David Gompert died August 21, 2024 with his family by his side after a courageous and determined 10-year fight with cancer. He is survived by his wife Cynthia and two adult children, Christian Andrew and Elisa (Ellie) Heath Gompert Burke.
He led a remarkable life in service to his country and in the private sector. During his distinguished career, he served in numerous positions in the U.S. Department of State, as Senior National Security Advisor in the administrations of Ford, Nixon, Carter, and Reagan, under G.H.W. Bush as Special Assistant and Senior Director for Europe & Eurasia, as Senior Advisor to Iraq's post-Saddam leadership with the CPA, and served as Principal Deputy DNI & Acting DNI during the Obama Administration.
He served as President of RAND Europe, on the RAND Europe Executive Board, and as a Senior Fellow at RAND. He was on the faculty of USNA and the National Defense University.
David was a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and the CNO's Executive Panel. He served on the following boards: Global Integrated Security, Global National Defense and Security Systems, Advisory Board of USNA Center for Cyber Security Studies, and American Civil War Museum.
He earned a BS in Engineering from USNA and a MPA from Princeton University. David published extensively on international, national & cyber security topics.
Born in Hackensack, NJ, David married his wife Cynthia in 1967. They took great pride in raising their children and building a full and rich life together. In addition to his children, he had four grandchildren who were his proudest achievement.
He will be inurned at USNA on November 4, 2024 at 2 p.m., reception to follow. RSVP at https://bit.ly/47Bx1db
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Loon Echo Land Trust and the Bobcats Sports League.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Washington Post on Sep. 25, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for David Gompert

12 Entries

BT 2 Peter G Russo

May 31, 2025

I served under Mr. Gompert in the Fireroom of the USS McCloy DE1038 in 1968 and 1969, when he was a new Ensign and Ltjg. He was one of the finest officers and men I ever worked for, military or civilian. Even though I was only 3 years younger, he provided great leadership to me and was a positive influence in my life. I remember one time we were having problems at sea and he came up to me and put his arm around my shoulder and asked me to handle it. I said to myself "wow an Officer touching an enlisted man". So sorry for your loss.

CAROL AND TOM AMY

March 18, 2025

We are sorry for your loss. we remember David when he was the trail boss for
Henry Kissinger . David was an unforgettable ,larger than life person.
Rest in Peace , David!! Tom and Carol AMY

Jeff Isaacson

November 5, 2024

David´s passing is a great loss to our country and to all who knew him personally. In the years that I worked for him, I learned so much about so many things, especially how to see and not lose sight of the big picture. He was a patriot, a scholar, and a friend who made a positive, lasting impact on me and my career. My heartfelt condolences go out to Cindy and the Gompert family.

Jenny lampshire

October 6, 2024

To the Gompert family. I´m so sorry for your loss, I know your loss is enormous. I´m thinking of you all and sending my love at this difficult time. My condolences.

Walter and Mary Ellen

October 5, 2024

We will miss his stories and his antics! What a gift getting to know David and Cindy, first as the parents of our dear friend Christian, then as our friends. We think of laughter and delightful conversations when we think of him. He made a huge impact on this world in many ways but especially with the wonderful family he and Cindy created. He is already missed. Sending love.

Walter and Mary Ellen Hoerman

Planted Trees

John Bailey

Planted Trees

John (and Molly) Bailey

September 29, 2024

Wonderful memories, especially visiting David & Cindy in The Netherlands when he was at RAND. Still remember his hilarious verbal instructions for use of their guest bathroom with doors opening into both their's and our bedrooms.

teggie

September 26, 2024

my husband Fred smith enjoyed his working relationship with David. Fred and I both loved the fun times with Cindy and Dave in old town.....I miss his sense of humor ......xxooteggie

Robyn Parsons

September 26, 2024

David was a very welcome addition to Bobcat Sports League, in Richmond Va.
He was both a Bobcat Coach and a friend. I will miss him very much. Our lives were fuller from just knowing this man and his wonderful Wife, Cindy!
We are sending much love to this beautiful family!

Sue and Len Lynch

Planted Trees

[email protected]

September 25, 2024

We had the pleasure of knowing Dave through the marriage of our daughter, Mary Beth, to his son, Christian, and then our grandchild, Audrey. He was a tremendous force of energy in living his life, right to the end. Our hearts are with Cindy and all her family at this time, and we offer them all our sincere sympathy in the loss of Dave. He always wanted me to say words like car, park because I was a Boston area gal. Rest in peace, and we all know you are doing something grand where you are right now! Kathy and Nick Marino

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