Conrad Bielewicz

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Conrad Carl Bielewicz, 75, of Dalton, New York. He passed away peacefully in his home on February 28, 2024.

Conrad is survived by his wife, Diane Bielewicz; daughters, Jennifer Bielewicz, and Julie Bielewicz; son-in-law, Adam Yarnes; and grandson, Emory Yarnes. He was preceded in death by his son, Joseph Bielewicz.

Conrad was born into a big polish family being the 3rd born son, 6th of 10 children altogether. He loved sharing stories of growing up with his beloved brothers and sisters. He is survived by 3 brothers (Dennis (Sherry), Bill, Roy (Sandra), 2 sisters (Adrienne (Bill), Sandra), cousins, many nephews and nieces, great nephews and great nieces, and great-great nephews and great-great nieces.

He always felt so lucky to have met the love of his life so early on in his life. He met Diane Rawleigh at a high school dance in 1966 where they would go on to date and be married in 1968. He would ship off to Vietnam soon after where he served his country in the Army. When he returned, Diane and he would make a homestead on Rattlesnake Hill in Dalton, NY where they hand built their home with the help of friends and raised their three treasured children.

To say that his family and friends will miss him greatly is an understatement. Conrad was a deeply beloved partner, father, uncle, cousin, brother, and friend. His passing was sudden and unexpected but quick, just like he always hoped it would be.

Conrad has been a rock to many, no matter what happened between you in your lives, once you were marked as important to him, he'd be by your side if you needed him. He was always up for a good time and hours of conversation. He was a master at sarcastic humor and witty timing, and you could always count on a magic trick or two at the dinner table. There was so much more to him than just dad, though to us that was his greatest role - he was also a brother, friend, a cousin, stand-in paternal figure to many, a lover of music and art, traveler and adventurer, the list goes on and on.

His greatest joys were his family and friends whom he loved spending time with. Conrad had a gift of making everyone feel like family. He constantly made it a point to check in on people and was always a source of wisdom and positivity.

Being a grandpa came naturally to Conrad. He trekked the 2,000 miles to the West Coast every year to spend time with his grandson, Emory. During their time together they would wrestle, have epic sword, or nerf gun battles, practice Conrad's legendary magic tricks, exchange stories and adventures, and fill the house with laughter. Emory will miss his grandpa's laugh the most. When Conrad was in New York, he looked forward to his time with his adopted family - the Bugmans. He loved cheering the kids on in their various sports and endeavors and could never pass up an invitation to a tea party or dress up session. They all brought him so much joy and happiness.

Conrad will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his smile and laugh that filled up the room, and his commitment to helping others. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

We invite you all to share pictures or memories. It was his wish that we would laugh, reminisce, and smile together during this time.

A Celebration of Life will be held in his honor with a date to be determined. In lieu of flowers and cards, the family requests donations and memories be shared to the DAV - https://www.dav.org/ways-to-give/ or Shriners Children's Hospitals https://lovetotherescue.org/how-you-can-help/ways-to-give