Frederick Conlon

Frederick Keefe Conlon, known to all as Fred or “Freddy” took his first breath on a sunny summer morning on July 9th, 1956, in Waterbury, CT. He took his final breath on October 18, 2025, leaving behind a world brighter and braver for his presence. As it was said by Maya Angelou, "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Fred lived his life in a way that made this sentiment ring true. Beneath the brave, gruff, daredevil exterior was the heart of a lion - always ready and willing to give a helping hand and quick to put a smile on the faces of everyone who knew him.

A retired firefighter with the Township of Montclair, Fred spent his life in the service of others, a beacon of courage and compassion in the face of danger, including the 911 ground zero recovery mission. His dedication and heart for public safety shone through in his work, and his bravery inspired those around him. In the words of Edward Everett Hale, "I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do." Fred lived by this motto, with tireless dedication to making a difference, one rescue at a time.

Fred is survived by his loving friend and partner, Dottie Laraia, his beloved son, Brian, his siblings, Ray, Bob, Susan (Bill) Garrabrant, Patty (Britt) Shroyer, Marilyn (Ken) London, Matt, Mark (Sharon), sister in-law Susan (Jennings) Conlon, and 21 nieces and nephews. He joins in eternal peace his parents, Marilyn Powers Conlon, and Bob Conlon, alongside of whom he’ll share his eternal resting place, his brother Michael, and his sister-in-law, Patti (Brennan) Conlon.

Services for Frederick will begin with a visitation on Friday, October 24, 2025, from 3:00pm EDT to 7:00pm EDT at Hugh M. Moriarty Funeral Home, located at 76 Park Street, Montclair, New Jersey, 07042. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 11:00am EDT at Saint Cassian Roman Catholic Church, 187 Bellevue Avenue, Montclair, New Jersey, 07043.

In remembrance of Frederick, we encourage you to share your memories, stories, and photographs on his memorial page. His life was a tapestry of courage, service, and love, and your shared remembrances will help keep his spirit alive. As we mourn his passing, let us also celebrate the life of a man who truly made a difference.