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Mark Buffum Obituary
of Great Falls, VA
Mark George Buffum, 45, died May 22, 2009, surrounded by his loved ones at home after a courageous two and a half year battle with cancer. Mark was born on March 30, 1964, in Rochester, New York, and was the middle of three children. He graduated with an electrical engineering degree from the Rochester Institute of Technology in 1987. He was the Chief Operating Officer of Tompkins Associates. Prior to joining Tompkins, Mark was a Manager for IBM Federal Systems Integration and a Director for Lockheed Martin Distribution Technologies. Mark is survived by his loving wife Shannon, two sons Tyler and Mitchell, and daughter Ava. Mark considered his proudest accomplishment in life to be his children and the beautiful family he created. His most treasured moments were spending time with family and friends creating lasting memories. His humor and wit brought endless laughter and joy, his quiet strength and courage were inspirational. His wealth of knowledge and resourcefulness were greatly admired and his compassion and generosity were felt by all those he encountered. His love and friendship will be infinitely missed. Mark is further survived by his mother Lurita Davis of Vestal, New York, father George and step-mom Joanne Buffum of Brackney, Pennsylvania, sister Kathleen Blais and fiancé William Leinauer, sister Teresa and Paul Smetana, step-sister Bernadette and Ed France, step-brother Ray and Stacy Talamo, father and mother-in-law Ted and Connie Fitzgerald, brother-in-law Chris and Lori Fitzgerald, brother-in-law Danny Fitzgerald and fiancée Kristy Thornton. He is also survived by nieces and nephews Justin and Travis Blais; Megan and Michelle Smetana; Kathryn and Allison France; Will, Kate, and Mick Fitzgerald; many other relatives and countless friends.
Two funeral services will be held in Mark's honor: Calling hours and a mass will be held Friday, May 29th at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, 701 West Main Street, Endicott, New York. Calling hours will begin at 9:30 a.m. followed by a mass at 11:30 a.m. A memorial service and celebration of life will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, May 31st at Great Falls National Park (Virginia side), Great Falls, Virginia. A reception will follow at the Old Brogue Restaurant, 760 Walker Road, Great Falls, Virginia. In the event of rain, the Virginia events will be held on Monday, June 1, 2009. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the MD Anderson Cancer Center/Lung Cancer/Bioinformatics and Computational Biology (link below) in Mark's name as he was very intrigued by the medical advances of their bio-marker targeted therapy work.
https://www3.mdanderson.org/devoffice/index.cfm?pagename=donateformen&gift=2&ctw2lan=EN&spin=yes
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Memories and Condolences
for Mark Buffum
March 30, 2010
Here's to you Mark! Happy Birthday!!! We all love you!!
Love,
Kathy
Rodrigo Mendoza-Anzures
October 14, 2009
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Nos sorprendió esta noticia y nos sientimos realmente tristes, yo en particular quedo con el recuerdo de una persona tenaz y ejemplar. Todas mis condolencias.
Barry Shapiro
June 8, 2009
Shannon, my sincere condolences. There could never be the right words to say. Mark was a great guy, a fearless and valuable business partner and I am certain a great loss to all of us who come in to contact with him. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the kids.
Chris Fallon
June 8, 2009
Mark was a great guy and business partner. Catching up on our personal lives and families was always the first priority.
He will be missed.
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Eileen Cocci
June 6, 2009
George and Family,
I never meet Mark, but I felt I knew him and his family from the numerous pictures of Mark when he was young, his sons, his wedding, the birth of Ava and the house they built in Florida. George you always had so much pride when you spoke of Mark and his family. You have many wonderful memories of your son, hold on to them, they will help you thru your grief and sorrow. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Teresa (Buffum) Smetana
June 5, 2009
Shannon,
You and Mark had a truly wonderful marriage that most of us can only dream of. I don’t think I have ever seen 2 people more in love and I am a better person for having been able to witness that love. I know you’ll take that with you wherever you go. Mark was as lucky to have you as you were to have him. You made his last years here the best they could possibly be. THANK YOU for taking such amazingly good care of my big brother. He didn’t suffer a moment because of you.
