Carl Conley

Carl Conley, 92, passed away Wednesday, July 22, 2015, peacefully in the care of the loving staff of the Willow Unit at the Capital Living Nursing Home in Schenectady, NY. He was born on July 31, 1922 in Schenectady, and was a longtime resident of Rotterdam. Carl was the beloved husband of Dorcas Conley, who passed away on October 20, 2014, also in the care of the loving staff of the Willow Unit. Carl is survived by his daughter, Deborah; son-in-law, Jeffrey Flora (who could never seem to mow Carl's lawn just the way he wanted it!) of Schenectady; grandson, Dan Flora of Miami, Florida; loving granddog, Travis; and very special extended family, Cara Palleschi, Steve and Parker Lanchanski, Connie DiLallo, Melissa Palleschi, Tanner and Peter Duguid. He is also survived by a sister, Diane Hill; as well as several nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind terrific neighbors and great friends, the Armstrong family at Whispering Pines Golf Course. Carl loved to "shoot the breeze" and they gave him many hours of happiness. Carl was very proud of his service as a United States Marine, serving during World War II, where he received a special citation for participating in the invasion and capture of Saipan, Marianas Islands. He served proudly for over a decade as a Schenectady County Deputy Sherriff, working tirelessly in the commissary at the Schenectady County Jail. Carl was employed for many years as the groundkeeper at Mohonasen School District, where he was well known for patrolling the grounds in the Army surplus jeep, and then later years of semi-retirement as a bus driver. Carl was an avid supporter of Mohonasen sports, but was particularly proud of maintaining pristine turf on the football field – as football and the NY Giants were his greatest passion. He spent many hours spent during the summer months moving the water tubing around to keep every inch on the field perfect. He stood on the sidelines of countless Mohonasen football games, cheering the team on and complaining about the referees and giving coaches "the business"; particularly his good buddy Coach Pete Palleschi. Carl was very supportive of youth involvement in sports, and always said it would help them to "keep their nose clean". He was involved in Pop Warner football for many years, and took great pride in the coaching of hard work, values and respect that served as a foundation for the program. He was proud to see the progression of those children into fine young citizens. Hence, to support the Pop Warner program that he cared so deeply about, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Schenectady/Belmont Pop Warner, 183 Droms Road, Schenectady, NY 12302. The family wishes to acknowledge the many wonderful experiences that Carl enjoyed during his stay at the Willow Unit of Capital Living Nursing Home. Thanks to the incredible support of the entire staff, the last months of his life were greatly enriched; providing him countless joys and allowing him to enjoy life with dignity. Friends and relatives are invited to the Demarco-Stone Funeral Home, 1605 Helderberg Ave. on Friday, August 14 at 10:30 a.m. for a brief service. Interment will follow at 1 p.m. at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville, NY. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at demarcostonefuneralhome.com.