Mark Conroy

Mark Peter Conroy, 68, of New Kensington died Tuesday, March 19. Born June 30, 1955, in Natrona Heights. He lived in Natrona and New Kensington his whole life. A 1973 graduate of Saint Joseph High School, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree from West Liberty State College, West Virginia. Later, he earned his Principal Certification and Master of Science and Special Education Certification from the University of Pittsburgh. Mark began his career as a Financial Analyst at Westinghouse and became a Senior Contract Administrator. After earning his degrees in education, he began his career in his true calling of educating and mentoring young men and women at the following schools: Butler Area, Woodland Hills, Fox Chapel and Allegheny Intermediate Unit. A dedicated educator, Mark was even willing to assume the unique challenge as principal of Allegheny County Jail / Schuman. Mark gave himself tirelessly in service to the Catholic Church and his local community. He was a member of St. Margaret Mary Church. He was a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus. He served on the Municipal Water Authority Board of New Kensington. A Pittsburgh Pirate Fan, Mark was a supervisor of ushers at PNC Park for many years. He enjoyed attending Pirates spring training in Bradenton, FL whenever possible. A St. Joseph High School Spartan forever. He played baseball on the first SJHS team in 1973 and coached SJHS boys' basketball in the 80s. Mark also coached basketball at Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament School. Mark enjoyed bicycling, and he participated in the MS150 Charity Bike Run to Erie for several years. He and his high school sweetheart, Tish, enjoyed spending time bicycling and traveling in the US, as well as a special 40th anniversary trip to Ireland. In retirement, Mark was an avid reader and enjoyed golfing. Survivors include his best friend and wife of 44 years, Patricia. He is also survived by his siblings: Thomas P. Conroy, Jr. (Ann) Jacksonville, FL; John (Jackie) F. Conroy Ormond Beach, FL; Robert M. Conroy Natrona Heights, PA; Mary Eileen Conroy Malecki Natrona Heights, PA; Colleen Conroy Elliott (Wes) Oakmont, PA; David K. Conroy (Pam) Natrona Heights, PA; Paul Conroy, Natrona, PA; Nina Conroy Rzewnicki (Jerry) Atlantic Beach, FL; Timothy Conroy (MaryAnn) Natrona Heights, PA as well as 23 nieces and nephews, 27 great nieces and nephews, 6 Godchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Patrick Conroy and Nina Frances Rieger. Friends will be received on Tuesday, March 26, from 1 to 3 and 5 to 8 PM at the RUSIEWICZ OF LOWER BURRELL FUNERAL HOME, 3124 Leechburg Road, Lower Burrell, PA 15068. The Knights of Columbus will hold a prayer service at 4:45 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home. Prayers of Transfer will be said on Wednesday, March 27 at 9:30 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at 10 . at St. Margaret Mary Church, Lower Burrell. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made in care of AIU3 Stand for Children Committee (c/o Betty Diamond, 475 East Waterfront Drive, Homestead, PA 15120) and/or Saint Joseph High School (800 Montana Avenue, Natrona Heights, PA 15065). www.RusiewiczFH.com