And to you mom. You, too, were instrumental in Mark’s care. You were there whenever needed and helped out in so many ways. Mark loved you for that; for every little thing you did for him. For just being his mom. And as he said on his last day … “That’s what moms are for.” He will always be with us. I'll miss him terribly.
“Fly, fly precious one. Your endless journey has begun. Take your gentle happiness, far too beautiful for this. Cross over to the other shore. There is peace forever more. But hold this memory bittersweet, until we meet.”
Danny Fitzgerald
June 2, 2009
Mark as i sit here and type i still cant believe your gone.I miss u so much,but even though your gone i will never forget the fishing trips,the home projects,4 wheeler adventures,and all the other things that i enjoyed with you.I honestly spent some of my life's fondest memories with you.I promise you i will take care of my sister, Ava,Tyler and Mitch to the best of my ability as i told you i would before u passed.I love you brother,i will never forget you.
Chris & Michelle York
June 2, 2009
Dear Buffum Family,
Michelle and I would like to express our deepest sadness and heart felt sympathies on Mark's passing. Mark was one of the most positive, generous, and caring people I have had the pleasure to call a friend. He always had a great life perspective and knew how bring out the very best in people. We wish you the best as you sort through all of the challenges that are facing you. Know that our prayers are with you all and should you need anything, please reach out to us and we will do our best to help. Take care.
Tonya Fisher
June 2, 2009
I only knew Mark over a short period while at Tompkins several years ago, but his kindness made a lasting impression. My heart goes out to all his family and friends.
Mike Prince
June 1, 2009
I was shocked and saddened immensely by the news of Mark's passing. I knew him from our time together at Tompkins and always held him in the highest regard. We have all lost a great person - my thoughts and prayers go out to the Buffum's.
Theresa Byham
June 1, 2009
To Mark's Family-
My thoughts are with your family. I will always remember Mark for his kindness and honesty. He always believed in me and supported me throughout my career at Tompkins. He will be missed.
Jamie Pratt
June 1, 2009
I was so sad to hear of Mark's passing. I remember and cherish the fun times we had in Boy Scouts and school. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Matt Wilkerson
June 1, 2009
To Mark's Closest,
Such a great day and a wonderful setting for Mark's celebration. All our hearts are with you and the memory of Mark.
John Seidl
May 30, 2009
Shannon, our thoughts are with you and the kids. Of course should you ever need anything there is a huge network of Mark's friends out here that is willing to help.
Mark expands our cultural horizons...
May 30, 2009
Mark and his fan club - thanks Newt!
May 30, 2009
Laurie MacNamara Hendrickson
May 30, 2009
Shannon, may God bless you with many wonderful memories. Mark's courage and the strength you've shown are a great inspiration.
David & Prenby Meyers
May 30, 2009
To Mark’s Family,
We are so very sorry for your loss.
Mark was an inspiration to everyone around him and we are all better people for having known him.
He will be remembered as much as he will be missed.
With deepest sympathy,
Jeff Nartatez
May 29, 2009
Shannon,
I have fond memories of Mark as a peaceful, fun loving and very generous man. My thougts and prayers are with you and family
Michele (Hoke) Noe
May 29, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with the Buffum family during this difficult time. I went to school (kindergarten through high school) with Mark. May God bless you.
Victoria Wood
May 29, 2009
I really enjoyed getting to know Mark over the past year and a half. It seemed that no matter how he was feeling he always kept his sense of humor and I really looked forward to seeing him. Mark really made the best of the precious time he had with Shannon and his children, and I will always remember him. During one of our last visits, he expressed frustration that his doctors refused to do the the tests for vitamin D and other important immune markers that I'd requested. A couple of months ago we finally got his vitamin D tested and it was critically low.Perhaps if he'd had optimal levels from the beginning of his diagnosis, he could've responded better to the chemo.
I will miss him.
Tara DeLizzio
May 29, 2009
Shannon,
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.
