Obituary of Mark Francis Vedder

Dr. Mark Vedder, 65 of Manalapan passed away at Yale New Haven Hospital, New Haven CT. He was born in Rockville Centre and raised in E. Williston, Long Island before settling in Manalapan 30 years ago. Mark was a 1974 graduate from the Stevens Institute of Technology majoring in Physics, Math and Electrical Engineering. He was a proud member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity and remained active alumni.. In 1976 he received his Master's in Physics and in 1980 his Doctorate in Atomic & Molecular physics from the University of Connecticut. Mark completed his post doctorate in 1981 from William & Mary College. He was then employed by the Department of Defense under Reagan's Star Wars program. 1987 he began his 30-year career at AT&T as the member of the technical staff for research & development. During this time, post 2001, Mark was sent to secure the White House communications. He also created three patents which are used by AT & T. If asked what he did, Mark would tell you he's the reason your cell phone works. His interests were Rock n' Roll music, especially the Rolling Stones, playing electric guitar and being a Giant's fanatic. Mark served for 8 years as Basketball Commissioner and coach for his son, Michael. He also coached both Laura and Michael in soccer. Mark worked hard and he played hard. He was predeceased by his parents Frank & Dorothy Vedder and brother Christopher. He is survived by his loving wife Catherine of 40 years; daughter Laura; son Michael; brothers John and Francis; Irish twin sister Dorothea; many adoring nieces and nephews. Mark has Theta Pi Brothers who were a tremendous support during his four month hospital stay. A memorial visitation will be held Friday, April 6th, from 5:00 - 8:00 pm at Weigand Brothers Funeral Home, 49 Hillside Ave., Williston Park, NY 11596. A memorial mass will be held April 7th at 11:00 am at St. Aidan Roman Catholic Church, 505 Willis Ave., Williston, NY. A memorial celebration will be held Sunday, April 8th, from 2:00 - 7:00 pm at the Freeman Manalapan-Marlboro Funeral Home, 344 Route 9 North, Manalapan. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Buildings Crossroads Campaign c/o St. Peter's Church, 33 Throckmorton Street, Freehold, New Jersey 07728. To leave a condolence or find directions, visit www.freemanfuneralhomes.com.