Captain Jan B. Conover

Captain Jan B. Conover

AGE: 73 • Toms River

Jan B. Conover - United Airlines Captain

When thinking about the life of Captain Jan B. Conover, it was not a question of "What he did in his life," it was a question of "What didn't he do?" He was a man who did so many things, and was so many things. It was hard to keep track of them all. Jan, 73, of Toms River New Jersey, passed away in his home on February 9, 2014.

Anyone who knew Jan understood that he was a man of many talents. Yet even with all of the skills he had he was the most humble of human beings. He was sweet and gregarious. He lived his life with gusto.

He was first and foremost a husband, father, grandfather and brother. Jan was also a pilot. He started flying as a teen, even giving up his senior trip to take his check - ride for his private license. His devotion paid off. He worked for United Airlines for over 34 years until his retirement. Anyone who flew on his planes knew they were in good hands. He flew many routes all over the world, finishing his career flying from New York to Japan on the eve of the New Year ,2000. It is fitting that the century turned over the night Jan retired from flying. United Airlines would never be the same.

Prior to his flying days, he worked as a math teacher, a construction worker and he was close to playing semi-professional football in New Jersey.

Jan was a proud member of numerous clubs and professional groups including the Quiet Birdmen, EAA-Experimental Aircraft Assoc., ALPA-Airline Pilots Assoc., RUPA Retired United Pilots Assoc., AOPA-Airline Owners & Pilots Assoc., the Jersey Shore Ultra Lites, Past President of the Pineland Antique Engine Assoc., the Tuckahoe Steam & Gas Engine Assoc., Antique Truck Club of America, American Truck Historical Society, and was a saxophone player in the former Ocean County String Band.

Jan B. Conover is survived by his beloved wife Patty (Dignazio) Conover, his children Tracy Conover of Austin Texas, Jan E. Conover and his wife Michelle of Bernardsville, NJ and his only beloved grandchild, Summer Rose. He will be deeply missed by his younger brother Kevin of Farmingdale.

Jan was predeceased by his brother Larry Conover.

Jan also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

The family will receive friends Wednesday 3-7pm at the Timothy E. Ryan Home for Funerals, 995 Fischer Blvd., Toms River. A funeral service will be offered Thursday 10:30am at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Boys Town, 14100 Crawford Street , Boys Town, NE 68010 or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.ryanfuneralhome.com.