Edward Joseph Conrad

CONRAD Edward Joseph, M.D. Edward Joseph Conrad, M.D., was a Family Practitioner for 51 years, Deputy Coroner and a Captain in the United States Army. He died at age 80 on Sunday, May 25, 2008, after a long illness. He was born March 21, 1928, in Sheffield Village Ohio to Edith and John Conrad. He graduated from Brookside High School in Lorain Ohio in 1946, Ohio University in 1950 and The Ohio State Medical School in 1954. Dr. Conrad is survived by his wife of 53 years, Suzanne Malloy Conrad; their children, James (Martha Baither) of Nashville, TN., Douglas (Angela Wang) of San Diego, CA, Cathleen (Bill Opperman) of Pickerington, OH, David of Roseboro, NC, and Jennifer (Brian Swope) of Westerville, OH; son-in-law, Thomas Gabelman of Cincinnati OH; grandchildren, Andrew, Matthew and Elizabeth Conrad, Kevin, Megan and Ryan Gabelman, Benjamin and Anthony Opperman and Madeleine and Emma Conrad and siblings, Dorothy Deidrick, Mary Jane Malik, Clarence (Nancy) Conrad and sister-in-law, Betty Conrad. He was preceded in death by daughter, Carol Conrad Gabelman (2002); son, Michael Edward Conrad (2003); parents, John and Edith Conrad and siblings, Lawrence, Gerald and Beatrice. Edward was reared on a farm in Grafton, Ohio and through the encouragement of his mother, he went to college to become an engineer. While studying the sciences, the possibility of becoming a doctor evolved. A member of Phi Kappa Fraternity at Ohio University, he graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree. While at The Ohio State University for medical school, he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa scholastic honorary society and Alpha Omega Alpha medical honorary. During his Internship at St. Vincent's Hospital in Toledo, Ohio he met and then later married Suzanne Malloy, the "Love of his Life." He served 2 years in the United States Army returning home in 1958. Then Dr. Conrad set up his medical practice on the eastside of Toledo. Dr. Edward Conrad was a long time member of the Academy of Medicine, as well as an active member of the Medical Staff at both St. Charles Hospital and St. Vincent's Hospital. During his career in Family Medicine, he delivered over one thousand babies and practiced traditional healthcare by making house calls. While trying to explain the rewards of being a doctor he said, "the appreciation showed by patients constantly gives a doctor a spiritual satisfaction..." He further attributed his success in medicine to being a good listener. "It helped immensely with the healing process." Retiring only 2 years ago, his most recent practice was as a Preceptor training new physicians. He was admired by his students and colleagues alike for his deliberate thought processes and insight. A past student interviewed him regarding his life and career and summarized him with "He is an ordinary man with an extraordinary determination and discipline." Though he was passionate about his work, when asked a few years ago about his greatest accomplishments in life, he did not hesitate with "marrying Suzanne and raising our seven children." The Conrad's reared their children in Gesu Parish and through St. Francis de Sales High School, St. Ursula and Notre Dame Academies. With seven grandchildren in college this year, a sure way to get him smiling was to talk about their activities. Ed Conrad loved to fish, travel and talk OSU football. Family vacations with plenty of card games like Bridge and Pinochle were favorites keeping all generations at the table. He also treasured the moments of laughter spent with life long friends playing Bridge and meeting monthly for the Lobster Dinners. Often referred to by his wife as "Steady Eddie," the legacy he passed to his children and grandchildren is one of valuing family whether that was working long hours to educate children or enjoying the closeness and laughter with the children he loved. Visitation will be at Walker Funeral Home, 5155 Sylvania Ave., on Wednesday, May 28, from 2-8 p.m. with Scripture service at 7:45 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Gesu Catholic Church, 2049 Parkside Blvd., on Thursday, May 29, 2008, at 1:30 p.m. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that gifts be in the form of contributions to either the Conrad Family Scholarship at St Francis de Sales High School or the Carol Conrad Gabelman Scholarship at Notre Dame Academy. Online condolences may be shared at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com