Mark Malone

Mark R. Malone, 52, died Friday, October 17, 2014, at home. Born in Somerville, he was the son of Philip John and Martha (Slater) Malone. He was a lifelong South Bound Brook resident. He was a graduate of Bound Brook High School, Class of 1980, he graduated Raritan Valley Community College, and Rutgers University, School of Business, Class of 1989, with a Bachelor of Science Degree. In 1983, Mark suffered a spinal cord injury and became wheel chair bound. His fighting spirit and supportive family turned tragedy into triumph. He returned to Raritan Valley Community College. He soon realized the everyday struggles he and others with physical disabilities faced. Working closely with the administrations at RVCC and Rutgers, they began the process of retrofitting doors and walkways at both schools, paving the way for others and setting the stage for Americans with Disabilities Act compliance. A loyal Rutgers sports fan, Mark would spend his Saturdays on Scarlet Knights Way, watching the construction of the new Rutgers stadium complex. He was currently employed as the Director of the Somerset County Office on Aging and Disability Services, Somerville. He had previously worked for Lucent, Avaya, and AT&T. He was a communicant of Our Lady of Mercy Church, South Bound Brook. He loved music and it played a large part in his life. Mark was predeceased by his parents; his sister, Barbara Rabbitz; his brothers, Philip J. Jr., Richard, Arthur, Kenneth, and Daniel Malone; his brother-in-law, Frank Morrison, and his niece, Erin Malone. He is survived by his sisters, Patricia (John) Ostapovich, Elaine (Thomas) Harvat, Kathleen Morrison, Janet Malone, Roberta (Michael) Bock; his brothers, Roger (Marie) Malone, Thomas Malone; his sisters-in-law, Barbara Ann, Mary Ann, Jane; thirty-two beloved nieces and nephews, and nineteen great nieces and nephews. He adored them all, but was especially close to his nephew, Christopher Malone, who was his care giver for the past four years. Visiting will be 4:00 - 8:00 P.M. Tuesday, at the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 9:00 A.M. Wednesday, October 22, at Our Lady of Mercy Church. Cremation will be private. Memorial donations may be made to Team LeGrand, c/o Reeve Foundation, 636 Morris Turnpike, Suite 3A, Short Hills, New Jersey 07078