MARK S. SANBORN

May 8, 2026

MARK S. SANBORN

His Funeral Mass will take place Friday, May 15th at 11:30 a.m. in St. Anthony 851 Main St., Church, Woburn. Burial to follow in Woodbrook Cemetery. Calling hours will be held in the Lynch-Cantillon Funeral Home 263 Main Street, Woburn, on Thursday, May 14th from 4 to 7 p.m. Remembrances may be made in his memory to the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation, 5526 West 13400 South, #510, Herriman, Utah 84096, or by visiting https://www.cholangiocarcinoma.org/donate/.

MARK S. SANBORN –  a lifelong resident of Woburn, died peacefully on May 8th at the age of 68, surrounded by his loving family following a brief illness. Mark was the beloved husband for 48 years of Claire M. (Murphy) Sanborn. Devoted father of Paul D. Sanborn and his partner Taryn O’Neill of Medford, Allison M. Bennett and her husband Patrick G. of Woburn, Michael A. Sanborn of Woburn, Brian P. Sanborn and his wife Courtney J. of Norwood, and Colleen E. Sanborn and her wife Emily K. Sutliff of West Roxbury. Cherished “Bub” of Jolene, Shayne, Carter, Brooke, Rory, and Callum. Dear brother of Linda J. Sanborn of Woburn and Arlene M. O’Melia and her husband John of Wilmington. Brother-in-law of Elaine M. Olenchak and her husband Stephen of Florida, William H. Murphy and his wife Sandra of Woburn, and Paul A. Murphy of New Hampshire. Mark was predeceased by his brother, David P. Sanborn. He is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. His Funeral Mass will take place Friday, May 15th at 11:30 a.m. in St. Anthony 851 Main St., Church, Woburn. Burial to follow in Woodbrook Cemetery. Calling hours will be held in the Lynch-Cantillon Funeral Home 263 Main Street, Woburn, on Thursday, May 14th from 4 to 7 p.m. Remembrances may be made in his memory to the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation, 5526 West 13400 South, #510, Herriman, Utah 84096, or by visiting https://www.cholangiocarcinoma.org/donate/.

MARK S. SANBORN — A lifelong resident of Woburn, died peacefully Friday, May 8th at the age of 68, surrounded by his loving family following a brief illness.

Mark was the beloved husband and best friend of Claire M. (Murphy) Sanborn, with whom he shared 48 years of marriage and more than 50 years together. Their love and devotion for one another was quite evident to all who knew them. A proud and devoted family man, Mark centered his entire life around his wife, children, and grandchildren, never missing a sporting event, family gathering, or opportunity to support those he loved most.

Born and raised in Woburn, Mark was the loving son of the late Chester S. and Mary P. (Nett) Sanborn. He was educated in the Woburn Public Schools and was a graduate of Woburn High School with the Class of 1976. During his time there, Mark thoroughly enjoyed participating in both football and hockey. His love of sports and community stayed with him throughout his life. He spent over 45 years with Optima Shipping as an Operations Manager, where he was respected for his tireless work ethic, loyalty, and dedication. Even in recent years, Mark continued working, always taking pride in providing for his family and staying connected to the people and work he valued so deeply.

The family would also like to recognize and sincerely thank Mark’s work family at Optima Shipping. Over more than 45 years, Mark formed lifelong friendships with the people he worked beside each day. Your unwavering support, generosity, and care throughout his illness and over the years meant the world to him and to his family.

Mark was deeply involved in Woburn Youth Hockey for many years, coaching and mentoring not only his own children, but countless other young athletes from childhood through adulthood. He often coached several teams at the same time, giving generously of his time and energy to the children and families of the community he loved. Whether at the rink, on the sidelines, or cheering from the stands, Mark’s presence was constant and encouraging. A devoted Bruins fan, he especially cherished annual family vacations to Lake Winnipesaukee, where many of his happiest memories were made surrounded by family and friends.

Those who knew Mark will remember him as selfless, incredibly hardworking, kind-hearted, and humble. He was the type of neighbor and friend everyone could rely on, especially throughout the close-knit Caulfield Road neighborhood where lifelong friendships were formed. Above all else, Mark was most proud of his family and the life he built with them.

Mark was the devoted father of Paul D. Sanborn and his partner Taryn O’Neill of Medford, Allison M. Bennett and her husband Patrick G. of Woburn, Michael A. Sanborn of Woburn, Brian P. Sanborn and his wife Courtney J. of Norwood, and Colleen E. Sanborn and her wife Emily K. Sutliff of West Roxbury. Cherished “Bub” of Jolene, Shayne, Carter, Brooke, Rory, and Callum. Dear brother of Linda J. Sanborn of Woburn and Arlene M. O’Melia and her husband John of Wilmington. Brother-in-law of Elaine M. Olenchak and her husband Stephen of Florida, William H. Murphy and his wife Sandra of Woburn, and Paul A. Murphy of New Hampshire. Mark was predeceased by his brother, David P. Sanborn. He is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, teammates, former players, and dear friends.

