Mark J. Menza

Born in Newark in 1953 to Joseph and Carla Menza, he was raised in Livingston, on a street in which the neighborhood children remained his lifelong friends. He graduated from Newark Academy in 1971, and went on to receive a degree in biology at Lehigh University in 1975. He remained an engaged and loyal alumnus at both schools, where he spent some of his most fun days.

Mark joined his father’s insurance business, Joseph D. Menza and Associates, in the late '70s. In the 2000s, he pivoted to real estate, getting a license and putting his gift for gab to use at the Weichert office in Oldwick.

He loved to explore the natural world, and was happiest when hunting and fishing, searching for snakes and salamanders, and pointing out constellations and meteors on dark nights. Constitutionally incapable of complaining, Mark was quick to point out the simple glories of the world, namely good weather, a Yankees win, and long drives with classic rock on the radio. His incorrigibly great mood could never be sullied, often to the confusion but gentle relief of those around him—unless you got to the New York Times crossword first.

He is survived by his adoring mother, Carla; his endlessly devoted partner of a decade, Susan Ullman; his children, who were the lights of his life, daughter Kaitlin and her husband Kevin, and son Connor and his wife Arielle; his grandson Logan, an absolute thrill in his final years; his brother Joseph and his wife Jill, and sister Gina and her husband Lee; and the nieces and nephews who cherished him: Gordon, Robert, Michael, Jesse, and Casey.

He will be remembered on sunny days and in the needed rain, via movie quotes and slices of coffee cake, through legal pads and guitar riffs, and every single time the weather is checked. His loved ones know there is nothing but blue skies wherever he is.

A Memorial Mass for Mark will be held Monday, May 19, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Saint Philomena Roman Catholic Church, 386 S Livingston Ave, Livingston, NJ 07039.