Gordon M. Conniff, Scott Twp., passed away Wednesday morning at home after being stricken ill. His wife is the former Barbara Barhight.
Born in Scranton, he was the son of the late Michael and Anges Kerr Conniff and was a graduate of Scranton Central High School. Upon completion of high school Gordie, served our country honorably in the United States Air Force in the Vietnam War. When he returned home he enrolled at Johnson College where he earned a degree in Bio Medicine. He stayed on at the college to teach before taking a job at the Pocono Medical Center where he started the Bio Medical Department, a job he had for 28 years.
Gordie was know for his many years of dedication to the Masonic fraternity and brethren. His affiliations were many and include membership in Hyde Park Lodge 339 where he was a Past Master, Union Lodge 291, Past District Deputy Grand Master of the 13th Masonic District, Lackawanna Royal Arch Chapter, Scranton Council, Melita Couerdelion, Col. Louis Arthur Watres Council, Northeast Council Knight Maons, York Right College (holder of the Purple Cross), Valley of Scranton, member of the Irem Shrine A.A.O.N.M.S. and was coronated an Illustrious 33rd degree Mason in Providence, Rhode Island in 2008.
Also surviving are a son Shawn and his wife Lisa of Jessup; a sister Leona Sturdevant and husband David of Tunkhannock; a brother Scott Conniff and his wife Lori of Clarks Summit; granddaughters Brianna and Sarah; his in laws Walter and Marion Barhight; sister in law Nancy Barrese; a brother in law Robert Barhight; nieces and nephews; countless friends.
A graveside service will be held Tuesday at 11am in the Canaan Corners Cemetery, Owego Turnpike, Waymart.
Friends may call Monday from Noon to 3pm in the Vanston and James Funeral Home 1401 Ash St. Scranton.
Masonic Services will be held Monday at 11:30am.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Gino J. Merli Veterans Center 401 Penn Ave. Scranton 18503 c/o Resident Welfare Fund.
For directions, to share a memory or to express your condolences to the family please visit www.vanstonandjames.com.
Sandi Sames
I worked with Gordie at Pocono. We were all so sad to hear the news today. Then we shared some smiles and happy memories of his time here with us. We miss him and we send our thoughts and prayers to his family.
Michael Carfaro
Rest In Peace my friend