Mark G. Toohey, PhD

Mark Gerard Toohey, PhD., JD., age 68, passed away on Saturday, November 23, 2024. A Bowie, Maryland, resident for the past eight years, Mark was the loving brother of William D. Toohey, Jr. (Mary), Thomas J. Toohey (Sally), Kathleen M. Bayly (Kevin), and James P. Toohey (Anne). He is also deeply missed by his long-time companion Tori Escott. Mark’s parents, William and Catherine Toohey, and brother, John J. Toohey, preceded him in death.

Mark was born on April 30, 1956, in Allen Park, Michigan. He attended grade school in Wilmette, Illinois. After graduating in 1974 from Winston Churchill High School in Potomac, Maryland, Mark attended the University of West Virginia in Morgantown, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree. Mark earned his Master of Science degree at the University of Maryland, College Park.

Mark earned a PhD in Molecular Biology at Texas A&M University in College Station. He worked at the world-renowned Salk Institute in La Jolla, California, for five years. While there, he conducted cellular research and earned two pioneering patents. He is the author of studies that were published in major international scientific journals. 

Mark moved to Fairfax, Virginia, and attended The George Washington University, in Washington, D.C., where he earned his Juris Doctorate degree in patent law. He was a member of the D.C. Bar Association and pursued a law career in Washington, D.C. 

Mark was a voracious reader of scientific journals and an avid fan of the Washington Capitals and Washington Nationals sports teams. He also enjoyed attending music concerts and played the piano and guitar. 

A private Catholic funeral Mass for Mark is being scheduled. He will be buried in the Gate of Heaven Catholic Cemetery in Silver Spring.