Obituary of Richard J. Concannon

Richard J. Concannon, a leading expert in the field of health care law, died on March 28 in Rye, N.Y., from Alzheimer's disease. He was 80 years old. Mr. Concannon spent his entire legal career of more than 50 years at the law firm of Kelley Drye & Warren where he was a senior partner. He was instrumental in building the firm's health care practice, which, over the years, served a number of the nation's leading hospitals and medical institutions. Due to his expertise in the field, he was appointed to The New York State Task Force on Life and the Law by Governor Mario Cuomo and was involved in formulating many of the state's laws and regulations on such issues as health-care proxies, do-not-resuscitate orders and palliative care. He addressed a number of international conferences on those issues, including the 1985 World Congress of Catholic Hospitals and Health Care Institutions held in Vatican City. Mr. Concannon served on the Boards of Marymount Manhattan College (where he became Chairman), St. Michael's College, The Wartburg Adult Care Community and the Center for Christian and Jewish Understanding. In addition, he was a member of the Legal Advisory Committee of the Catholic Archdiocese of New York, served on the Cardinal's Committee of the Laity and on the Finance Committee of Catholic Big Sisters. He was a member of the Knights of Malta and the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher. Mr. Concannon was born in Massapequa Park, N.Y., received a B.A. degree from St. John's University and a J.D. degree from St. John's University Law School, where he was on the Law Review. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. A long-time resident of Larchmont, N.Y., Mr. Concannon is survived by his wife of 49 years, Maura Mara Concannon; daughters Christine Geithner (David) of Larchmont, Kate Anderson (David) also of Larchmont and Sheila Melvin (Taylor) of Scottsdale, Ariz.; and grandchildren Peter, Clare, Caroline, Jack, Timmy, Molly, Christopher and Elizabeth. Friends may visit the Fox Funeral Home at 2080 Boston Post Road, Larchmont, N.Y., on Tuesday, April 2, from 2-4 P.M and 7-9 P.M. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Saints John & Paul Church, 280 Weaver Street in Larchmont on Wednesday, April 3, at 10 A.M. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to either the Catholic Charities of New York, 1011 First Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10022 or to the Alzheimer's Association New York Chapter, 360 Lexington Ave, New York, N.Y. 10017.