Max Conor Fernandez, 26 years old, of Tappan, NY, passed away at Montefiore Nyack Hospital on September 24, 2025, after a month long health battle.

Born in Chisinau, Moldova, Max is survived by his mother Raine, his father George, his sister Luiza, his cat Stormy, and many adoring aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

He successfully went through the South Orangetown School system.  Then graduated from Fordham University with degrees in Psychology and Computer Science, and was weeks away from earning a Master's Degree from Columbia University's School of Social Work.

Passionately curious about the world and everything in it, Max was immersed in philosophy, politics, history, geology, economics, geography, music, movies, sports, food, and comedy. He was a delighted member of the Rockland Choral Society, and a proud Free Mason brother. A committed American, he fervently loved the United States, its promise, potential and leadership.

Despite inheriting the debilitating disease of Muscular Dystrophy, Max never wavered, never allowed his physical limitations to hinder his appreciation for living to the fullest.  He played Little League baseball, ice hockey; he swam, did horseback riding, lifted weights, and relished amusement parks. In High School he acted in theatrical productions, and played the saxophone and piano in the band. Travel was a thrilling experience for him.  A chance to explore, to learn.

And most assuredly, Max had a special affinity for Ireland, particularly for Dungarvan, his "Hometown", and all its wonderful places and faces. Throughout his life, Max's mission was to help people, in small and big ways, to make any situation better, bring disparate people together, to make meaningful connections.  With a pure heart, in that spirit, he strove to improve the world, whether by developing his Maximus Moves business to address all forms of disabilities or throwing wild, happy parties.

Max lived by T.S. Eliot's dictum, "There is nothing but the trying, the rest is not our business."

Ultimately, he was driven by a desire to be of service while at the same time squeezing as much fun from life as possible. For him, life was a privilege, a journey to enjoy and honor. Those who were in his presence will never forget his quick wit, his warm heart, his beautiful eyelashes and his joyful smile.  In his resilient wisdom, Max offered inspiration.  He was the incarnation of resilience and hope.

Max will be deeply and sincerely missed, although always remembered, by everyone who met and knew him.

Scroll down for funeral details.

The Funeral Mass at St. John the Baptist Church will be live-streamed on

Monday, Sept. 29th, 11:30am

https://olshtappan.com/sj-live-streaming