John L. Conroy

John L. “Jack” Conroy TROY - John L. “Jack” Conroy, 91, of Troy, loving and devoted husband of 71 years to Ann K. (Jacon) Conroy, passed into eternal rest on Sunday, March 1, at Community Hospice Inn at St. Peter’s Hospital, after a brief illness, embraced by his loving family. Jack, also known as “Red” in his youth, was the son of the late John and Helen “Nellie” (Donovan) Conroy. Jack was a lifelong resident of South Troy and a communicant of St. Joseph’s Church and Holy Trinity Church. For many years, he was a member of the Holy Name Society, Polish American Club, and the Polish Choir at Holy Trinity, even though he spoke only a few words of Polish. He was employed by Behr-Manning/Norton Co, located in Watervliet, retiring after 41 years, in 1982. Jack completed his primary schooling in Troy, attending St. Joseph’s elementary school, and LaSalle Institute, class of 1941. During WWII, he was an Aviation Ordnanceman First Class in the US Naval Air Corp, Bombing Squadron 127, marrying Ann while on leave in 1944, and Honorably Discharged in December, 1945. In 1946, Jack and Ann were blessed with a daughter, Patricia, whom they loved and doted on joyfully. Fourteen years later, they were pleasantly surprised with a son Jack, who put them in the child rearing business once again. In his early days, Jack would pick up some extra cash, working at the Country Club of Troy, as a caddy, and at Shaker Ridge, as a valet. He enjoyed playing baseball, as a pitcher with the old Troy Haymakers; playing golf with friends and family; and enjoying competitive games of basketball. In his later years, he continued to refine his golf game, while taking up the sport of bowling with the fun-loving and sometimes boisterous members of the Polish American Club bowling league. In general, Jack was a sports enthusiast, especially if the contest involved the Yankees, football Giants, or the ‘Fighting Irish’ of Notre Dame. He also had a keen interest in RPI baseball, especially when his grandson Sean was pitching. Jack is survived by his wife Ann; son Jack (Terry) Conroy of Clifton Park; grandchildren Michael English, Mark English, Laura (Mike) Foster, all of Rotterdam, Brian Conroy (Elizabeth Ives) of Colonie, Sean Conroy of Clifton Park; brother Martin Conroy of Waterford; and son-in-law Edward English of Rotterdam. Jack is also survived by countless sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, and god children; an eternal benefit of having a large and loving family. Jack was predeceased by his daughter Patricia English; sisters Mary (Edward) Butler, Ann (Joseph) Baron, and Emily Conroy; and his brothers Thomas (Catherine) Conroy, and Joseph Conroy, who died at the age of 7. He was also predeceased by most of his colleagues and fellow Naval Airman. Jack was a gentle, kind, and devoted man, whose loss will make the world a lot less beautiful for many of us. The funeral service for Jack will be held on Friday morning March 6 ,2015 at 8:45 am From the Wm. Leahy Funeral Home, 336 Third St., Troy and at 9:30 am from St. Joseph’s Church in Troy where a mass Christian burial will be celebrated by Rev. Pat Butle. Relatives and friends are invited to attend and may call at the funeral home Thursday from 4- 7 PM. Interment St Joseph’s Cemetery Troy A special thanks to staff at Sunnyview Rehabilitation Hospital, and at St. Peter’s Hospital for their caring and devoted service. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Community Hospice.