Obituary of Steven Anthony Coniff

Steven Anthony Coniff, 78, a Colorado Springs native, passed away peacefully at home on October 11, 2023.  

He was born on June 28, 1945 to Joseph and Florence Coniff.  

Steve attended Sacred Heart Elementary School, North Junior High School, and Palmer High School. He went on to earn a degree from Southern Colorado State College. After teaching Industrial Arts for several years, Steve purchased a business that became Rocky Mountain Machine Company. Steve was an innovative and talented machinist. When a part could not be found, he would simply craft it himself. He was also the owner of Metro Mini Storage. 

Steve’s father, Joe Coniff, owned the Coniff Special, a five-time winner of the Pike’s Peak Hill Climb. Steve grew up around cars with his focus landing on Model Ts.  He was an enthusiast, an expert, and a mentor to others in the hobby. He enjoyed participating in the Montana 500 Model T race and was a Rosenthal Award recipient.  He researched and developed a transmission band lining for Model Ts, made of heat resistant Kevlar. Steve loved exploring the Colorado mountains in his Model T, often encountering Jeeps on the high mountain passes.  

Steve was a longtime member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, the Model T Ford Club of America, and the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb Historical Association.

Steve is survived by his wife of 51 years, Janet Coniff; their three children, Laura (Eric) Petsche, Anne (Aram) Leonard, and Joseph Coniff; his four grandchildren, Kyra Petsche, Kaleb Petsche, Brayden Petsche, and Isla Leonard; his sister-in-law, Janie Kustermann; his nieces Holly Petrowski and Julie Fields; his great-nieces and nephews; and several cousins.

Rosary, 4:00PM, Tuesday, October 24, 2023, The Springs Funeral Services, 3115 East Platte Avenue, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80909.

Funeral Mass and Reception, 11:00AM, Wednesday, October 25, 2023, St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 2650 Parish View, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80919.

Burial, 2:30PM, Wednesday, October 25, 2023, Evergreen Cemetery, 1005 Hancock Expressway, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Pikes Peak Hospice, 2550 Tenderfoot Hill Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80906.