Obituary of Mark Alan Matzell

Mark Alan Matzell, 68, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on October 1, 2023 in Portland, ME. 

Mark was a passionate and dynamic man, best described as “humorous at heart” by a close friend. He will be remembered as a creative, multi-talented, and fun-loving father, grandfather, bandmate, and colleague.

He is predeceased by his father, Clifford Matzell, and mother, Berniece Schrader Matzell, of Hingham, MA.

He is survived by his brother Charles Matzell of Hingham, MA; brother Tom Matzell of Belmont, MA; sister Nancy Matzell of Fort Lauderdale, FL; his son Erik Matzell of Arundel; daughter Katherine Matzell of Portland; son Benjamin Matzell of Ladera Ranch, CA; daughter Jessica Shane of North Yarmouth; and former wife of 36 years, Susan Matzell. He is also survived by his five granddaughters: Emilia, Ella, and Everly Shane, and Isla and Julianna Matzell, along with many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Mark was born on November 7, 1954 in Rochester, NY and later attended school in Holliston, MA. He had a wide range of interests and talents. He played drums in his school band and in his own rock bands, acted in school plays, and played on the school baseball team. He went on to study theatre at Marietta College in Ohio for a short stint before deciding to pursue a career in broadcasting.

Mark led a full life in his short 68 years and had an impact on many. He retired in 2022 after a long career as a radio announcer and creative producer for many radio stations in Maine and New Hampshire. Mark was most known and admired for his time at WBLM as one of the beloved Marks on the “The Mark & Mark Remarkable Radio Show” in the early ‘80s. He was known at WBLM as “a man with a thousand voices and a million ideas.” He won several awards over the course of his career from the Maine Association of Broadcasters for his talents in voice work and production. He was an in-demand and highly respected and admired professional in his field. 

Mark was a lover of music and a talented musician. He played drums, guitar, and sang in several rock bands over the years, including with the Scott Folsom Band, Altitude Lou and the Tropical Depression, Alter Igor, and The Lost Boys, for which he wrote his own original material. He was a diehard fan of The Beatles and shared his love of music with his children, playing his favorite albums in the living room while strumming his guitar and singing along, and encouraging his kids to join in.

Mark also loved sports. He was a big fan of the Boston Red Sox and the New England Patriots. Mark was a proud father. He and his former wife Susan raised their four children in Wiscasset. Mark coached his sons in baseball and his daughters in softball. He never missed their many sports games, school plays, and concerts over the years if he could help it. His children will be forever grateful that he took interest in their interests, and that he did all he could to support their many endeavors.

Mark’s legacy will live on through his children and grandchildren, through his music, and through the stories and memories he leaves behind for so many.

A celebration of life will be held in honor of Mark on Sunday, October 15 at 2:00PM at Schooner Landing in Damariscotta, Maine. All are welcome to attend.