Mark C. Tallardy, 75, of Poughkeepsie, NY, began the next leg of his life's journey on Monday, March 2, passing away peacefully at home after a courageous battle with Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia.  Mark was born prematurely at Vassar Brothers Hospital in Poughkeepsie on May 12, 1950, the older twin to his sister, weighing in at just 4 pounds.  Considered "miracle babies" at a time when few infants lived through prematurity, this would be the first time that Mark would prove he was a survivor. Mark was the middle son and one of five children of the late Charles C. and Patricia Tallardy (Williams).  He grew up in the Town of Poughkeepsie and attended Overlook School before his family moved to the more rural pastures of Clinton Corners.  This is where the seeds of Mark's true love of agriculture were sewn as he dreamed of becoming a dairy farmer.  As a teenager, he joined Dutchess County 4H where he showed his prized calf, and, in 1969, upon graduating from Pine Plains High School, he took on the monumental task of running his family's dairy farm.  The "T 7" Farm in Clinton Corners/Upton Lake was as pristine as it was productive, a showplace run like a tight ship with Mark as its captain and the other six Tallardy's on board—a team of 7 as reflected in the farm's name. Mark's affinity for farming was intertwined with his love of history as the two often are and, during his farming years, Mark served as Master of the Upton Lake Grange.  He was instrumental in turning over its historic 1777 building to the Historical Society when the organization disbanded in 1995, preserving the structure for generations to come.Mark was extremely proud of his Hudson Valley heritage and made it his business to document the genealogy of his family, boasting that the Tallardy's could be traced back in Dutchess County to the 1750's.

The agricultural vein of that lineage would unfortunately come to an end, and in 1986, the T-7 farm was sold.  Mark courageously changed course and went to work for his brother, Carl, owner of Perreca Electric Co. in Newburgh, where he worked as the Receiving Supervisor for 28 years before retiring on his 65thbirthday.The rest of Mark's life would be a never-ending episode of This Old House.  His love of history translated to his passion for meticulously restoring Victorian homes and gardens.  With a heart-felt affection and respect for structures of a bygone era, Mark could see beyond the rotting wood and cracked plaster to realize full potential, breathing new life into at least one condemned property and others in dire need of renovation.  His latest project was a summer home in North Bay, New York that was his "happy place," a circa 1820 family farmhouse that he and his partner lovingly restored.Mark could install a slate roof, fix historic windows, hang the perfect painting and painstakingly search for the historically correct doorknob to complete the picture--and still find time to bake a batch of his infamous cookies. Something was always cooking in Mark's kitchen--at Christmastime and throughout the year--shortbread, corn bread and many delectable sweets in between. Mark was a domestic guru, a man of many talents and a handyman for all time.

Mark is survived by his partner of 37 years, Michael Fitzmaurice, his elder brother, Carl Tallardy and wife Gayle of Charlotte, North Carolina, his twin sister, Pamela Sackett and husband Bob of Livingston, New York, his younger brother, Kurt Tallardy and Wife Sue of Clinton Corners and his younger sister, Tarez Eisen and husband, Herb, of Stanfordville, New York, as well as by many adoring nieces and nephews.

Mark was beloved by the Fitzmaurice Family, including his surrogate parents, Margaret Fitzmaurice and the late William Fitzmaurice of Red Hook as well as by his surrogate brother, Timothy Fitzmaurice and wife, Kelly, of Germantown, New York.He leaves behind many treasured neighbors, acquaintances and friends, who he considered extended family. A soft-spoken, quiet and calm force for good, Mark was a gentleman of strength and purpose--pure of heart, full of wit, with an uncanny, dry sense of humor—a joy to all who knew him.  Always willing to lend a hand or help a neighbor in need, he leaves behind all the beauty he has helped create and a memory that is a comfort to recall.
Visitation will be Wednesday, March 18 from 4-7 pm at Parmele, Auchmoody & Schoonmaker Funeral Home, 110 Fulton Ave., Poughkeepsie. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Thursday, March 19 at 10 am from Holy Trinity Church, 775 Main St., Poughkeepsie. Interment in Calvary Cemetery will take place at the convenience of the Family.
Memorial donations may be made to Hudson Valley Hospice at HVHospice.org.