Mark Warner Detora

Mark Warner DeTora passed away at home on April 7, 2022 from a sudden cardiac event. Born in Middletown, CT on September 7, 1946, Mark was the son of the late Dr. Albert Michael DeTora and Dorothy Warner DeTora. He was predeceased by his much loved younger brother, Bruce, as well as his older sister, Linda. He attended Stafford High School before earning a Bachelor’s Degree in English from Brown University and an MBA from Southern Illinois University.

During his time at Brown, Mark excelled at both academics and soccer. He was inducted into the Brown Hall of Fame twice-- once as a member of the 1967 team and again as an individual. As a member of the 1967 team, Mark was part of one of only two teams to go undefeated in a season in 95 years of Brown soccer. He was a prolific striker who ranked seventh on Brown’s all-time career scoring list and also ranked seventh in the all-time assist table. On a personal level, Mark relished the Brown-Harvard rivalry when he played against his brother Bruce. Mark's love of the game would lead him to play for various men's leagues after college, coach his children in soccer and encourage his grandchildren to share in his passion. He was also an enthusiastic Yankees fan who could be seen dancing his own special dance to the opening theme song during each game.

A man of integrity, dedication and accomplishment, Mark had a rewarding career that began as a pilot in the US Air Force where he bravely served in the Vietnam War. While in the Air Force, Mark earned the rank of Captain and became a C141 pilot, flying all over the globe. He eventually transitioned into the business world, where he was known to have high expectations of himself and others. Mark valued hard work, honesty and put others before himself. He enjoyed a 25 year career in the insurance industry, including 15 years at Sun Life Financial. Mark retired in 2007 from Sun Life Financial where he was the Senior Vice President of Individual Insurance & Investments. Mark is remembered by colleagues for his ability to get the right people in the right job, developing his staff and changing the trajectory of their careers.

Mark was fortunate to retire by age sixty to spend his days between his children's homes and the golf course. He delighted in attending performances, sporting events and various lessons with his grandchildren. One of the highlights of Mark's summers was swimming in the ocean with his granddaughters and golfing with his sons-in-law in Nonquitt, MA. An avid reader, Mark challenged himself to learn to cook and speak Italian. He made many wonderful friends in his second home of West Palm Beach and was known as a skilled player who valued good sportsmanship and recently shot his age.

Mark will be remembered by all who knew him as a caring, loyal family man who enjoyed travel, golf, soccer, running and reading, but most of all loved time with his family. He rejoiced in family dinners and taking his children and grandchildren to Europe, particularly to Italy, which held a special place in his heart. Mark loved music, good food and teaching his grandchildren all he could. He was an intelligent, compassionate soul who supported those close to his heart by sharing advice, celebrating successes, counseling and consoling in hard times, and giving strong, warm hugs. He would drop everything to help those close to him and loved fiercely. To his children, he was the center of their world-- the most caring, dependable parent for which they could have hoped. While he imparted so much wisdom to his children and grandchildren, they will be lost without him and his unwavering love and devotion.

Mark's memory will be cherished by his adoring children, Tracy DeTora and Steve Wright, Michelle DeTora and Mike Cameron, Kerry DeTora and Chris Leavey, and Tony DeTora, as well as his loving sister Alice DeTora and Gary Reynolds. Affectionately known as Nono, Mark will live on in the hearts of his seven grandchildren, Mabel, Gemma, Alice, Iris, Lucy, Colin and Elliot, who were his greatest joy in the world. He will also be missed by his niece and nephews, Lisa, Michael, Adam and Ben and his brother Ken. Le nostre vite saranno sicuramente meno luminose senza di lui - our lives will surely be less bright without him.

A private service and burial will be held in Florence, Italy.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute to support cancer research at:

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

P.O. Box 849168

Boston, MA 02284

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Quattlebaum-FH.com for the DETORA family.