Celebrating the life of
John Whitford Conley
May 15, 1929 - June 24, 2011
JOHN WHITFORD CONLEY
SAVANNAH – John Whitford Conley, 82, died Friday, June 24, 2011 in Savannah, GA surrounded by his children. He was born May 15, 1929 in Brockton, MA to John E. and Helena F. Whitford Conley and grew-up in the city.
He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1951, where he was a member of the Tau Beta Pi honor society. He subsequently earned a Master of Science Degree with an emphasis of Marketing from Columbia University in 1953, where he was a member of the Beta Gamma Sigma honor society.
He began his professional career in New York City and relocated to Chicago in 1961 to serve as Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Amforge, Inc. While in Chicago, he was also an Adjunct Professor at DePaul University. Following Amforge's acquisition by Rockwell International, he relocated to West Bloomfield, MI in 1973 to serve as the firm's Director of Purchasing. In 1978, Mr. Conley relocated to Muskegon, MI to serve as Vice President of Sales for Lear Siegler's Neway Division. Mr. Conley retired from the company to Savannah, GA in 2002 and has been a resident of the Landings Community for the past nine years.
Mr. Conley enjoyed spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren, coaching his sons' athletic teams and leading Boy Scout campouts. He was elected to the Board of Education for the Matteson IL School District. He was an avid golfer and proud member of the hole-in-one club. He also traveled extensively, visiting thirty-six countries across Europe, Africa, North and South America, and Asia and the South Pacific. In retirement, he served with SCORE, the Chamber of Commerce of Pooler, and led several Catholic singles groups.
Mr. Conley married the former Mary Rose "Skip" Villars in 1962. Mrs. Conley preceded him in death in 1990. He is survived by his four son and their wives, John W. and Rachelle Conley of Davidsonville, MD; Mark V. and Lisa Conley of Suwanee, GA; Christopher P. and Anna Conley of Fort Mill, SC; and Matthew M. and Mary Conley of Los Angeles, CA. He is also survived by his eight grandchildren Jack and Callie Conley; Jett and Grace Conley; and Maura, Rose, Krista and Sloane Conley.
The family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Sunday, June 26, 2011, at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Monday, June 27, 2011, at Saint James Catholic Church of Savannah, GA.
The family suggests any remembrances be made in his memory to Hospice Savannah, P.O. Box 13190, Savannah, GA 31416.
Please sign our on-line guest book at www.foxandweeks.com.
I had the pleasure of working with and for John from 1984 until John's retirement from Holland/Neway in 2002. I have so many fond memories of John. And as well, I have learned so much through my time working under John's supervision. He will be sorely missed. John was a giant in our industry and so kind in heart.
- Chris Paterson, Twin Lake, MI
Your father John was a very strong and sensitive man. I miss your mother, Skip. They were both very loving, supportive, and good friends to me when we were close neighbors in Muskegon.I will always remember both of them. God Be With All of you children and grand children. Love Constance
- Constance E. Gurden, Plano, TX
Dear Mark and Family, Our deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathy on the loss of your father. We are touched to have known John and so enjoyed the times that we spent with him. He was so very proud of all of you guys. He will be missed. Sending hugs your way.
- Howie & Karlyn DeGram, Grand Haven, MI
My sincerest sympathies. John was the last of the three Brockton High School and MIT group. My husband Fred, and Charles Carter made up the threesome. John loved his children and grandchildren. We were all at your parents wedding. Our thoughts are with you.
- Mona Bumpus, Wayland, MA
I am so saddened by the loss of your father. I have fond memories of him. He always had a smile on his face and took time to visit with me whenever I saw him. I am thinking about, and praying for you all. Love, Laura Grayson Middleton
- Laura Middleton, Perry, MI
I am so saddened by the loss of your father. I have fond memories of him. He always had a smile on his face and took time to visit with me whenever I saw him. I am thinking about, and praying for you all. Love, Laura Grayson Middleton
- Laura Middleton, Perry, MI
Mark and John - I remember how your eyes would light up when you discussed your father. And I am sure they still do. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.
- Vicki Holland Tingley, Grand Rapids, MI
The Gospel According To John Chapter 14 1-4
- Rollys & Jerry Miller, Norton Shores, MI
I had the honor of being John's Canadian sales manager. John certainly helped me out in a lot of areas. A lot of fond memories and glad that we had the opportunity to visit him in his Savanaha home. Our deepest sympathy to his family.
