Marcus Worthington

East Lyme — Marcus Morton Worthington, 73, of Niantic, died Thursday, March 15, 2018, at Yale New Haven Hospital, after a short illness.

He was born in New London, on Aug. 26, 1944, the son of Marcus and Rose (Remmert) Worthington. He was a 1962 graduate of New London High School. He attended Susquehanna College in Pennsylvania and earned an associate’s degree from Mitchell College in New London. He then attended Emerson College in Boston, where he earned a bachelor of arts in 1968. Once he completed college, he was drafted. Marc loved to speak of his experiences and time spent as a chaplain’s assistant in Heidelberg, Germany, while serving two years in the U.S. Army.

In 1971, he was hired by the East Lyme Board of Education to work at the high school. In his 30 years as an English and history teacher, he was also an assistant football coach as well as an assistant and head women’s crew coach. He was very proud that he helped coach the 1985 women’s crew team to their win of the New England championship for the first time. After he retired from full-time teaching in 2001, he continued to substitute teach at the high school until the time of his death.

He married Paula (Nichols) Worthington on Dec. 23, 1972. In addition to his wife Paula, he is survived by two sons, Evan Worthington of Niantic and Miles Worthington (Kymberly) of East Lyme; daughter, Christy Bryant (Vagan) of East Lyme; three grandchildren, Analise Malia Bryant, Eloise Haleina Bryant and Evelyn Ann Worthington; and numerous nieces and nephews. As a boy, Marc was a member of the Saint James Episcopal Church choir. This fostered his love for music, especially folk music. He was an accomplished guitar player, and played daily for himself and anyone who would listen. He loved his view of the Pattagansett salt marsh and enjoyed watching its wildlife.

The funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday, March 23, 2018, in St. James Episcopal Church with interment to follow in East Lyme Cemetery. Calling hours are from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, at the Thomas L. Neilan & Sons East Lyme Funeral Home, 48 Grand St., Niantic.

Memorial contributions in his name may be directed to The East Lyme Scholarship Association, P.O. Box 190, Niantic, CT 06357.

Condolences may be shared on Marcus’ memorial page at www.neilanfuneralhome.com.