Markku Rautiainen

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Markku Rautiainen on April 8th, at the age of 69, in his Gardner, MA home. Markku radiated generosity and happiness, and his unforgettable laugh and smile touched many.

His parents, Kaino and Asser, welcomed Markku into the world in Finland on November 12, 1955, but he would share his childhood with his sisters, Anne and Tuula, in many locations including Florida, Los Angeles, Vancouver, and Montreal. The family eventually moved to Fitchburg then settled in Worcester where he would graduate from Burncoat High School. He then earned his bachelor’s from Worcester State College and master’s degree from Assumption College, before proudly serving in the Marine Corps.

Perhaps Markku was better known as a waiter and Maître d’ at some of the finer local restaurants including the El Morocco and the International Golf Club, as well as restaurants in Honolulu, HI. He also advocated for vulnerable children as a long-term dedicated employee at the MA department of child services.

Markku is survived by his sister Anne Nowlin, and her husband Rick Nowlin of Scottsdale Arizona. He is predeceased by his sister Tuula Hosegood. He also leaves nieces, Michelle Nowlin, Bellevue WA, and Haillee Cobb; Oxford, MA; nephews, Christopher Nowlin, Redondo Beach, CA, Patrick Nowlin, Seattle, WA, Jeremy Hosegood, Dudley MA, and Chad Hosegood, San Diego, CA.

A public memorial for Markku will be held at the Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster St., Worcester on April 23rd from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Although Markku is no longer with us, his legacy of laughter, infectious smiles, and compassion will live on.