- George and Jane Jackson, Alliston, ON
I'm sorry I can't be there to share memories and see all of you again. After working with John for years I can truly say he was a thoroughly enjoyable coworker and a great person who I will remember fondly forever. Good luck to you all, I will miss keeping up with your family through John's yearly updates. God Bless, Pam
- Pam Wiener, Muskegon, MI
Dear Cousins - John, Mark, Chris and Matt, My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this painful time. I have fond memories of your father at family gatherings at Aunt Joanne’s and visits here in California. Your father was a great man with amazing intelligence. He will be missed by all. I send you peace, love and light. Byron.
- Byron Westlund, San Jose, CA
John was a driven profession and a joy to travel. Memories of John will always be with us. With deepest sympathy, Ken Griswold
- Ken Griswold, Muskegon, MI
Though, I was only associated with John for a short time i admired him for his solid thinking and friendly attitude. John may you rest in peace!
- Mickey Banyard, Aurora, CO
Sleep well old friend! It was fun being your competitor, colleague and friend!
- Mike White, Springfield, MO
It was a priviledge to be a part of your life and to meet your family. You brought the Moon River to life for me and you will always be my special HUCKLEBERRY FRIEND. I shall always fondly remember our NF dinners, our Wednesdays at Spanky's, and our Friday dinners at the club. You were able to bring light into my life at my very darkest moments. May God once again join you and Skip in a blessed homecoming.
- Brenda C. Wilson, Savannah, GA
I will always remember the lovely times we had together. Enjoyed our dinners, SOLO, Singles Golf, etc. Sorry that I did not keep in touch the past couple of years. So glad that I had the opportunity to see you and say goodbye last Sunday. I will not be there tomorrow but want your family to know it is only because I will be having stitches removed. My prayers are with your family and I give thanks that you were a part of my life.
- Nancy Minor, Savannah, GA
John will always be remembered as a kind, gentle and respectful person in my short friendship with him. I'm sure he was the same kind of Father. My sympathy to his family, some of who I just met last week. Go on angels wings John to be with your maker.
- Barbara Jean Taboada, Savannah, GA
John, Thank you very much for bringing me into the 'NEWAY Sales Team'. It changed my life and gave me the tools to become a success in life. To the sons & family of John, you can be very proud to have had a father like John. You meant the world to him.
- Harry & Janie Kozal, Black Creek, GA
John and I had a close business and personal relationship which was an important part of my life and helped me to be successful in both. Despite his sometimes gruff exterior, he had a heart of gold. I'm glad I got a chance to talk to him in the last few days so I could tell him thank you. To the boys and his family, he was always proud of you and talked about you constantly. May he rest in peace. God bless you all.
- Pat and Cindy McGurk, Spring Lake, MI
John and I travled the world togeather for several years, he will be missed. The family has my deepest sympathy.
- Ron Faino, Muskegon, MI
Peace be with you and all of your offsprings.
- Bill & Marlene Lee, Sun Lakes, AZ
It seems only like yesterday that I first made a business call on John in his temporary 'Rockwell-Standard' office located in Troy,MI. I was so honored that the director of purchasing would come out to the lobby and greet me. A true professional. We had several mutual friends at Rockwell and started many years of friendship. This friendship was reinforced-working together at Neway Anchorlok International. Farewell John Conley, tall amoung men. And peace be with the family. John Hayes
- John Hayes, Peoria, AZ
I had the pleasure of working with and for John from 1984 until John's retirement from Holland/Neway in 2002. I have so many fond memories of John. And as well, I have learned so much through my time working under John's supervision. He will be sorely missed. John was a giant in our industry and so kind in heart.
- Chris Paterson, Twin Lake, MI
Your father John was a very strong and sensitive man. I miss your mother, Skip. They were both very loving, supportive, and good friends to me when we were close neighbors in Muskegon.I will always remember both of them. God Be With All of you children and grand children. Love Constance
- Constance E. Gurden, Plano, TX
Dear Mark and Family, Our deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathy on the loss of your father. We are touched to have known John and so enjoyed the times that we spent with him. He was so very proud of all of you guys. He will be missed. Sending hugs your way.
- Howie & Karlyn DeGram, Grand Haven, MI
My sincerest sympathies. John was the last of the three Brockton High School and MIT group. My husband Fred, and Charles Carter made up the threesome. John loved his children and grandchildren. We were all at your parents wedding. Our thoughts are with you.
