Mark Wesnofske, 40

Mark Wesnofske, a mechanic and accomplished amateur motocross racer, died September 19 at his residence in Riverhead. He was 40.

Mark was born to Stephen and Lori Wesnofske (nee Webb) of East Hampton on January 16, 1979 and attended school in Sag Harbor and East Hampton. Wesnofske began riding and racing motocross motorcycles as a young teen, and eventually competed in regional races and events. At one point, he qualified for and competed in one of the country’s premier amateur motocross events, the American Motocross Association Amateur National Motocross Championship at Loretta Lynn’s in Tennessee.

He raced actively in the amateur events for 10 years, wearing number #116.

“He lived and breathed dirt bikes,” according to his mother, and family members described his riding as “fierce and amazing.” This was despite being injured in a riding accident as a young teen, which left him with broken legs and other injuries. “The best times, for Mark, were motocross,” said his sister Katie Aldred.

Wesnofske was a skilled mechanic. That was his occupation since high school. At the time of his death, he worked in his father’s East Hampton automotive service business. His other interests, family members said, including cooking, and he was known for several dishes including chicken soup, meatballs, and spaghetti Bolognese.

Wesnofske was a fanatic of the New England Patriots.

He leaves a five-year-old daughter, Madeline, and had shared custody with Madeline’s mother, Emma Pittman. The couple never married, but were raising Madeline together and Mark was said to be a devoted and doting father.

Wesnofske also leaves behind a niece and nephew, Kali and Brandon Aldred, as well as many cousins and other extended family.

Visitation was held at the Yardley and Pino Funeral Home in East Hampton and a memorial gathering followed at the Amagansett American Legion Hall. The family has asked that any donations in Wesnofske’s memory be made to local volunteer ambulance companies.