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Walter Joseph Conn

Walter Conn Obituary

May 10, 1934 - September 18, 2014 Walter Conn passed peacefully in his sleep surrounded by his family after a hard fought battle with cancer. Walter was born in Canton, Ohio to Marguerite and Thomas Conn. He was the middle child of five. Walter spent the majority of his childhood in Southern California, attended Cathedral High School and South Pasadena- San Marino High School. He attended Santa Clara University on a football scholarship and also boxed for the University. Later-on he played football and boxed for the Army in the US and Europe. Walter graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in History and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the US Army. He served in a variety of positions and ultimately as a Missile officer overseeing Nike Missile sites on the west coast prior to being honorably discharged as a Captain. Walter began work at Charles Dunn Company and founded the property management business in 1963. He grew the business from one small apartment building under management to a portfolio of over 25 million square feet, with several hundred employees. In 1995 he purchased the company from the Dunn family and other partners, and has led the firm as it's Chairman ever since. A prolific philanthropist, Walter served on a variety of charitable and school boards, giving money, time and support to countless charities and institutions over his lifetime. He was always more concerned with the well being of his business associates, employees and anyone else he encountered rather than himself. His door was always open to lend an ear, give advice and help anyone needing him. Walter always placed a high priority on family, and instilled that family would always come first, above all else. He loved unconditionally. His other passions included traveling the world, especially Asia, and classical music, in particular opera. He was a humble, simple, quick witted and inspiring leader that will be missed by many. Walter is survived by his wife Donna, daughter Eileen and sons Patrick and Walter, his grandchildren Isabella and Tucker, his sister Barbara McAndrews and brother James Conn, 16 nieces and nephews and many other extended family. He is reunited with his parents and brothers Paul Conn, Fr. Francis Conn SJ, and Fr. Thomas Conn SJ who passed before him. In lieu of flowers we ask that donations be sent to the following charities in his memory: Sisters of the Society Devoted to the Sacred Heart www.sacredheartsisters.com, Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles www.carmelitesistersocd.com , California Hospital Medical Center Foundation www.supportcaliforniahospital.org Memorial Services: Thursday September 25th Viewing 4-6 PM Cabot & Sons 27 Chestnut St. Pasadena, CA 91105 Friday, September 26th Rosary 10:15 AM followed by Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM St. Andrews Catholic Church 311 N. Raymond Ave. Pasadena, CA 91103

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Los Angeles Times on Sep. 24, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
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Tom Joyce

September 18, 2021

His Image remains in our hearts and minds as a fine Man filled with Spirit and Life. He and his family were a wonderful examples of following Church Teachings in how to live and Love.
May He continue to rest in peace and perpetual light shine upon him. Amen

Alessandra Kellermann

October 25, 2014

Dear Mrs.Conn and family ,

I never knew your husband but I knew your son Walter who spoke so highly of his father and his service to our country - his love of our country and family . We had the honor at Homefront Hugs of sending him some cards of support while he battled cancer and your son Walter continued to share his health with us until the end . May he rest in peace now reunited with his parents in Heaven - knowing he not only left a wonderful family here on Earth but a grateful country .

May God give you strength in the days ahead and comfort you with the warm memories until you see each other again .

In peace and prayer ,
Alessandra and my son Edwin

October 22, 2014

Dear Donna,
Dorothy and I were saddened to hear of Walter's passing. I have good memories of Walter during our Santa Clara University days. It was a pleasure to know him and those were days. Dorothy sends her love to you and she will keep you in her prayers during these difficult days.

Warm regards,

Dorothy Dall Baumann, CND Class of 56', & Donald P. Baumann, SCU Class of 57'

kathie micallef

October 22, 2014

dear Donna
My sympathy to you and your family on the loss of walter. I remember often your kind deeds in helping me in my move to France many years ago. It is a shame we never kept in tounch.
my condolences to his friends and your extensive family. I will be praying for you, Donna.
Kathie O'Callaghan Micallef class of '56

October 21, 2014

To the Conn family - My sympathy.
A Catholic life well lived is a gift...

ester bugna CND Class of '56

Donna -
Reconnected with Anita recently.I have fond memories of our Bio Labs experiences. I stayed in touch with Sr. Anna through out her life post '56 CND.

Hope your life has had many roses amongst the torns.

October 21, 2014

Dear Donna, I haven't seen you since graduation
from CND in 1956. Remember you with affection
as Mary Ann Loney ( Kube's roomie). I live in Palo
Alto , Ca. Am in touch with Mary Ann & Kevin. We
spoke of you and Walter just this past Sunday., not
yet aware of Walter's passing. Much love and many
Blessings to you and your family.
Anita Giudici Wolpman

Nancy Gerew

September 25, 2014

Walter was an exceptional, generous and kind man who will truly be missed. I am thankful that he "passed my way" and pray for peace and comfort for his dear family.

Thomas J. Ginella

September 24, 2014

The San Franciscans always had an ongoing feud with the "Southerners" at Santa Clara but the Conn brothers took it all out of us when we spent an Easter break with them on Balboa Island. Bro John was in Waldo's class and I a year behind Jim. A great family, true Son's of Ignatius. AMDG Tom Ginella

Pat

September 24, 2014

You have my deepest sympathy. May the God of loyal love comfort the family during your time of sorrow. Psalm 119:76

Andrew Mutzabaugh

September 24, 2014

Walter lived life to it's fullest, and made a difference to so many. I am honored to have known him. May God's light shine upon you, Sir.

Blanca Enriquez

September 24, 2014

Walter J. Conn was more than a Chairman and CEO, he was a friend to all, and treated everyone with the same love and respect. There was a beautiful sense of closeness and comfort when speaking with him. He will be greatly missed by so many. May he rest in eternal peace.

Tom and Diane Joyce

September 24, 2014

Walter was a great and glorious guy rich in Wit, Wisdom and Knowledge. His brothers shared the same qualities and will be missed.
May he rest in peace and Perpetual light shine upon him and the generous life he led.
Our sincere condolences to his many friends and extensive family. We will pray for the repose of his soul.

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