Mark Dyen 1948-2026
Green Newton is very saddened to announce the passing of Mark Dyen, one of our community’s highly regarded environmental leaders. A few of Mark’s friends have expressed heartfelt tributes for us to remember him, especially for some of the ways he made a significant environmental difference in our community and beyond:
His passing comes as a very sad loss for his family, friends, fellow environmental advocates and to the many communities who were all enriched and inspired by his presence. I admired his selfless advocacy and trusted his expertise. I was always grateful for his deep understanding of the technical issues and legislative strategies. In 350 and Gas Transition Allies meetings and in personal conversations, he was generous and creative in his dedication to policies that offered real solutions to the harms caused by fossil fuels. We were all lucky to have worked with him.
Ellie Goldberg
Green Newton Advisory Board member
Member of the 350 Mass Newton Node and Gas Transition Allies
Mark and I both served on the leadership team of the Newton node and were node representatives on the Statewide Steering Team of 350Mass. He was a “content” guy, and I was a “process” gal – so we complemented each other in our climate work. We were carpool buddies to the statehouse for rallies, to 350 picnics, and took turns hosting our 350 Newton social gatherings. We often ran into each other walking our dogs at dusk in Kenrick Park. The last time I saw Mark, I was delivering homemade spanakopita (a favorite of his) after a hospitalization. Even prone in bed he was in good spirits and had a wry remark to share. I appreciated his deep knowledge of the workings of the statehouse, the climate infrastructure in Massachusetts, and his incredible work ethic every time a climate bill needed to be drafted or reviewed. I trusted his judgement without question when it came to strategy to pass a climate bill. He was such a big hearted, smart and funny man – I will miss him very much.
Demie Stathoplos
Member of Leadership Team of 350 Mass
So many of us have looked up to Mark as one of the core members of the climate movement. His commitment stretched back decades, and we’ve been in awe of what he achieved on Beacon Hill. His influence will be felt for years to come. We tend to forget that Mark’s spirit contained much more than his passion for the environment. He was a gentle skeptic who understood the limits and twists and turns of our species, yet he still could muster the energy and optimism and sense of humor needed to deal with the realities of what goes on under the great gold dome. Seeing him roaming the Newton farmers market, happily filling his bag with the best offerings grown in Massachusetts soil, was a reminder that Mark found great pleasure in the bounties of ordinary life.
Ron Blau
Member of the 350 Newton Node Membership Team
All are welcome at the service and gathering following:
Memorial service: Thursday, November 5, 2026, 10:30am, Temple Hillel B’Nai Torah, 120 Corey Street, West Roxbury.
A gathering follows at the family home: 132 Church St, Newton, MA 02458.
A zoom link is available for those who cannot be there in person.
THURSDAY ZOOM LINK
Topic: Memorial Service
Time: Nov 5, 2026 10:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83898431461?pwd=b0GLW0BqJgkKXRI4yS9cE5I9RYDRLF.1
Meeting ID: 838 9843 1461
Passcode: 950004
Note that the service will actually start at 10:30.