Robert L. Conroy

Robert L. Conroy, 86, of Worcester, passed into eternal life on Monday, May 16th, 2011 after a singularly courageous battle with Alzheimer's Disease. A lifelong resident of Worcester, he was the beloved husband of Joan (Sullivan) Conroy of Worcester for 57 years. He was the dear father of Christine Muth (Richard) of Alexandria, VA, Robert L. Conroy, Jr., of Worcester, Joan Habib (Mehrdad) of Norfolk, MA, Nancy Conroy of Worcester, and Neil Conroy (Denise) of Medfield, MA. Loving grandfather of Emily and Laura Muth, Kian, Cameron, and Sarina Habib, and Sean, Matthew, and Zachary Conroy.

He was born in Worcester, MA, the son of the late Veronica McGuinness of Worcester and brother of the late Rita Spencer, formerly of Charlotte, NC. He was a member of America's "greatest generation" and served his country honorably in the U.S. Navy as an air traffic controller at Hickam Air Field, Hawaii, during World War II. He served the City of Worcester for over 40 years, having worked with the Worcester Parks Department, Fire Department, and the Worcester Police Department, retiring as Deputy Chief in 1990. While with the Police Department, he was instrumental in setting up the Model Cities and Crime Prevention Programs. In retirement, he was an instructor in criminal justice at Quinsigamond Community College and enjoyed playing tennis and golf. He was a graduate of Clark University with Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Criminal Justice in 1978 and 1982, respectively. Bob was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather and a man of high integrity and moral character. He believed strongly in higher education, perseverance and always making the most of one's opportunities. He enjoyed a healthy lifestyle and was running and exercising late into his retirement years. He was a fan of all the New England Sports teams and most of all, the New England Patriots. His family was of paramount importance to him; he loved and found contentment at all family gatherings and events. He enjoyed music, taking the "long walk," and the "short walk."

In later years, he could often be seen in the company of his devoted son, Robert Jr, running errands, visiting the cottage in Maine, hitting a bucket of balls at the driving range, or eating in his favorite restaurant along with his dear wife and loving daughter, Nancy. Words are inadequate to convey how much he will be missed, but he will be remembered always for the life lessons he taught whether to his family or those who were lucky enough to know him in his law enforcement and teaching years. He was a member of the Massachusetts Police Association, the Worcester County Retired Police and Firefighters Association, and the Clark University Alumni.

The family would like to thank Dr. Mark Schrank and Dr. Gary Kielson for their excellent care and support over the years. As well, we would like to thank Anne Durand and Phil Wood of Affinity Hospice for making him as comfortable as possible.

The funeral is Saturday, May 21st from O'CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue, with a Mass at 10:00 A.M. in Christ the King Church, 1052 Pleasant Street. Burial will be in St. John's Cemetery. Calling hours are from 5:00 until 8:00 P.M. Friday, May 20th in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 311 Arsenal Street, Watertown, MA 02472.

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