Kevin G. Mars, 58, passed away on Wednesday, May 13 due to complications from the coronavirus, after a long, brave fight. Born in Springfield to Roger and Marilyn “Molly” (Robbins) Mars, Kevin was raised in Chicopee and graduated from Chicopee Comprehensive High School. He attended Springfield Technical Community College, where he and Carolyn, his wife of 28 years, met and became inseparable. Theirs was a match of balance, unconditional love, and devoted companionship. They cherished their time together, whether at home or on trips to their favorite Rhode Island beaches, the White Mountains in New Hampshire, Florida, or California. Kevin had a big, kind heart and an endearing sense of humor. He understood the importance of spending time with family and friends, and enjoyed Carolyn’s and the extended families’ incredible home-cooked meals and gatherings. He loved mentoring his nieces and nephews, having the patience to teach them innovative concepts relating to technology. A homebody at heart, he adored the many pets he and Carolyn cared for over the years. Kevin was a strong, intelligent man who could understand and rebuild anything he put his mind to. He was talented with computers, taught himself CAD, and was called on for tasks beyond his job description. Kevin was employed as an Industrial Engineer at International Valve and Instrument Corp. for 21 years. In addition to his wife and parents, he leaves his four brothers, Jim and his wife Lonna of Hartland, WI, Donald of Lynn, David and his wife Karen of San Anselmo, CA, and Alan and his wife Beverly of Chicopee; mother in-law Marion Cava of Palmer; sisters in-law Christine Cava Preston and her husband Tim of Santa Monica, CA, and Joanne Mayberry and her husband Sean of Maplewood, NJ; brother in-law John Cava and his wife Sara of Wallingford, PA; as well as many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who were all very special to him. Kevin was predeceased by his father in-law Angelo Cava. Services are entrusted to Forastiere Smith Funeral Home and will be held privately by the family. A memorial service in celebration of Kevin's life will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Direct Relief (supporting COVID health workers) at www.directrelief.org or StrongMinds at www.strongminds.org. For more information or to leave a message of personal condolence, please visit www.forastiere.com.