Lancaster-Mark D. Houseman, Sr., 58, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 8, 2018 at Leominster Hospital, following a ten-month battle with illness.  He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Sharon (Sutton) Houseman; their 11 children and spouses, Nancy & Brian Nash of Sacramento, CA; Mark D. Houseman, Jr., of Clinton; Gretchen Houseman, of Clinton; Elizabeth & Alex Silva of Townsend; Melody & Shaun Hart of Ashby; Melissa & Drew Younger of Vernon Hills, IL; Charlene Houseman of Pompano Beach, FL; Denise Houseman of Worcester; Katherine Houseman of Dartmouth; Matthew Houseman, and Jacob Houseman, both of Lancaster.  He also leaves behind his father, Ralph J. Houseman, Jr. of Brewster; siblings, Michael Hausmann of Bridgewater; and Denise Houseman & husband Jim Pidgeon of Manchester, NH; as well as 9 grandchildren: William, Tobias, Josiah, Faith, Isaiah, Jordan, Samantha, Logan, and Mikayla; an aunt, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.  He is pre-deceased by his mother Norma (Broker) Houseman and his brother David Houseman.

Mark was born in Marlborough, raised and educated in Hudson, and graduated from Hudson High School, in the Class of 1977.  He continued studies at Quinsigamond Community College and worked for several years as a self-employed research and design contractor in the burgeoning computer industry.  As a young man, Mark was inspired by his dad’s love of magic and slight-of-hand. Mark pursued the arts of both magic and clowning.  As a performer he delighted crowds of all ages as Darrell the Clown performing magic, making balloon animals and juggling.  As a father, he was often found enjoying the outdoors with his family, swimming, hiking, or biking throughout the Lancaster area.  Mark met his wife Sharon at the Freedom Farm, a Christian Coffee House located in Bolton. The two were married a year later at Trinity Church Congregational in Bolton and have continued to be a part of the fellowship of believers there.  

A memorial service will be held Thursday, August 23rd at 6:30 pm at Trinity Church Congregational in Bolton, MA. A reception with light refreshments will follow.

A private interment will be held at Eastwood Cemetery in Lancaster.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Mark D. Houseman, Sr. to Trinity Church Congregational, 14 Wattaquadock Hill Road, Bolton, MA 01740 or the Lancaster Firefighters Association, 1055 Main Street, Lancaster, MA 01523.  Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care of Philbin-Comeau Funeral Home, 176 Water St., Clinton.  Online condolences may be placed at www.philbincomeaufh.com