Obituary: Mark F. Kemmerle
Mark F. Kemmerle, 78, of Brunswick, Passes Away After Short Battle with Pancreatic Cancer
BRUNSWICK, ME – The Brunswick community lost a devoted family man and lifelong advocate for disability rights on Thursday, October 8, 2026. Mark F. Kemmerle, 78, died after a brief but hard fight with pancreatic cancer. He was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, on September 1, 1948, the first child of Llewellyn and Alice Kemmerle.
Kemmerle spent nearly three decades calling Brunswick home. “I’ve lived in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Rhode Island, Indiana and Florida, but I considered myself a Mainer and lived in Brunswick with my family for the past 29 years,” he told friends. He was known for his eclectic hobbies and boundless curiosity. Whether it was carrying a book wherever he went, or later, two books—a collection of crossword puzzles he and his wife Toni solved together—his mind was always at work. Music played at full volume while cooking dinner, sometimes to the bemusement of his loved ones, became a trademark of his kitchen.
An avid film fan, Kemmerle logged over 400 movies a year and often sent spirited emails to his brother Peter and daughter Karen debating the merits of different directors. Every Sunday, he would watch the NFL’s Red Zone with son‑in‑law Adam Shuler, spending seven hours on the screen. He treasured memories of his time at Brown University, especially when he could reminisce with his daughter and fellow alumna, Allison.
In addition to his academic ties, the family made a yearly pilgrimage to the Stratford Shakespeare Festival in Ontario. The visits were marked by dozens of plays and generous portions of pad thai. In his later years, Kemmerle delighted his granddaughter Nora by reading stories aloud, each character given a distinct voice. His grandson George Barbu, along with the rest of his family, shared in the joy of these moments.
Kemmerle’s commitment to public service was rooted in his advocacy for disability rights. For five years he served as the director of the Maine Developmental Services Oversight and Advisory Board, ensuring that residents received proper education, benefits, and a dignified life. He worked closely with his son Michael, helping secure the support and opportunities he deserved.
He is survived by his wife Toni, his three children—Karen, Michael and Allison—his siblings Peter and Anne, their families, sons‑in‑law Adam Shuler and Andrei Barbu, and grandchildren Nora and George Barbu. Throughout his illness, Toni and Anne tended to him at home, while Karen, her partner Adam, and the rest of the family stood by him.
A celebration of life will be held in the summer of 2027 to honor his memory. In lieu of flowers, family members and friends are encouraged to donate to the Independence Association in Brunswick, reflecting Kemmerle’s lifelong commitment to improving the lives of others.
Mark Kemmerle’s passing is a profound loss for Brunswick and beyond, but his legacy as a loving husband, father, grandfather, scholar, and advocate will endure in the lives he touched. His story serves as a reminder that one person’s dedication can create ripples of change that last well beyond a single life.
