Tributes

Mark Edward McIlrath, 60, of Mooresville, NC and formerly of Fitzwilliam, NH and Danbury, CT, peacefully entered into eternal rest on Friday, January 3 at S. Mitchell Mack Hospice House. At the time of his passing, he was attended to by his beloved wife Victoria McIlrath and son Cameron McIlrath. Mark was born on October 25, 1964, in Danbury, CT, son of Hazel McIlrath and the late Joseph McIlrath Sr. Mark was a brilliant engineer and leader who profoundly impacted the careers and lives of countless others in the industries he worked with. During his career, he had the opportunity to work on projects from the stars to the deep sea, delighting in any occasion to solve novel puzzles and problems. As the Global Technology Director at Trane Technologies in Davidson, he was the driving force behind many projects and innovations. While he was a born problem solver and scientist, he was truly most proud of the moments that he was able to share his love of learning, his sense of curiosity and awe about the universe with his coworkers and community. Most fundamental to Mark were the roles of husband and father, son, brother, friend and neighbor. He and his wife were true soulmates and partners, his son Cameron the absolute pride of his heart. He was invariably the first in line to offer help and support to anyone in need, there with a chainsaw in the pouring rain clearing a driveway for neighbors or over the phone walking a friend through fixing a broken appliance. During the last year, despite suffering from the grave effects of aggressive brain cancer (glioblastoma), he would constantly voice his concern for others sitting beside him in treatment, worried about their burdens and pain with heartfelt compassion. Mark was a true friend to so many, always willing to listen without judgement, with his open mind and huge heart. He will be deeply and profoundly missed by his family, friends and community. Along with his wife and son, Mark is survived by his mother, brother Joseph McIlrath Jr. and wife Barbara McIlrath of Ellington, CT, sister Theresa Harper and husband Wally Harper of Branford, CT, sister Colleen Carella of Newtown, CT as well as his parents-in-law Michael and Pauline Pope of Mooresville. In addition to his father, Mark was tragically preceded in death by his stepdaughter Hadley Anderson in 2023. A Celebration of life service will be held for his family, friends, and the community at Cavin-Cook Heritage House on Sunday, January 19th at 4 PM. The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to all the nurses, physicians and staff who cared for Mark, for their unwavering compassion and supportive care. Your kindness will never be forgotten. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Brain Tumor Network, an organization that helps to support, educate and council patients and families fighting primary brain cancer.

Tributes

Mark Edward McIlrath

October 25, 1964 - January 3, 2025