Mark Thomas Farley Conniff, born June 2,1954, the sixth of seven children to James C.G.Conniff and Dorothy (Donnelly) Conniff. The doctor advised that Mark be placed in an institution immediately because caring for a child with Down Syndrome would not be “fair” to his siblings, Greg Conniff (Dorothy) of Wisconsin, Susan Manney (Jim) of Michigan, Deb Suta (Bob) of New Jersey, Cindy of Washington, D.C., or Richard Conniff (Karen) of Connecticut. His mom told them no and home he went with his legs in casts to correct leg/foot issues.
Mark was very involved in life around him and was much loved in the community as he was often “uptown” or in church with a sibling. The store owners adored him and fellow citizens would stop to visit and welcome his loving hugs and kisses. In his early 30’s, he moved into his first group home and walked to the Shop Rite at Essex Green each day to work. After he moved to Marmon Apartments, he would take the bus to the same Shop Rite, where he remained for 26 years.
In retirement, his much-loved staff at Marmon Apartments kept him busy and always moving. They bent over backwards to be sure he was living life as fully as possible. His fellow residents formed a solid family and each time Mark was in the hospital, their hearts would break.
After a series of unfortunate events, Mark entered rehab in Bergen County until he was unable to make further progress in regaining mobility. Miraculously, we found placement through New Concepts for Living which was wheelchair accessible and ready to provide care for “however long he has left.” Three agencies worked in perfect harmony and he was in his new home in two weeks. The care he received through NCFL exceeded the love he received at Marmon Apartments and for that we are most thankful.
Mark is survived by all his siblings, 12 nieces and nephews, and 19 great nieces and nephews. He is now with his parents and brother Bobby in heaven. In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting New Concepts for Living (68A W Passaic St, Rochelle Park, NJ 07662 )in his memory.
