Remembering Dr. Mark Dedomenico, class of 1955 October 9, 1937 - December 7, 2024
Mark arrived in Seattle with his family when he was three, in the early 1940s during World War II. The Dedomenico family, second-generation Italian immigrants, had moved north from California after their pasta factory burned down, and reestablished it in Seattle. They lived above the Golden Grain Macaroni factory in Georgetown while the business produced rations for the military. A few years later the family settled in Seward Park.
Mark attended Franklin High School, where his godfather, Dr. McConville, introduced him to surgery at age fifteen, sparking his lifelong interest in medicine. He attended Seattle University, where he met his first love, Joan Parker. Mark and Joan married and had four children: Mary Jo, Cathy, Veda Jo, and Mark Jr.
He pursued his medical degree at St. Louis University. He was inspired by the renowned cardiovascular surgeon Dr. Lester Sauvage, who became his mentor. His studies were interrupted by the Vietnam War in 1964. He served as a Navy doctor aboard the hospital ship USS Repose, treating the wounded. These experiences led to groundbreaking insights into arterial replacements, which he brought back to Seattle where he completed his internship and residency.
Together with Dr. Sauvage, Mark made significant contributions to coronary artery replacement techniques, presenting a seminal paper introducing Coronary Bypass Surgery to the medical community in 1967. His name appears in numerous publications, including those on aortic valve replacement.
In 1972, Mark's father invited him to join the family macaroni business. There, Mark played a pivotal role in brands like Rice-a-Roni, Ghirardelli Chocolates, and Mission Pasta. His dynamic marketing style included memorable sales meetings and festive holiday visits in a Santa suit. After the company's 1986 sale to Quaker Oats, Mark embarked on new ventures.
In 1984, Mark and Dick Knight had purchased the Bellevue Supersonics Racquet Club and started the PRO Sports Club. Over the next four decades, they transformed it into the largest athletic club west of the Mississippi. Mark's medical expertise and passion for wellness inspired programs like 20/20 Lifestyles, My Best 10, and the state-of-the-art Surgery Center. He sold the PRO Club to Bay Club in 2023.
Mark's love for thoroughbred racing led to the founding of Pegasus Training and Rehabilitation Center in 2005. Using his medical knowledge, he developed innovative rehabilitation methods for injured horses. A lifelong horse racing enthusiast, he celebrated numerous victories, including the success of his favorite filly, Blind Luck, winner of the 2010 Kentucky Oaks and an Eclipse Award. His contributions earned him induction into the Washington Racing Hall of Fame and the S.J. Agnew Special Achievement Award.
In 2010, Mark met Linda, the love of his later years, at PRO Club. The couple eventually relocated to Nevada, where they shared a profound passion for wellness and medicine, fostering a relationship built on unwavering devotion and mutual care. In 2016, Linda made the ultimate gift by donating her kidney to Mark, ensuring his continued health.
Mark is survived by his wife Linda, his four children, nine grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.
Editor’s Note: Mark made a significant donation to the Franklin Alumni Association for the readerboard in front of the school.