MICHAEL J. CONLEY

MICHAEL J. CONLEY, age 85, beloved husband of 66 years to Roseann (nee Barnard); loving father of Teri Conley, Susi Rubendall (Richard), Michael W. (LuAnne) and Patti Conley; proud grandpa of Shannon, Holly (deceased), Ryan, AmyRose, Colton, Miranda, Logan, Max and Bailey; great-grandpa of 7.5; son of the late Mabel (nee Stevens) and Thomas Conley of Marietta, OH; brother of David (Mary) and the late Thomas "Junior" Conley; uncle, great-uncle, cousin and dear friend of many.  Mike was the retired Building Chairman CCP Local 1250 for Ford Motor Co. in Brook Park and was the longtime proprietor of the Englebrook Tavern and Darby O'Toole's in North Olmsted.  Passed away June 19, 2020.  Mass of Christian Burial Tuesday, June 23, St. Ignatius of Antioch Church (10206 Lorain Ave., Cleveland 44111) at 10:30 A.M. (WHERE SOCIAL DISTANCING WILL BE OBSERVED AND FACEMASKS ENCOURAGED).  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Alzheimer's Association, 23215 Commerce Park, Ste. 300, Beachwood, OH  44122 or your favorite charity.  Arrangements by CHAMBERS FUNERAL HOME of CLEVELAND (216) 251-6566.

Michael J. Conley

Mike was proud of his family, their children, his wife and his Irish heritage. For a number of years, Mike marched proudly down the avenue on St. Patrick’s Day carrying the American Flag for the West Side Irish-American Club. His father came to America early 1930’s from the Village of Knock, County Galway, Ireland. settling in Marietta, Ohio. Mike was quick to tell everyone about Marietta’s rich history and how he lost his younger brother, Junior, to drowning in the Ohio River.

In 1955 he came to Cleveland to work at Ford Motor Co. in Brook Park. Although he never graduated high school, he set a firm example for his children that one could still move up the ladder and be an important part of an organization. As a member of UAW, Local 1250, he was the Building Chairman of Cleveland Casting Plant and for many years held an office in Local 1250, serving on the bargaining committee. Mike was instrumental in helping Irish immigrants secure jobs at Ford.

He loved playing handball at the YMCA on Franklin Avenue. He regularly jogged in the Metro Parks near home.

He retired at the old age of 46 from Ford. The next day he discovered golf. It took over for handball and jogging. Father Garrity was a favorite golf partner. Sunday morning there was Bob-O-Links in Avon, The Wednesday Wackers (the traveling league) covered much of Ohio and Ireland. In his more recent years, he was a ranger and a starter at Royal Crest in Columbia Station. He enjoyed a friendship with Jim Brown at Royal Crest. His kids, grandkids and great grandkids have had the joy of golf with Grandpa Mick. He would be so proud to know one grandson is carrying on the Wednesday Wacker tradition.

His marriage to Rose took him from Marietta to Cleveland. They were blessed with a good life. When the children were on their own, they traveled. Mike made and kept friendships across the country as well as across the pond.

After his retirement from Ford he became co-owner of The Englebrook in Brook Park and Darby O’Tooles in North Olmsted. His congeniality was perfect for the job.