Submitted Photo
Flowers have been left at the corner near Mark Peterson’s home in Forestville in his memory. Peterson recently passed away suddenly after a fall.
FORESTVILLE — Mark Peterson regularly brought smiles to the faces of many of his neighbors in the small hamlet of Forestville.
He frequently walked the streets of his community with his dogs, often with his brother, Chris, at his side. He would stop and talk with his neighbors, sharing stories of the past and spreading his positivity to whoever he crossed paths with.
But now, the friendliness and spirit he brought to his neighbors must live on in his memory. Mark Peterson has suddenly passed away, reaching the end of his journey in life during one of his regular walks.
Karen Bradigan Smith posted the news in a Facebook group titled “Forestville, NY..Let’s Talk.” The post had more than 75 comments and over 200 interactions within the first 24 hours.
The post spoke to how every time Karen interacted with Mark, he would speak fondly of her grandfather, who passed when she was a young child. She said, “There was always so special about him reminding me about the man I never had the honor of remembering for myself.”
When Karen and her son, Brayden Smith, drove by and saw Mark last week, she was in a hurry and kept driving, thinking that she would see Mark again soon, as she always did. But sadly, that next interaction never came.
“My heart hurts that I didn’t stop one last time last week when I wanted to,” Karen’s post stated. “That I won’t hear him tell me about knowing my Grandpa one last time. It was definitely a reminder to not let those quick, special moments pass me by in life.”
Several comments on the post stated what a sad day it was for the Forestville community. Dozens of stories were shared of Mark’s impact on members of the community.
Keith Crabtree, who moved to Forestville less than a year ago, wrote, “Mark was the first neighbor we met when we moved here in November. He was walking his dogs and I was walking ours and met him outside his house. He was a sweet and gentle soul. Very sad to know that he won’t be stopping by the house on his way through and having a quick chat. Praying for peace and comfort for the family.”
Laurie DePasquale worked with Mark and his brother, Chris, at The Resource Center. DePasquale referred to Mark and Chris as “two peas in a pod.” She also wrote, “What a kind, caring gentleman Mark was. He was also smart as a whip. I loved walking past his house and having numerous conversations with him. He will truly be missed.”
Susan Bishoff also interacted with Mark and his brother, Chris, at The Resource Center. She echoed DePasquale’s sentiment, stating that the brothers were “both very intelligent and always smiling.”
Adam Sullivan called Mark “the kindest guy I have ever met.” Danielle Johnston called him “a staple of Forestville.”
But the sentiment shared by many was stated plainly by Audrey Griewisch, who wrote, “The neighborhood will not be the same without him.”
Flowers have been left at the corner near Mark’s home as a memorial. Several members of the community have paid tribute with flowers dedicated to the beloved community fixture who certainly left his mark.