His Funeral Mass will take place Friday, May 15th at 11:30 a.m. in St. Anthony 851 Main St., Church, Woburn. Burial to follow in Woodbrook Cemetery. Calling hours will be held in the Lynch-Cantillon Funeral Home 263 Main Street, Woburn, on Thursday, May 14th from 4 to 7 p.m. Remembrances may be made in his memory to the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation, 5526 West 13400 South, #510, Herriman, Utah 84096, or by visiting https://www.cholangiocarcinoma.org/donate/.

His Funeral Mass will take place Friday, May 15th at 11:30 a.m. in St. Anthony 851 Main St., Church, Woburn. Burial to follow in Woodbrook Cemetery. Calling hours will be held in the Lynch-Cantillon Funeral Home 263 Main Street, Woburn, on Thursday, May 14th from 4 to 7 p.m. Remembrances may be made in his memory to the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation, 5526 West 13400 South, #510, Herriman, Utah 84096, or by visiting https://www.cholangiocarcinoma.org/donate/.

Guestbook

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  1. Paul G. Regan

    I was close friends with David & Mark during our youth, jr. & high school hockey times. I even worked summers with them both at Chet’s tire store … I was saddened to hear of his passing today from my brother. It’s of some comfort to know they are both together, now, amongst the stars.
    Until we meet again … Rest in Peace.

  2. Lois and Jerry Surette

    Dear family, Our sons will always remember Mark as “Coach.”
    Our hearts go out to you all. May he rest in peace.
    Fondly, Lois and Jerry Surette and family.

  3. Patty and Dan Corzilius

    Patty and Dan Corzilius are both very saddened to hear of this loss. We did not know Mark well but as close friends and neighbors of Brian and Courtney, we know what a truly wonderful father and grandfather he was. We are sending love and strength to all who are processing this very sad news.

  4. Dear Sanborn Family,
    Sending love and condolences. He was a nice guy! Hang on tight to the memories.
    Love, Susan

  5. Mary Ann Slater

    To the Sanborn family, So sorry to hear about Mark. Peace to your family at this difficult time. The Slater family

  6. I’m very sad to hear of the passing of Mark. I have a lot of great memories growing up in the Forest Park neighborhood with Mark and his dear brother David. RIP my friend

  7. The Connors Family

    Knowing, Mark & Claire & Family!
    While Living In
    Woburn, Was
    Our Honor & Pleasure!
    Mark Was A Friend
    To All!
    Mark Was Always
    So Very Proud Of
    His Beautiful Family!
    Rest In Peace, Mark!
    Sending Our Love
    & Prayers,
    Sanborn Family!

  8. The Connors Family

    KNOWING,
    MARK & CLAIRE
    & FAMILY!
    Was An HONOR,
    While Living In
    WOBURN!
    MARK Was AMAZING!
    We Send Our
    LOVE & PRAYERS!
    GOD BLESS
    EVERYONE!

  9. Alice Roberts

    Claire and Paul,
    I am so sorry to hear about Mark. I hope the loving memories in your heart and mind will provide comfort in the difficult times ahead. I am thinking of you and all the family.
    Alice “Nett” Roberts

  10. Claire, I am so sorry for your loss of Mark. My deepest condolences to you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time..

  11. Claire, I am so sorry for your loss of Mark. My deepest condolences to you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time..

  12. Joan and David Farrell

    Thank you for being a great coach for Joey and Mike our condolences to your family my heart goes out rest in peace🤍🫶🏽🙏🏼

  13. Elaine & Steve Olenchak

    Our hearts are broken at Mark’s sudden passing. He was an always kind, always hard working, hockey loving, very down to earth, true family man. His wife, children and grandchildren were the treasures of his life. Times on family vacations and all the many holiday celebrations at home were what really made him happiest.

    Your memories and ours will sustain us all in the days and years to come.

    May God send you His peace and His angels to hold you up on the most difficult days to come.

    Mark, you have earned your place in heavenly glory. Enjoy those celestial hockey games until we all meet again.

  14. Regina and Tom Keating

    Paul
    So saddened to read about your Dads passing . I am sure these last days have been difficult. May he now be at rest.
    A big hug to you and prayers to your family.❤️🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻

  15. Sherry and Paul Donohoe

    Sending thought’s and prayer’s to your family at this difficult time. Mark was such a wonderful person.

  16. John Casey and family

    Deepest sympathy to the Sanborn family for the loss of Mark. A dear friend of all of us at Forest Park Road family. RIP Mark…

  17. Christina, Hayley, and Janet

    Our sincere condolences and prayers to all of you. Mark was a hardworking, remarkably good man. He was a great husband, Dad, brother, uncle, and grandfather. R.I.P. Uncle Mark. You certainly earned your place in heaven but you’ll be greatly missed here on earth.

  18. Such sad news. We grew up together. He was a great man. Hugs to the family ♥️♥️

  19. Barb (Gillis)Kirk

    My deepest sympathies and heartfelt sorrow for your family’s tremendous loss. Mark was a wonderful friend. You are all in my thoughts.

  20. Karen & Ted keating

    am so very sorry to learn Paul
    We are so sorry to hear of your father’s passing. May all of your wonderful memories of him bring you peace at this difficult time.

  21. Myron and Peggy Masotta

    I am very sorry to hear about Mark’s passing. He was a good friend to my family. I remember him coming into my family’s store when I was a kid. R.I.P. Mark.

  22. Terri and Andy Patt

    May the love of those around you bring comfort during this time of sorrow.

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