Phillip R Conrad

On Wednesday, February 12, at 11:00 p.m., Phillip Ray Conrad, a devoted father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully in his sleep at the El Rio Memory Care Facility in Modesto. Phil was 91 years old.
Phil was born on December 20, 1933 in Tulare, California, to Lawrence (Pete) and Florence Rickards Conrad. After graduating from Lodi High School, and a tour of duty with the U.S. Army in Germany, Phil went on to earn an Associate of Arts degree from Humphreys College. After graduating, Phillip spent over 45 years working as a road and highway inspector for Caltrans where he was well known for his uncompromising commitment to safe construction and engineering standards.
Phil married Iva Bader of Lodi in 1956. Together they raised three children: Daniel, Diane, and David. Phil and Iva lived in Merced, Gustine, and Escalon for a time before separating in 1979. On November 19, 1986, Phil married the love of his life, Mary Marcella Nesbit. Phil and Mary lived in Modesto for 28 years until Mary passed unexpectedly in May of 2015.
Phillip was the pillar of our family, attending all milestone events and always helping when he could. Besides family, he loved drinking beer, smoking cigars, playing golf, driving fast cars, sitting in on a good poker game, and skydiving. He sidelined as a roofing contractor and literally put a roof over some of our heads.
Phil is survived by his three children Daniel, Diane, and Dave; six grandchildren Ryan Conrad, Eric Conrad, Paul Conrad, Mark Conrad, Jaime Mercer, Brain Lowe; and six great grandchildren, Joshua Conrad, Hadley Conrad, Lexi Conrad, Tyler Mercer, Lauren Mercer, and Emily Mercer. He was preceded in death by his parents, Pete and Florence; one brother Dennis; and spouses Iva and his beloved Mary.
Phil will be interned privately at the San Joaquin National Veteran's Cemetery in Santa Nella. A celebration of his life will be held on Sunday, March 16, 2025, from 2 to 6 p.m. in the President's Room at the "The Park" Residential Community located at 2832 Health Care Way in Modesto. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Modesto Chapter of the Good Samaritan Food Bank in Phil's memory.
Phil will be sorely missed by all who knew him. His legacy of hard work, love, and friendship will source many remembrances and will live on in our hearts forever.
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