Mark David Kostin

Mark David Kostin, age 76, of Cheshire passed away on Tuesday, September 3, 2024 with his loving family by his side. He was the devoted husband of Joan (Flaherty) Kostin for over 45 years. Mark was born on March 31, 1948 in Hartford, son of the late Miron Kostin and Florence (Trisinsky) Goldfarb.

Mark served his country as a CIA agent in the Vietnam War. After returning, he attended Central Connecticut State University, and during his last semester his life changed when he met his partner for life, Joan Flaherty. For the next 51 years they shared a life together that was a wonderful ride. Over the years, Mark earned several professional degrees including a Masters of English from Trinity College, and a Sixth Year Certificate in Educational Leadership from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and Southern Connecticut State University. He worked as an educator and principal for the State of Connecticut Department of Corrections for 20 years. Following his retirement from the state, he worked as an administrator and principal for several organizations and towns specializing in alternative education for troubled youth and special education for severely disabled children. Prior to his years of working in education he had worked nearly every type of odd job possible ranging from picking tobacco in Windsor, to elevator operator, to armed guard. It was the running joke that the family would hear about a different job for the first time every few years. 

In his late 40’s, Joan proposed that Mark learn to ski so that they could spend time together as a family. Taking up skiing was one of best decisions he ever made, and it became one of his great passions in life. He combined his love of skiing, talking, and being an educator while working as a ski instructor at Mount Southington for almost 20 years. Mark enjoyed ski trips far and wide with many of his close friends, even traveling to Portillo Chile in search of fresh powder. He was a lover of many genres of music and would make friends with everyone in his path. 

Mark had a second chance at life when he received a liver transplant in 2012. He utilized this opportunity to the fullest going on many skiing adventures including several trips to Colorado, as well as almost weekly trips around New England with friends and family. He also took up a new hobby of skeet shooting, thanks to Rich Lucibello, and became a member of the Hamden Fish and Game Protective Association.

In addition to his wife, Joan, Mark is survived by his beloved daughters and their spouses, Susan and Ethan Washburn, Shannon Kostin and Robert Beringer, as well as cherished first granddaughter Abigail Beringer. He is also survived by his brothers-in-law, Thomas Flaherty and his wife Elizabeth Lalik, and Robert Flaherty, as well as many nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind adopted family, Gregory Chapin and Evan Kennedy along with their families. Mark was predeceased by his brother-in-law, William Flaherty, and adopted family members, John Chapin and David Ortiz.

Friends may greet Mark’s family at the Alderson-Ford Funeral Home of Cheshire, 615 So. Main Street, Cheshire, CT 06410 on Thursday, September 12th, 2024 from 4PM until 6:30PM. At 6:30PM ‘Words of Remembrance’ will be shared. Burial will be private and at the convenience of his family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Donate Life Connecticut and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Burlington Vermont. To leave online condolences for his family, please visit www.fordfh.com