friend LeRoy out at the fire pit on his lawn. He enjoyed camping with his family and spending time with Christine and Bailey sledding, skiing, sailing, and watching the VH1 Music Countdown every Saturday. We will always remember his love of rock music, peanuts and especially strong hugs.

Mark is survived by his wife, Christine and beloved daughter, Bailey; his father, Marcel Groleau; sisters, Colette and husband Guy Page and Lisa and husband Phillip Robtoy; nephews, Sean Parauka and his wife, Candice and Phillip’s son, Lucien Robtoy; niece, Heather Parauka; and his brother-in-law, Richard Parauka.

His mother, Annette Groleau predeceased him in 2015 and his oldest sister, RoseMarie Parauka predeceased him in 2007.

The family is grateful to Christine’s sister, Gayle Munson and to Mark’s longtime friends, LeRoy Hemond and Greg Giles for their generous gifts of time and care during Mark’s illness. Also, many fellow contractors and longtime friends of Mark (Bob Pomer, Tim Busby, Paul Lamberti, and Scott Hutchins, for example) were a great source of personal and professional help during this difficult time.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Monica Catholic Church in Barre at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, July 19. There will be no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to an education fund established for Bailey.  Please mail checks to: Gayle Munson, c/o Bailey Groleau Education Fund, 9 Moran Road, Orange, VT 05641.