- Mona Bumpus, Wayland, MA
I am so saddened by the loss of your father. I have fond memories of him. He always had a smile on his face and took time to visit with me whenever I saw him. I am thinking about, and praying for you all. Love, Laura Grayson Middleton
- Laura Middleton, Perry, MI
I am so saddened by the loss of your father. I have fond memories of him. He always had a smile on his face and took time to visit with me whenever I saw him. I am thinking about, and praying for you all. Love, Laura Grayson Middleton
- Laura Middleton, Perry, MI
Mark and John - I remember how your eyes would light up when you discussed your father. And I am sure they still do. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.
- Vicki Holland Tingley, Grand Rapids, MI
The Gospel According To John Chapter 14 1-4
- Rollys & Jerry Miller, Norton Shores, MI
I had the honor of being John's Canadian sales manager. John certainly helped me out in a lot of areas. A lot of fond memories and glad that we had the opportunity to visit him in his Savanaha home. Our deepest sympathy to his family.
- George and Jane Jackson, Alliston, ON
I'm sorry I can't be there to share memories and see all of you again. After working with John for years I can truly say he was a thoroughly enjoyable coworker and a great person who I will remember fondly forever. Good luck to you all, I will miss keeping up with your family through John's yearly updates. God Bless, Pam
- Pam Wiener, Muskegon, MI
Dear Cousins - John, Mark, Chris and Matt, My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this painful time. I have fond memories of your father at family gatherings at Aunt Joanne’s and visits here in California. Your father was a great man with amazing intelligence. He will be missed by all. I send you peace, love and light. Byron.
- Byron Westlund, San Jose, CA
John was a driven profession and a joy to travel. Memories of John will always be with us. With deepest sympathy, Ken Griswold
- Ken Griswold, Muskegon, MI
Though, I was only associated with John for a short time i admired him for his solid thinking and friendly attitude. John may you rest in peace!
- Mickey Banyard, Aurora, CO
Sleep well old friend! It was fun being your competitor, colleague and friend!
- Mike White, Springfield, MO
It was a priviledge to be a part of your life and to meet your family. You brought the Moon River to life for me and you will always be my special HUCKLEBERRY FRIEND. I shall always fondly remember our NF dinners, our Wednesdays at Spanky's, and our Friday dinners at the club. You were able to bring light into my life at my very darkest moments. May God once again join you and Skip in a blessed homecoming.
- Brenda C. Wilson, Savannah, GA
I will always remember the lovely times we had together. Enjoyed our dinners, SOLO, Singles Golf, etc. Sorry that I did not keep in touch the past couple of years. So glad that I had the opportunity to see you and say goodbye last Sunday. I will not be there tomorrow but want your family to know it is only because I will be having stitches removed. My prayers are with your family and I give thanks that you were a part of my life.
- Nancy Minor, Savannah, GA
John will always be remembered as a kind, gentle and respectful person in my short friendship with him. I'm sure he was the same kind of Father. My sympathy to his family, some of who I just met last week. Go on angels wings John to be with your maker.
- Barbara Jean Taboada, Savannah, GA
John, Thank you very much for bringing me into the 'NEWAY Sales Team'. It changed my life and gave me the tools to become a success in life. To the sons & family of John, you can be very proud to have had a father like John. You meant the world to him.
- Harry & Janie Kozal, Black Creek, GA
John and I had a close business and personal relationship which was an important part of my life and helped me to be successful in both. Despite his sometimes gruff exterior, he had a heart of gold. I'm glad I got a chance to talk to him in the last few days so I could tell him thank you. To the boys and his family, he was always proud of you and talked about you constantly. May he rest in peace. God bless you all.
- Pat and Cindy McGurk, Spring Lake, MI
John and I travled the world togeather for several years, he will be missed. The family has my deepest sympathy.
- Ron Faino, Muskegon, MI
Peace be with you and all of your offsprings.
- Bill & Marlene Lee, Sun Lakes, AZ
It seems only like yesterday that I first made a business call on John in his temporary 'Rockwell-Standard' office located in Troy,MI. I was so honored that the director of purchasing would come out to the lobby and greet me. A true professional. We had several mutual friends at Rockwell and started many years of friendship. This friendship was reinforced-working together at Neway Anchorlok International. Farewell John Conley, tall amoung men. And peace be with the family. John Hayes
- John Hayes, Peoria, AZ
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
