Forever

Our Coach

Teacher. Mentor. Colleague. Father. Friend. The spirit of Bulldog pride. Broad in stature and in personality, there are many words that could be used to describe Mark O’Brien. Most of us simply use the one that defined him best. Coach.

His sudden passing in June left a giant void in the hearts of the hundreds of former and current students and faculty at Bancroft. His 31 years as a Physical Education teacher and Cross Country, Golf, Basketball, and Baseball Coach will forever be remembered. Not just for the many accolades he accomplished with his teams, but for the indelible mark he left on those that were lucky enough to know him.

In July, we reached out to the Bancroft Community for words of remembrance and celebration of the remarkable life of Coach O’Brien. Here are just some of the many alumni, students, current and former faculty, and family members that were moved to share their personal stories and memories.

Mark Taylor

BANCROFT DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT, ENGLISH TEACHER

and cared for them individually, noticing their strengths and making true, genuine connections. We can not thank Mark enough for all his love and attention. The baseball season When coming together to mourn with alumni, as I saw will never be quite the same without Coach O'B. their faces and nodded, or shared a moment of laughter, or exchanged tearful acknowledgement of our shared loss, I Trey Cassidy, HEAD OF SCHOOL realized just how many of them I knew had been person- Coach O’Brien was the heart and soul of Bancroft spirit. ally influenced and inspired by Mark. Class after class, year He was a Bulldog through and through. His enthusiasm for after year, Mark became that fig- teaching and coaching was only ure in their lives that they would always be able to count on, well after a season or a graduation Mark was my go surpassed by his affinity and care for the students that were lucky enough to call him Coach. He is, had gone by. But this is my 15th year here—I only knew him for to guy. If I needed and will continue to be, sorely missed. His memory will unhis second half at Bancroft —and from the pride with which he told help, inspiration, a doubtedly live on through the hundreds of people he impacted me stories about his earlier years, and the way in which others told me about him, I am struck by just how influential a presence he has been at this school. listening ear. He was the man. on Shore Drive. Martha Fortier BANCROFT ENGLISH TEACHER

Chris Sholla ’21 A good friend and “Who are we, if not measured by our impact on others? That’s who

Coach O’Brien played a huge role in my life during my teammate for me; we are! We’re not who we say we are, we’re not who we want to be time at Bancroft. My relationship with him was more for many of us. He – we are the sum of the influence and impact that we have, in our than just teacher and student or coach and player. He was a great friend to me and my en- cannot be replaced.” lives, on others.” – Carl Sagan tire family. When I had my bas- – JANE GERHARDT Jane Gerhardt ketball injury last year, Coach BANCROFT PHYSICAL O’Brien came to the hospital ev- EDUCATION TEACHER ery single day I was there to get Every day, from morning, until updated on what was happening and to check-in on me. He late, after practice, we worked closely together as colleagues, was there pre-surgery and post-surgery. He was there when I coaches, and friends. 31 years of working together, teachwas first starting to walk on crutches and he was there when ing together, talking, helping, celebrating wins and champithe injury happened, holding my hand and trying to get my onships, rivalries and analyzing some tough losses. In the mind off it telling me jokes and just making me smile. Coach Physical Education/Athletic Dept, we were family. Sharing was a genuinely great person. He pushed me to be the best stories, thoughts and ideas about teaching, coaching, life, version of myself. I’m forever grateful for what Coach has and family. Mark was my go to guy. If I needed help, inspidone for me and I won’t ever forget him. ration, a listening ear. He was the man. A good friend and teammate for me; for many of us. He cannot be replaced. I Shari Belanger think of him every day and I will cherish every minute I had BANCROFT LANGUAGE TEACHER with him at Bancroft. He taught me to live in the moment Mark was not only a warm, thoughtful and kind colleague and never look back—and my team will do form shooting to both of us (Shari and Husband Paul Belanger)... for many every day, for him. We never wished each other “good luck” years...but he also guided all 3 of our children throughout as we prepared for a game - instead, it was always “play well.” their time at Bancroft. He knew each of them personally Coach is missed every day, but his legacy at Bancroft, and our memories together will last a lifetime.

Coach O’Brien with 2020 seniors (Left to Right) CJ Holmberg, Prince Collins, and Nate Coz.

