Porter - Mark W. Vieira, 60 years old, of Porter, Maine passed away peacefully with his family by his side on November 17. He was the first baby born in Attleboro, Massachusetts on January 1, 1961. He loved to claim that he was the only child of seven to have paid for himself, since many businesses in the town of Attleboro gave gifts to the family.
He spent his childhood in Attleboro and was very successful on the school wrestling team. He started his working career at a very young age, always wanting to be at his Dad’s Butcher Shop in Wrentham next to his brother, Richie. They would drive to the business after school and cut meat together as young as 12. The family moved to Brockton in 1977, where he met the love of his life, Dorothy McDonald. They were married for 41 years. Together they have two beautiful children, Leanne and Mark Jr.
Mark was a professional meat cutter from an early age. At 16, Mark, his brother Richie, and their father partnered in Vieira’s Custom Slaughtering. Mark was a hard worker. After a busy day of meat cutting, he found time to venture into the real estate business. He bought, renovated, and sold many houses. He and his family moved to Porter, Maine in 1997. Mark and Richie built a slaughterhouse, where Mark worked morning till night at their butchering business.
He was proud of being a self-made man having owned many businesses with his brother and their wives. From the butcher shops, to real estate the two brothers opened up their first laundromat in Brownfield in 2000. Many remember him as one of the owners of Village Laundry in Porter. He loved interacting and talking to many customers while cleaning. Often giving his political views and opinions on many issues within our country. He loved people and was always lending a helping hand. His famous sayings were “Toughen Up!” and “Living the Life”.
One thing Mark will be remembered for was his strength. He was strong for a man of his size. He was a professional arm wrestler for years and won many trophies. He could easily put a young buck in his place that thought he could beat Mark at arm wrestling, even as recently as this year. Mark also had a passion for car shows, where he and Dottie spent many afternoons proudly displaying his 1967 Chrysler Imperial, that he restored. Many of us called him Markiver because he could fix anything. He was a Jack of all trades. He even helped Leanne and Mark Jr with the construction of their homes.
Mark and Dottie took many trips to Florida along with his kids and grandkids. He loved spoiling them. His face would light up when telling stories of their accomplishments or just their time together. They were his pride and joy.
He is survived by his wife Dottie of Porter, his daughter Leanne Leonard and her husband Scott of Effingham, NH, his son Mark Vieira and his wife, Noelle of Porter; four grandchildren, Devin, Dylan, and Drea Leonard and Maybellene Vieira, his sister Deborah Drinkwater of Leeds, his brother Richard Vieira and wife Barbara of Porter, and his sister Kelly Zeidman of Taunton, Massachusetts. He is predeceased by his parents Ethel (Wright) and Richard Vieira and siblings, Kurt Vieira, Douglas Vieira and Donna Arnold. He also will be remembered by many nieces and nephews as well as great nieces and nephews.
A private family gathering was held to celebrate Mark’s fulfilling life. He will be greatly missed by all. For Mark’s love of this country, in lieu of flowers, please consider voting Republican. He would want it that way.
Online condolences may be expressed at: www.mainefuneral.com