Mark Mittleman

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Mark D. Mittleman, who departed this life on December 16, 2024, at the age of 78. Born on November 29, 1946, Mark was enthusiastic supporter of St. Louis’ cultural and community life. Mark was raised in East Alton, IL and graduated from St. Louis Country Day School in 1964, when it was still an all-boys’ academy. From there, he went to Harvard University, where he completed his B.A. degree in three years. Following in the footsteps of John F. Kennedy, he pursued his legal studies at the University of Virginia School of Law. Typical of his self-effacement and preference for propriety, he turned down the J. D. (Juris Doctor) degree, which the University had just begun to confer, in favor of the more traditional LL. B. (Bachelor of Laws). He worked for a time in the Missouri Attorney General’s (John Danforth) office before joining a St..Louis law firm, and eventually for his own legal practice in Clayton. He formerly served the community as an officer of the Anti-Defamation League. In addition to hi professional accomplishments, Mark was a founding Board member of the Chamber Music Society of St. Louis, acting as legal advisor and helping the fledgling organization gain its non-profit designation. He was also a devoted supporter of the St. Louis Symphony and Missouri Botanical Gardens. He loved to visit art museums, sometimes driving hundreds of miles to see a major exhibition in Chicago or Dallas. He was just as thrilled to attend concerts by world-renowned musicians at European music festivals. Mark was an avid bird watcher who loved to hike in area parks, and to travel the world in search of rare, colorful birds to add to his life list. He was never without his binoculars and camera. Mark is survived by his sister, Judith Weiss and husband Robert of Rocky River, Ohio; long time partner, Susan Wood of St. Louis, Missouri; nephew Alexander Weiss and wife Natalie of Parma, Ohio; as well as several cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents: Harry A. and Shirley (Asckenasy) Mittleman. In accordance with Mark's life and values, his body will be donated for medical science at St. Louis University School of Medicine. Valhalla Funeral Chapel, Crematory and Cemetery was in charge of arrangements.