Robert Conkey

1937 - 2016

Robert Beam Conkey MATTHEWS - Robert Beam Conkey, 79, of Matthews, NC, was born March 20, 1937 in Flushing, NY to Ima Beam Conkey and Henry George Conkey. He passed away peacefully in his home on August 16, 2016. Blessed with a quick wit and a bright, easy smile, Bob was loved by those who had the good fortune to have him in their life. He was known for arguing a bit too vigorously about politics, and he loved spending time with family and friends, art and music, and keeping his lawn as perfectly manicured as possible. Bob spent his career primarily in pharmaceutical packaging sales, making lifelong friends of colleagues and clients over many years. His first wife of 32 years, Jacqueline Peeler Conkey, preceded him in death in 2001. In 2004, Bob married another wonderful woman, Alexina White Conkey. They enjoyed 12 years of marriage together and made their home first in Statesville, NC, then Indian Land, SC, and ultimately in Matthews. Bob enjoyed traveling throughout his life, and, despite failing health, was able to go with Alex on a Viking River Cruise just last year. He was a frequent visitor to New York and Connecticut to see his daughters and their families. He was also honored to be part of a Guatemalan mission trip with Lake Wylie Lutheran Church. Bob was raised in Manhasset, NY and attended Manhasset High School, the New Hampton School and Roanoke College. He was also preceded in death by his brother William John Conkey (Marianne), and is survived by his beloved wife, Alex Conkey, his elder brother, Henry George Conkey, Jr. (Bonnie) of Victoria Falls, Canada, daughters Mollie Conkey Fullington (Kevin) of Darien, CT and Katie Conkey Winkowski (David) of Old Wethersfield CT, Erin Szymczyk Caronis (Curt) of Charlotte, Whitney Szymczyk Norton (Wes) of Charlotte, and Katie Szymczyk Roberts (Lee) of Columbia, SC, as well as his grandchildren: Julia Beam and Claire Armstrong Fullington, Lydia Mills Winkowski, Caden and Will McMahon, Casey and Alexis Caronis, Ellison and Weston Norton, Owen, Grant and Paige Roberts, and many nephews and nieces. A memorial service will be held on October 22 at Mt. Hermon Lutheran Church in Statesville.