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<p><em>Mark William Conforti</em>, of Sumner, WA, died July 30, 2019 at the University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle, WA. He was in the process of recovering from a bone marrow transplant as a result of acute myeloid leukemia, which had been diagnosed almost a year to the day when he suffered a stroke that led to his untimely death. Mark was surrounded by family, friends and West Point classmates, who sung the last verse of the West Point “Alma Mater,” placed their hands on him, and said, “Well Done,” as a final farewell.</p>
<p>Mark was born in Fitchburg, MA in 1959 to then Sergeant Gil Conforti and Simone (Peggy) Landry while Gil was starting his army career assigned to the 2nd Infantry Brigade of the 5th Infantry Division at Fort Devens, MA. As the first of three boys born to the Confortis, Mark grew up very much like his mom. They were both kind, social, thought of others before themselves and feisty if needed. Like most military families, they moved a lot in the early years. Mark moved eight times before the 9th grade and lived in places such as Berlin, Germany and Tehran, Iran. </p>
<p>Mark was close with his two brothers, Steve and James. They were friends as well as brothers. They all went to St. Mary Magdalene Catholic School and all sang in their respective grades and performed at school concerts and events. Mark was the loud one. The Conforti family moved to Florida while Gil was on his second tour in Vietnam. In addition to sharks, alligators, snakes and tornados, Florida is the home of Cape Canaveral, and for the Apollo 16 launch Mark’s mom drove them to see this historic event. Their mom took care of their daily lives and provided these sorts of experiences for the three boys. Dad led by example in the aspects of growing up, such as work ethic, drive for success, love of country and sacrifices for freedom.</p>
<p>During high school, Mark was a good student. He enjoyed math and had strong reading comprehension skills. He was in many activities, such as band, chess, and cross country, and he was manager of the football team. Mark could also easily be heard enthusiastically interacting with his classmates in the cafeteria, at the bleachers at sporting events, or even in the classroom. </p>
<p>Mark did not talk much about college options, but his parents were surprised when he started receiving a presidential appointment to West Point, a full ride Navy ROTC scholarship to the University of Washington, and a full ride Air Force scholarship to Notre Dame. You can imagine the pride his parents felt when their oldest son accepted the appointment to West Point, and in the summer of 1977 all 135 pounds of Mark Conforti was off to the Academy.</p>
<p>Mark found West Point a challenging and rewarding experience. An avid reader, he got a “D” on his first writing assignment and was heartbroken when he shared this with his family. He also had to attend summer school one year for physical fitness. Ultimately, Mark shared the numerous stories about the various motivational techniques used to mold young people into quality Army officers. Mark graduated with the Class of 1981 with an engineering degree and was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Quartermaster Corps. </p>
<p>Mark spent seven years in the Army assigned to the 2nd Infantry Division in Seoul, Korea, where he received an Army Commendation Medal; the 9th Division at Fort Lewis, WA, where he was a company commander in the 1st Support Battalion and earned the Meritorious Service Medal; and the U.S. Army Ordnance School and Center at Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, where he was a Quartermaster Instructor. </p>
<p>Mark was not sure that he wanted to make the Army a career, so for a full year he studied law in the evenings, and in 1988 he resigned his commission as a captain and went to law school full time. After three years of studies, he earned a law degree from the University of Baltimore and passed the Maryland Bar exam in 1991.</p>
<p>Mark practiced law for the next 28 years as a defense attorney in general litigation, insurance and medical malpractice. He worked in numerous law firms, such as Birrane Harlan; Shaw & Brown; Burgess Fitzer; the Law Offices of Matthew Williams; McIntyre & Barns LLC; Maertens & Associates; Gierke, Curnen, Dynan, Erie & Jones and Soha & Lang. Mark also was an adjunct professor at Tacoma Community College and was the owner of Gierke-Curwen, as well as his own firm of Dynan-Conforti. Mark’s last position was as a litigation and claims counsel for State Farm Insurance in Seattle, WA.</p>
<p>Mark had many fascinating and funny stories to tell and a wonderful ability to tell them. He loved connecting with people in all aspects of his life. He enjoyed going out with friends to try new restaurants or craft beers; he enthusiastically arranged family get-togethers and holiday celebrations; he had a passion for gathering with his West Point classmates to watch the Army Black Knights football games and cheering with all the other #12s as a Seattle Seahawks season ticket holder. Mark was also known for his generous spirit whether supporting a charity, remembering a birthday, or lending a hand (or an ear) to anyone who needed help.</p>
<p>Let duty be said, “Well done; Be Thou at Peace.”</p>
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