Mark Letendre

Mark P. Letendre, 80, of Manchester, passed away peacefully on May 13, 2025, surrounded by his loving family in his home of 49 years. He was born in Manchester on December 8, 1944, the oldest son of Levi and Madeleine (Dionne) Letendre.

Mark was the beloved husband of Nancy (Bagwell) Letendre. They were married on June 28, 1969, and enjoyed 53 wonderful years together before her passing in May of 2023. Mark was the loving father of Amy Villeneuve of Bow and Susan Letendre of Manchester.

After graduating from Bishop Bradley High School in Manchester, Mark enlisted in the United States Marine Corps as a Field Radio Operator. During his service, Mark was promoted to Staff Sergeant and served in Vietnam as a wire platoon Sergeant as a member of the 5th Communications Battalion, responsible for providing communications for the Da Nang area. Originally assigned to a 14-month tour of duty, Mark volunteered for an additional tour in Vietnam and was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps in 1967. In 1969, Mark and his father Levi purchased the Red Arrow Diner in Manchester. They continued the Diner’s legacy of serving homecooked favorites including Shepard’s pie, baked beans, and pot roast. After his father’s retirement in 1978, Mark operated the Red Arrow until its sale in 1985. Mark then worked as a facilities manager for Manchester’s Department of Public Works until his retirement in 2008.

Mark was a true outdoorsman whose deep love for nature shaped his life and brought joy to those around him. Whether he was hiking New Hampshire’s 4000 footers with his daughters and nephew James Rioux, casting a line into a quiet lake with his dear friend Jerry Dupuis or skiing trails throughout New England, Mark was happiest in nature. His passion for the wilderness was matched by his knowledge and respect for it, and he generously shared both with family and friends. His adventurous spirit, grit, grounded wisdom, and appreciation for the natural world will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

In addition to his daughters, Mark is survived by his brother, Eric Letendre, son in law, Eric Villeneuve and cousins, Ronald Dionne, Richard Dionne, Roberta Dionne, Roger Roberge, Deborah Welzel, Reverend J. Joseph Dionne C.Ss.R and nieces and nephews. Mark was predeceased by his parents and brother, Roderick Letendre, cousins, Gregory Dionne and David Dionne and his great-grandnephew, Thomas Rioux who affectionally and lovingly referred to him as “Uncle Grumpy”.

Services: Services will be private. Donations in Mark’s name can be made to the Wildlife Heritage Foundation of New Hampshire. Assisting the family with arrangements is the Cremation Society of NH, Manchester. To view Mark's Online Tribute, send condolences to the family, or for more information, visit https://csnh.com.