Mark Daniel Gilhuly, 69, passed away after a courageous and valiant battle with pancreatic cancer Sept. 9, 2024. Born in New Haven April 5, 1955, he was predeceased by his parents, Robert and Lee Rossini Gilhuly. He was married to the love of his life, Linda Kowalski.

Mark grew up in West Haven near Savin Rock and had many happy memories of playing at the beach with family and friends and going to Jimmies.

Mark worked in the railroad sector (Metro-North) for 39 years as a conductor/flag, retiring in capital projects. He was passionate about his work and loved his fellow employees as they all sought to provide top-notch rail service to the riding public. Mark enjoyed knowing the commuters whom he met, and he knew many of them by name. He was a proud member of the Association of Commuter Rail Employees (ACRE).

Mark was an avid biker, swimmer, runner and golfer. By all definitions, he was an amazing, determined, passionate, and high-energy elite athlete who trained with an unparalleled level of determination and commitment. He participated in countless races and was a veteran of 24 marathons, over 50 triathlons, and an iron-man triathlon. He won the inaugural Greenwich Triathlon and directed the Milford Triathlon for many years.

Equally as impressive was his form and skill on the golf course. He was an avid amateur golfer who won a number of club tournaments with a 4 handicap. He was a long-time member at Race Brook Country Club, Madison Country Club and Imperial Golf Club, golfing frequently and taking family and friends there for special occasions.

In everything Mark did, he gave it his all. He was in constant motion: Energetic, positive, bright, intelligent, witty, fun and compassionate. He will be missed by the many family and friends whose lives he touched.

When Mark walked into a room, he lit up the room, and by the time he left, he pretty much would know every person, everything about them, and make new friends. He would stay connected to his friends. You could count on Mark for his ever-present positive attitude.

Mark always put his family and friends first. He traveled to Great Britain to help Dave Parcells execute a single and then double-crossing of the English Channel to raise funds for Swim Across the Sound, a cancer charity in Connecticut.

One of Mark’s favorite things to do was to announce racing events for JB Sports. Every summer, he looked forward to announcing marquee events such as the Cheshire Half Marathon, Fairfield Half Marathon, and the Faxon Law New Haven Road Race on Labor Day. He believed in the events, the athletes, and the good that was done by the charities that benefitted from the events.

Mark was known as “the Voice of Summer” for these events. With his personal upbeat style, funny quips, and words of encouragement, Mark was a crowd favorite before, during, and after the race. He knew many of the runners personally and would call out their names or add a fun fact as they neared the finish line. More than a few participants would come up to Mark to tell him how his words of encouragement and inspiration helped them dig deep for that final sprint across the finish line. Presenting the awards to winners was a treat for Mark, who would study beforehand the elite runners’ backgrounds.

In May of 2024, as Mark continued his valiant battle with pancreatic cancer, he was honored with the John Bysiewicz Award, which is presented to “An outstanding individual that demonstrates courage and determination facing adversity and serves as an inspiration to others.”

Anyone who knew Mark knew that he was a die-hard Boston Red Sox fan. His family and friends would often spend time on weekends watching a Red Sox game together, or he and his friends would jump on an Amtrak train and go to Fenway Park. This summer, Mark spent many hours talking with friends over the phone, not about his personal woes but those of the Red Sox. Oh well, there’s always next year.

Mark is survived by his wife, Linda Kowalski; his twin brother, Tim Gilhuly and wife, Monica; his nephew, Patrick; his niece, Caitlin; his sister-in-law, Karen K. Weeks, her husband, Brad; his brother-in-law Ted Kowalski Jr., and his wife, Patricia, their children, Nick, and his wife, Maya, Alex Kowalski, and Lauren Kowalski; many cousins on both sides of the Gilhuly and Rossini families and many close friends. A special place in Mark’s heart has always been there for Aunt Ginny Fain of San Diego, California.

A memorial mass and celebration of life will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 20, at St. Mary Church-St. John Bosco Parish in Branford. Celebration of life to follow at 12:30 p.m. at the Pine Orchard Club, Branford.

Donations may be made to Project Purple: A World Without Pancreatic Cancer, for a scholarship in memory of Mark (www.projectpurple.org).

Please see his obituary @ www.wsclancy.com.