BY MARTA GOUGER

mgouger@tnonline.com

Emergency vehicles joined together Aug. 1 to escort the body of a young state trooper who died July 31 at St. Luke’s Miner’s campus.

Trooper Peter K. Conforti, 31, was rushed to the hospital from his property after going into cardiac arrest.

The 2012 Tamaqua Area High School graduate leaves behind his wife, Dr. Alexandra (Wagner) Conforti, and infant son, Abram.

According to his obituary, he was an avid outdoorsman, hunter and collector of antler sheds.

He was happiest when he could be in the woods, spending time checking on his trail cameras and sharing his finds with his family members.

When he wasn’t in the woods, he was by his family’s side.

His perfect day off included spending time with his beloved wife and their son Abram, going on a walk with his family, going out for dinner and ending the day with ice cream and a campfire.

He will be best remembered for his family values, investing in others, and building meaningful friendships.

He truly enjoyed the companionship, not only of his family, but of his two golden retrievers Gracie and Lucy.

Conforti started his dedicated career as a Pennsylvania State Trooper when he graduated in October 2016 as a member of the 146th Cadet Class.

An active member of The Bridge Church, Hamburg, he continued the family tradition of being a member of the Little Schuylkill Lions Club.

State police said he was assigned to Troop L, Hamburg, at the time of his death.

“He served the Commonwealth with honor and integrity and will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and co-workers,” state police said.

As friends and members of the community posted messages of sympathy, a fundraiser was planned for his family.

Ashley Foux, owner of Feisty Fox Grille in Lehighton, is hosting a fundraiser for the family.

“Still in shock over this tragic loss for our community and feisty friends,” Foux posted.

A jar is available for donations, with 100 percent of the proceeds going to Trooper Conforti’s family.

On Aug. 10 and 11, from 3-9 p.m. each day, 30 percent of the proceeds will go directly to his wife, Alex, and her family.

One of Conforti’s teachers, Michele Bittner, posted about him.

“Many years ago, I started teaching at West Penn Elementary with some very special students.

“One, however, stood out to be the kindest, most compassionate, hard working young man.”

“As an adult, he would always grasp every opportunity to help others, say hello, or to love his beautiful family.

“Peter Conforti, our world is a lot dimmer without your bright light shining on it ... He will forever remain in my heart as one of the kindest souls around.

“He will surely be missed.”

According to Trooper First Class Ethan M. Brownback, public information officer/community services officer Troop L, contributions to help Trooper Conforti’s family may be made at fundthefirst.com. Type in Trooper Peter Conforti.

“He left behind a wife and a one-year- old child,” Brownback wrote. “Thank you for your service Trooper.

“Job well done.”