Mike Pujda
May 29, 2009
To the Buffum Family:
I'm not sure I can express in words the inspiration Mark was to me. He hired me at Tompkins, coached me, and believed in me. More important than all of that is he showed me things about myself that made me a better person. We will all remember him for the remarkable person he was. My deepest sympathies to you for your loss.
Elliott Axinn
May 29, 2009
Shannon,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. If there is anything you or your family need, please do not hesitate to call.
Debbie Flynn
May 29, 2009
To Mark's Family - words are so hard to find. I so enjoyed working with Mark and respected him so very much for the person that he was and the strength that he showed. May the roads rise to meet you and the wind be at your back and the Lord hold you always in the hollow of his hand.
Toney McIntosh
May 29, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Mark was good friend. I will miss his wit, sense of humor and smile. We had some good times, and memories that will last forever. For that I am grateful our paths crossed.
Tim, Yolanda, and Olivia Weston
May 29, 2009
May the Peace of the Lord be with you as you cope with the loss of Mark.
Melinda Ali
May 29, 2009
Shannon and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my deepest thoughts and prayers.
Bill FitzGerald
May 29, 2009
Mark and I went to school together and grew up in the same neighborhood. I will keep you and your family in our prayers and thoughts.
Bruce Tompkins
May 29, 2009
Condolences from the Bruce Tompkins Family to the Buffum Family. Mark, was a great person and will be missed.
Steve Kime
May 28, 2009
I have a lot of great memories of summers at Fun Lake and family gatherings. Our thoughts are with you.
Fran & Frank Neschleba
May 28, 2009
George and family,
So very sorry to hear of the passing of your son. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. "God Bless"
William & Johann Hoke
May 28, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time. Mark grew up and went to school with our kids in Endicott. May God bless and be with you.
Steve Misulich
May 28, 2009
Mark and I were freinds since kindergarten, he will be deeply missed. You and your faimly are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jo & George Curtis
May 28, 2009
Mark, you will be remembered forever though your wife, children, family and friends. May God bless you and yours.
May 28, 2009
Kathy and Family. You're in my thoughts and prayers. Beth Petrolle Marsh
John Ripic
May 28, 2009
Mark will be missed. May god bless you and your family.
Debbie (Oplinger) Barrett
May 28, 2009
I knew Mark from elementary through high school and am so sorry to hear of his passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Bob Slaughter
May 27, 2009
George, Joanne and family,
I was so very sorry to hear of Mark's passing. I remember him best as a teenager and was always very impressed by him. He will be missed by many. He was a very special young man.
Love,
PETER BOLAN
May 27, 2009
REQUIESCAT IN PACE
Bill Jayko
May 27, 2009
I worked with Mark in Owego. He was a good person and a great friend. I am so sorry at his passing and you are in my thoughts and prayers. God bless.
Pat Sissenstein
May 27, 2009
George,
I am so sorry to read of the passing of your son. My thoughts are with you at this time.
Frank Patterson
May 27, 2009
I had the pleasure of growing up with Mark’s father, George, in West Endicott. I worked with Mark at Lockheed Martin on the Combat Talon II program and for Mark in Fort Worth and Spokane on the Tray Management System. Mark shall remain in my thoughts and I will miss him.
I extend my condolences to the entire Buffum family.
Cathy O'Reilly
May 27, 2009
George and Joanne,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. Mark was a great young man. He will be missed by our family. We'll have some great memories.
Greg Hammack
May 27, 2009
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Pete & Shirley Wood
May 27, 2009
Pete and I were so sorry to read of Marks passing. Since we moved yet again, we have missed catching up with our many old friends. We remember Mark fondly visiting the campground in Pa. and enjoying time with his Dad and Joanne.
George & Dale Legg
May 27, 2009
George and Family
So sorry for your loss
Carol Leonard
May 27, 2009
George, Joanne and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I'm so sorry for your loss.
Carol Salisbury
May 27, 2009
George and family, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your son. My heart goes out to you. God bless you and your family.
Mike, Mary Ellen & Joe Griffin
May 27, 2009
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
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