Carol Ryan

BANCROFT PHYSICAL EDUCATION TEACHER Mark O’Brien was a wonderful friend and colleague during the 15 years I had the honor and privilege to have known him. Mark was not only the consummate professional, he was truly one of the most humble, caring and proud husband, father, teacher and coach and I was so lucky to have been able to call him my friend. I have many wonderful memories of O’B, but I think my favorite memory of Mark is watching him interact with his own children around campus. I had all of his children in PE class, at one time or another, and it was not unusual for Mark to come into the gym, into the dining hall, watch from his office window or walk around anywhere on campus, while his children ran around the gym or playground, sat in the dining hall eating, interacted with their classmates; he simply enjoyed every moment watching them from afar. The smile on his face was priceless. Mark loved his job teaching and coaching all of his students, that’s for sure, but he often would tell me how lucky he was to work where he could watch his four children, Shannon, Conor, Molly and Caroline, grow up every day.

Tracy Jones

BANCROFT DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS Mark O'Brien was a true original. He was funny, light-hearted, often direct, fiercely competitive, and dedicated to his family, his student-athletes, and his friends. He had a huge heart...and big shoes that will never be filled. As the most recent addition to the Athletics/PE department at Bancroft, there was tremendous wisdom and experience in the group. As many daily conversations as I had with Mark about sports, his teams, game strategy, logistics, scheduling, officiating, etc. - and there were many - we had more conversations about students. He cared deeply about the wellbeing of all of his students, and the role he played in helping them navigate the often tumultuous waters of growing up. He held them to high expectations, and he supported them every step of the way.

Kristina Melo ’22

I was lucky to have Coach OB as my advisor as he was caring, wise, and very encouraging. He constantly reminded me to have faith in myself and ease my stress. He believed in me and my aspirations when I did not believe in myself. Coach OB was very persistent in looking out for my future as he got others involved to make sure I made decisions that would benefit me most. I’m forever grateful for his commitment to get me where I want to be.

Manny Bangandozou ’17

Coach O’Brien was my hero, a father-figure to me, my everything. I’m forever grateful for what he did for me. I wouldn’t have been the player I was without a great coach like him.

Steve Kelley

BANCROFT PHYSICAL EDUCATION TEACHER FORMER DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS Mark was a friend, colleague, confidant and family for the past 30 years. His welcoming, positive personality had a tremendous impact on my children and all the students he coached and taught. He was able to engage students and players of all ages and help them strive to reach their potential. Mark was respected as a teacher, coach, father and husband by his students, colleagues and coaching peers. His teaching and coaching went well beyond the skills and strategies. He also taught us life lessons that will carry on forever.

John Duggan ’78, TRUSTEE

As an Upper School student in the mid-70’s I was fortunate to be able to participate, as a student athlete, in some of the first years of Boys Upper School athletics. It is safe to say that some of the lessons I learned on either the soccer field or basketball court, helped form me into the person I became. 25 years after graduating from Bancroft, I reconnected with the athletic program and spent 14 seasons as Mark’s assistant coach on the Boys varsity Basketball team. It was during those years I watched Mark continue the traditions that were started in the 70’s. Very simply, Mark used athletics to get young people ready for the next phase of life. The relationship that can exist between player and coach is a special one. If you stop and think about 30 years of teaching and coaching, the numbers of lives Mark touched and continued to have relationships with after Bancroft is mind-boggling.

Wayne Penniman

BANCROFT ATHLETIC TRAINER I was fortunate to call Mark my best friend. He was larger than life. His ability to connect with his students was staggering. It didn’t matter what alumni I saw out in public; the first question was always “Is Coach OB still there?” It wasn’t till my 12-year-old son said, “I will never be able to play for Uncle Mark!” that I realized what an impact he had on the whole Bancroft Community and how we will all truly miss him. RIP OB!

Connor O’ Brien ’15

on behalf of the O’Brien family The O'Brien family would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for the outpouring of love and support you have shown our family over the last four months since Mark's untimely passing. We have heard from so many current and former students, staff, and friends in that time, all sharing remarkable stories of the impact "Coach OB" made on their lives. In Mark's short time on earth, he truly changed the world-devoting his entire life to helping others. Coaching and teaching were his true passions and the 31 years he spent on Shore Drive at Bancroft making wonderful memories with his co-workers certainly solidified their status as "family." While words cannot describe how much we miss him, we know he remains with us each day-guiding our way, and reminding us of the importance of being kind, standing up for the underdog, and stepping up to the plate to live the best life we possibly can.

Manny Bangandozou ’17 and Coach O’Brien celebrate his 2,000 point milestone on February 1, 2017.