Mark Quattro’s Legacy Will Continue With Annual Canton High School Award

Mark Quattro died before realizing his dream of teaching history at Canton High School but his legacy will live on there and throughout town.

Sunday evening, a celebration of Quattro’s life at Chippanee Country Club in Bristol, gave family and friends a chance to share stories and contribute to a scholastic fund. It will establish an annual award for a graduating Canton High School senior, his wife Linda said.

Mark wanted to gradually transition out of his law practice and become certified as a teacher, Linda Quattro said. His goal was to teach history in Canton, the town where he had served on the Board of Selectmen, Democratic Town Committee, The Lions Club, the Chamber of Commerce, Sam Collins Day committee and so many others.

“He was just starting to talk very seriously about it,” she said.

Linda said she has asked her son Nick, a 2011 graduate, to present the award each year. 

Sunday night, numerous family members and friends shared memories of Mark Quattro, a well-known attorney and community leader who died in June at the age of 56.

Speaker after speaker remembered his passion, generosity and humor.

Mike Verde of Canton played golf with Quattro for nearly 25 years. 

For the two, every hole was a bet.

“We probably traded $10,000,” Verde said. “And we were dead even.”

Verde said he fondly remembered when Quattro placed a golf ball in a precarious position and bet him $1 he could drive right over it with a golf cart. Quattro did but proceeded to drive right into the pond, ending the golf day.

But Mark was more than laughs, Verde said.

“He surprised me with his kindness,” he said.

Quattro’s sister Terri and her daughters Alyssa and Christina talked about how the kindness of Mark and his family was especially present after they lost their husband and father Bill many years ago.

Alyssa said her uncle introduced her to skiing, was always there for important events, bought her gifts and took the family on vacation with his own. 

“He brought a lot of joy to our lives,” she said. “He really filled a void.”

Her sister Christina added that Quattro acted like her older brother on those trips, compelling her to try anything, including the “Tower of Terror” in Florida.

“I’m now afraid of nothing because of him,” she said.

Terri said she was always proud to be the one known as Mark’s sister.

“My brother was the kindest, most generous person,” she said.

The family said they are also so fortunate Mark brought them his wife, son Nick and daughter Alana.

Canton resident Mary Tomolonius said Quattro changed the course of her life but beyond politics and his community involvement, he was just a full of life and humor, she said. She shared a story about a less-than-stellar but dramatic dining experience with her husband Gary.

“(Mark) was larger than life,” she said. “He was really a remarkable individual.”  

Due to capacity, Sunday night’s event was by invitation only but Linda Quattro said she is coordinating with resident Julius Fialkiewicz, who is planning an informal tribute in Canton.

On Oct 20, a kickball tournament at Mills Pond Park will benefit Lily's Kids Inc. a non-profit organization for children with heart problems. Find out more at kickingitfortheheart.eventbrite.com.

Tomolonius also confirmed that the 2012 Canton Sam Collins Day fair and business expo would be dedicated to Quattro.

On Sunday, it was great to share stories and hear each person’s experience with Mark, Verde said.

“It’s a lovely thing,” he said. “It’s nice to celebrate his life.”

Verde said his relationship was unique but said the best part of Mark was that he took time for everyone.

“He was a good friend to everybody,” he said.