Mark Mamolen Obituary

Mamolen, Mark Claster 67, died unexpectedly after a fall on December 25, 2013 in Miami. Mark was born on January 4, 1946 in western Maryland and felt that his upbringing in the small blue-collar town of Westernport taught him much of what he knew about how the world works, and also greatly affected his understanding of people, character, business and life. Mark was the son of the late Benjamin Edward and Sara Claster Mamolen, both of whom influenced him greatly through their examples of hard work, curiosity, education and kindness to others. Mark was a beloved brother, uncle and friend and was endlessly interested in people of all walks of life and the world at large. He succeeded in business and also succeeded in living the life he wished to lead making his own decisions and choosing his own path. He was a consummate story-teller, and whether the stories were about events in his life, business deals, or other happenings in the world, they were always hugely entertaining. Mark was an entrepreneur who started his first business while an undergraduate, and, after early stints at IBM and Boston Consulting Group, acted as the principal non-family financial advisor to J. A. Pritzker. While at Pritzker & Pritzker from 1978 to 1985, Mark was responsible for underwriting a number of investments including TransUnion Corp. and TicketMaster. After 1985, Mark was an independent private investor in a number of businesses and the managing partner of Carl Street Partners. He was a key principal in the buyout of Bendix Engine Products and DeflectaShield Corp., where he was also a director, as well as other businesses. Mark received his B.A. in Economics and his MBA from George Washington University and a JD from the University of Chicago. Mark was a Life Member of the Visiting Committee of the University of Chicago Law School, a member of the Dean's International Council at the Harris School of Public Policy Studies of the University of Chicago, Board Advisor to Intellectual Property Development, Inc., Board Member of the Hutchins Center for African & African American Research at Harvard University, and previously served as a member of the Advisory Board of DigaComm, LLC. One of the primary joys of his adult life was his introduction to the art of Edgar Miller (1899-1993), a Chicago artist of the mid-20th century. Miller, with whom Mark became personal friends, worked in virtually every artistic medium, and was still working almost daily on creating new art until his death. Mark lived in a home filled and decorated with Miller's art, and was a supporter of the publication of the recent book about Miller's life and work, Edgar Miller and the Handmade Home. He also derived great enjoyment from mentoring a number of young people, especially about education and career choices, and gave generously to educational organizations. He is survived by his sister, Julie Mamolen Bleicher of Dallas, and his nephews, Zachary Bleicher and his partner Richard Olinger of Chicago, and Noah Bleicher and his wife Marcela Swenson of Evanston. The family asks that donations in Mark's memory be made to Project Exploration, 4511 South Evans, Chicago, IL 60653, or The Wolfsonian, 1001 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139. A service of remembrance was held in Miami Beach on December 27 and a memorial will be held in Chicago at a later date.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Jan. 12, 2014.
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Memories and Condolences
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Michael Vance

July 14, 2020

I was involved with Mark in the days when he was seeking financing for Bendix. Such a great man, with such acumen. I was just wondering what he was up to and googled him and was shocked and saddened to see of his death. I will miss him.

Scott Page

March 18, 2014

I have known Mark for many years thru Harris School.
he has been a great person and a friend.
he is a great loss.
All I can Say GOD BLESS HIS SOUL

Hussam Abu Issa (Qatar)

HUSSAM ABU ISSA

February 19, 2014

I believe that everyone that worked with or met Mark learned something from him. He was a mentor to all and had a unique insight and a great sense of humor. He will be missed.

John Consalvi

February 4, 2014

I knew Mark for several years when he worked at Pritzker. I am also very interested in architecture and I remember visiting his apartment when he was first bought it long before the extensive renovations. He was very enthusiastic about the possibilities but it was long before the eventual transformations. He was a very personable story-teller. We were not close friends but he was always engaging when we ran into one another. Sorry for your loss.

David Harvey

February 2, 2014

This is a complete and utter shock. I am deeply saddened by the tragic news of Marks sudden passing. Mark was a close friend/neighbor when I lived in his building (in #7) on Burton Place during the early 1990's and we stayed friends over the years.. we would see eachother whenever our paths crossed. Mark always gave me sound biz advice which helped me to become the success I am today. Thank you Mark Mamolen for being the best neighbor, friend, mentor and landlord a man could ever ask for.

Josh Trossman

January 30, 2014

Til, I know you will miss your good friend. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Deb King

January 16, 2014

What a wonderfully written eulogy for such an interesting man. Mark will be missed.

Jill Meyer

January 13, 2014

Denise Alvera

January 12, 2014

Julie,
My deepest sympathy. Mark was a beautiful, generous person who will be greatly missed by all who knew him. I cherished his friendship, loyalty and his wonderful laugh. I will miss him always.

Denise Alvera

January 12, 2014

May the comfort and strength only God can give be with you.

Lynn

January 12, 2014

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