Guy John Conversano

Guy John Conversano May 3, 1924 December 22, 2014 Guy John Conversano, 90, passed away peacefully in his home in Willow Creek, CA after suffering a stroke in late August of this year. A man of integrity, loving kindness and generosity, he will be missed by all. Guy was born in Jersey City, New Jersey on May 3, 1924 to Angelina and John Conversano. He was the second of 4 children, and spent his childhood in West Orange, New Jersey. On January 6, 1942 in the days of World War II, Guy entered into active duty in the United States Navy. After four years of service, he took night classes to complete his high school education. He then was accepted into the New York Maritime Academy, earning a bachelor's degree in marine science. He was recalled to active duty as an Ensign USNR and served 2 years in the West Pacific aboard the USS Walke. During his duties, the ship was "moth balled": docked for repairs at Mare Island. During that time Guy met the love of his life Pauline Zuchowski. They married January 6, 1951. Soon after, he was back at sea off the coast of Korea. The ship was struck by a floating mine. Many lost their lives and were wounded. Gratefully Guy was a survivor. His last year of combat duty ended July of 1953. He remained in the US Naval Reserve in command of the US Naval Reserve Electronics facility in Eureka, CA. and retired as Commander USNR with 25 years of service. After being discharged from the Navy the second time in 1952, Guy worked as a merchant marine, working on a cargo ship in New York. After he married his wife Pauline in Oceanside, CA he worked as a civil engineer in New Jersey. Eventually, the young couple wanted to get back to the West Coast, so they packed the two children in the car and came to Eureka. He started working for the Division of Highways (now Caltrans), and three more children followed. He also managed to find time to earn a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from Humboldt State University while raising and supporting his family. After working for the City of Arcata as the Director of Public Works, he and a partner went into business for themselves calling it LACO Associates in Eureka. After selling his share of the firm in '96 he opened a firm with a partner in Willow Creek called Trinity Valley Consulting Engineers. He then sold that business in 2001 and remained semi-retired. After raising their five children, Guy and Pauline moved to Willow Creek and lived in a beautiful home which he designed and built himself. At age 90, he was still dabbling in engineering when he wasn't on the golf course or doing yard work at his home. He was on the board for the Willow Creek Museum and Xontah Builders (modular plant) in Hoopa. Guy served as commander of the local VFW post in the past and remained faithful with his service until August. Guy was very active in his Catholic faith; his life was a living example. A man full of life, "never met a stranger". He loved being social and traveled whenever and wherever he could. He loved being active, whether walking to town or a new project in the making Guy loved and cherished his family and will be greatly missed by his children Carol Haffner and husband Dennis, Guy Allen Conversano and wife Becca, Donna Troyer, Sandra Vance and husband Jim, Lisa Denny, his 11 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, and cousins, and his sisters Flora De Stefano, and Rita Lupine of Roseland, New Jersey. He was preceded in death by his loving wife Pauline, his parents Angelina and John Conversano, his brother Ernest Conversano, and granddaughter Sarah Conversano. A graveside memorial service will be held January 3rd at 1:00 pm at the VFW Cemetery in Willow Creek. A reception in honor of Guy will be held following the service at 2:00 pm at the VFW hall in Willow Creek. Anyone wishing to send flowers for the service is invited to have them delivered to Sanders Funeral Home, at 1835 E Street, Eureka by Friday Jan. 2nd before 5:00 pm. A memorial has been set up in honor of Guy; contributions may be made in his name and sent to VFW Post, P.O. box 243, Willow Creek, CA. 95573. Please sign the guestbook at www.times-standard.com and click on obits.