Mink lived his life to the fullest, right to the last moment, which came far too soon. It is with incredible shock and sadness that we announce the passing of Mark “Mink” DiCarlo on January 30, 2025 of White Rock, Nova Scotia with his wife Peggy by his side. Mark died as a result of a massive heart attack, at the age of 65.
Born in Guelph, where friends and family still abound, he and Peg moved to Nova Scotia in 2019 to live in the country and discover new adventures. His many friends and family were welcomed with open arms at their rural home.
A new chapter of Mink’s life had just begun with his retirement only one month before his passing. He was excited to be the best house husband ever, get six pack abs, help build a new home and vacation in warmer climates.
Mink understood and valued the importance of relationships. He adored Peggy, his wife and best friend of 28 years. He cherished his daughter, Joy, and loved his family and the large community of friends he collected and held dear over his lifetime. For over 30 years Mink could be found Thursday nights in his ‘shed’ with the Goons. It was often said that the party did not start until Mink arrived! Mink had a way of making people feel special, whether you met him once or knew him for decades. He had a knack for bringing people together from all walks of life.
Mink lived for volleyball, specifically beach volleyball. He cherished his teammates and lifelong friends and the escapades they had together at camps and tournaments. He was always game to play tennis. Ever the athlete, he built an outdoor fitness course in the woods on their property. And did he ever love wood! He was passionate about chopping wood, stacking wood, talking about wood and working out in the woods.
His tender heart endeared him to many furry creatures and especially Old English Sheepdogs and the community of human friends who came along with them. Several dogs shared their home over the years, including their newest pup Ron who quickly bonded with Mink and would curl his 100-pound body on Mink’s lap.
Mink was a proud and loving father to his daughter Joy DiCarlo and her partner Neil Garby.
He was a dearly loved brother to his siblings Brad and wife Jeanetta DiCarlo; Marti Valeriote; Chris and wife Linda DiCarlo. Fun uncle to nieces and nephews Sara, Amy, Nate, Wes, Alex, Jeremy and Matt. He also leaves behind his father-in-law and good buddy Cyril Bonnar; his sister-in-law Liz Bonnar; brother-in-law John Bonnar; a few precious aunts and uncles, and many cousins.
He was preceded in death by parents, Ernie and Marge DiCarlo, and brother-in-law Larry Valeriote.
Funeral services will be held on Friday February 14, 2025 at 3:00 pm AST at the White Family Funeral Home in Kentville, Nova Scotia. The service will be live streamed and recorded.
A Celebration of a Life Well Lived will be held at the Victoria East Golf Course in Guelph, Ontario on April 12, 2025 at 1:00pm EDT.
Both gatherings will have ASL/English interpreters present.
If you wish to honour Mink’s big heart and passion for life, we invite you to donate in his memory to Guelph Community Health Centre or L’ Arche Homefires in Wolfville, NS. May Mink’s legacy inspire you to spread kindness and friendship the way he did.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kentville. Online condolences and inquiries may be directed to www.whitefamilyfuneralhome.com.