Gilbert Conforti

Gilbert (Gil) Conforti, aged 88, of Lakewood, Washington, passed away on May 12, 2024, in Tacoma, Washington. He was born on November 10, 1935 in Fall River, Massachusetts. Gil joined the US Army right out of high school and after serving in Korea, met his wife Simone (Peggy) Landry while stationed at Ft. Devens, Massachusetts.  They married in 1957 and had 53 happy years together until her death in 2010.

In addition to his wife, Simone (Peggy), he was preceded in death by his son Mark and his brother Ed. Gil is survived by his sister Trudy Dufault, son Stephen, his wife Carolyn (Corey), son James, his wife Danielle (Hoddy) and grandchildren Carmen, Cara Marie, Leah, and Carly.

Gil served in the US Army from 1955 to 1983, with notable assignments in Berlin, Germany, and Teheran, Iran. A highly decorated combat veteran, Gil also served two combat tours in Vietnam where he was awarded five Bronze Star Medals with V device and two Air Medals among many other awards throughout his distinguished career. He commanded infantry units in a variety of environments during his time in service.  He also studied the Persian Language, earned his undergraduate degree under the Army's Bootstrap Program, and later attended the Army War College, achieving a Master's Degree in Public Administration. Gil was selected for promotion to Colonel before choosing to retire from military service in 1983.

Following his military career, Gil managed the Army's first Battle Simulation Center, expanding its capabilities and use in Europe and the Far East. After 13 years, he retired once again to devote time to visiting his sons and their families, and his hobbies of playing golf and traveling to drier and warmer climates.  He attended the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Steilacoom as part of St. John Bosco Parish.

A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, July 17th at Tahoma National Cemetery. Contributions in Gil's memory can be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research. The Gaffney Funeral Home in Tacoma, Washington, is assisting with the arrangements.

Rest in peace, Gil Conforti.