Robert T. Conway

C aptain Robert T. Conway, USNR, passed away Tuesday at Mercy Hospital, Wilkes-Barre. He was 85.
Born Jan. 14, 1920, in Wilkes-Barre, he graduated in 1937 from E.L. Meyers High School. Subsequently, he graduated from Scranton University, where he received his bachelor’s degree in education. From there, he attended New York University (NYU), where he earned a master’s degree.
When World War II broke out, he joined the Navy. He was commissioned an Ensign in the Naval Reserve Force in 1941. During the war, he served with distinction aboard destroyers that patrolled the Atlantic. Later, during the Korean War, he was recalled to active duty and once again proudly served his country.
He returned to Wilkes-Barre in 1951 and was discharged. He remained active in the Naval Reserve Force until 1973 when, after 32 years of service, he retired at the rank of Captain (06). One of his duties was that of Commanding Officer of the Naval Reserve Training Center, first in Kingston and later at Avoca when it moved to its current site.
In civilian life, he worked for the Federal government. First for the Department of Veterans Administration in Wilkes-Barre, until he switched to the Federal Bureau of Mines, where he was the Chief Administrator. He retired from Government Service in 1974.
Captain Conway was a community leader, as well. He was a member of various civic organizations; however, never content to simply join an organization, he sought leadership positions. He was a member of St. Aloysius Church; a life member of Fox Hill Country Club; The Eagles, Knights of Columbus; and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He also served on the Board of Directors for the Wilkes-Barre Municipal Golf Course.
After retirement, he enjoyed traveling and spending time with his family. He was especially happy to spend his winters in Delray Beach, Fla.
He is survived by his “best friend” and devoted wife of 57 years, the former Joan Mary Law; his sons, RADM Bob Conway Jr. and his wife, Carole, Norfolk, Va.; Jim Conway, Wilkes-Barre; Tom Conway and his wife, Pam, Doylestown; Dr. Malcolm Conway and his wife, Mary, Kingston; and his grandchildren, Robert Conway III and his wife, Morgan, Los Angeles; Kerry Ann Conway, Carlsbad, Calif.; Shannon and Malcolm Conway Jr., Kingston; and Katie Conway, Doylestown.
Funeral will be held Saturday at 9:30 a.m. from M.J. McLaughlin Company, 142 S. Washington St., Wilkes-Barre, with funeral Mass at 10 a.m. in St. Aloysius Church, with the Msgr. Donald A. McAndrews, principal celebrant. Interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Hanover Township.
Friends may call from Friday from 4 to 7 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the American Red Cross to benefit the victims of Hurricane Katrina.