Early Friday morning of April 24th, 2020, Mark E. Rosier passed peacefully, in the comfort of loved ones in his home in Lincoln, New Hampshire. Diagnosed with metastasized cancer 10 years ago, his strong faith and tenacious spirit kept him strong for another fruitful decade of life to the age of 65. Born in East Aurora, New York as the eldest child to Duane Irving and
Margaret Mary Rosier, Mark poured himself into any and everything both artistic and intellectual the world could offer. As a third generation pianist, his lifelong calling of musicianship was clearly present in his adolescent years. Alongside exploring nature with friends and family
around the block, and whatever else he could cram into his schedule, he already was crafting original music both in his spare time and for assignments while attending East Aurora High. At age 17 The Rosier family would move to Hollywood, Florida, where he would join his father at numerous South Floridian nightclubs and notable venues such as Tony Chance’s and Banana Boat 84 as “Pop and Son.” He would return to New York for his senior year to graduate with a diploma from his hometown. In the following years he would form Idiom Music Co. and record the tracks for his first album Contraspectives, (“Contrary Perspectives”) releasing two of its songs Ocean Cowboy and Free To Feel as his first vinyl single under his label Idiom Records in 1982.
A traveler at heart, as a young adult Mark was excited to see the world. Voyaging around the states meeting unique people and working gigs, his adventures would plant the seeds for some
of his largest life projects. He turned himself into a real Texan the years he resided in Amarillo, joining a country band equipped with the archetypal boots, hat, accent and all. Recording and producing for both himself and others as he continued to hone his styles and release music at Don Caldwell’s studio in Lubbock. One of his gigs would send him to the small town of Lincoln, New Hampshire. Playing in ski resorts, running open mics, and hitting the slopes himself; It didn’t take too long for the community to welcome him into their hearts and he in turn fell in love with the White Mountains.
At a local open mic he would meet fellow musician Rose Kula; strengthening each other’s music they traveled, performed together, and acted in his play M.R. Blvd shown at Lincoln’s High School . Their child Torin was born in 1996, affirming Mark’s heart in making New Hampshire his forever home to be a dad.
One of his first and longest seasonal bookings was at J.H. Hawks in Boothbay Harbor, Maine.
Many tourists spent their evenings entertained with classic piano tunes, and when the late night locals came in to unwind after work, Mark shifted gears and broke out his guitar to really rock the pier. The musical connections he made in Maine would open the doors for his first overseas job in Norway. From there came a turning point in his musical life as he would return abroad to Europe and play at The Hotel Splendid in Zurich, Switzerland. Quickly growing to become another home, new friends decidedly became family as he would make annual trips to play nightly performances at the Splendid and then stay in Germany for more of his most beloved venues. The classic Casablanca piano bar in the idyllic town of Waldshut always welcomed his arrivals. He would accomplish his dream of composing pieces for a string quartet when arranging his original concerts at the nearby culture house, The Purpur. All performances were special to him, but he always considered his consistent work in Europe to be the most validating
for his musical career and confidence. While not abroad, he made many frequent appearances at local restaurants, retirement communities, or generally wherever a piano was in sight. He entertained regularly at the historical Mt. Washington Hotel: In their main dining room, playing the traditional classics for families who came both to eat and dance; enjoying the artistic freedom down at The Cave speakeasy, transporting couples and friends back to the 1920’s; to being present for many of their special and holiday events. Anyplace around the world his works truly inspired the young and old alike. His spontaneous ability to always find the perfect piece to
play: your favorite classic, one of his original compositions, improvisational jamming with a fellow musician, or even just a subtle nod to pop-culture for the kids, never failed to spark
energy in everyone present.
His adventurous spirit led him to many other interests as well. Architecture was another lifelong skill he educated himself in, from building treehouses in his youth to projects in the workshop for his home and child as an adult. Cars and electronics around him would last much longer than
they really should have, and conversations about the sciences, philosophy, and faith would last for hours. Above all however, was Mark simply loved to connect to people. If not with music,
there surely was an interest or story to tell that could bring a smile forward and forge a bond.
Mark is survived by: his only child Torin Kula Rosier and his mother Rose Kula; his Sisters Teresa Albury, Beth Sandstrom, Carolyn Foley, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins; his
Godfather Uncle Bill; his girlfriend Claudia “Clea” Riedl and her son Darius; his “Adopted family”of the Paradises and close friend Sandy Marrioti; the family of his church at Saint Joseph and other members of The Knights of Columbus of Delaney 1730; and innumerable friends and family in the states and overseas.
He is preceded by his parents and beloved family dog ( “his shaman”) Yoshi.
A mass will be held later this summer when its possible for his family and friends to gather and celebrate his life and music. The service will be held at St. Joseph’s Church, where he was not only a parishioner, but also their organist and pianist . Special thanks to the Hotel Splendid for
memorializing him at their musicians table where he played for so many years .In lieu of flowers
please consider supporting Dartmouth-Hitchcock’s Norris Cotton Cancer Center.
—————For FB
Hi everyone, family and friends both Mark’s and mine.
So many wonderful memories here, thank you all for sharing.
I have just put up my Dads full obituary, along with other memories on an online site. If you have
more pictures, stories, videos, or anything else to share, please come and give it a read.
I’m so grateful for all of your stories that he was able to be a character in.
<3 Torin