Obituary of William R. Conjura

Our beloved family patriarch, William Robert Conjura, entered into Heaven on Thursday, August 23, 2018, with his family at his side. He was joyfully reunited with his wife of 59 years, Nancy "Gigi" (De Palma) Conjura, who predeceased him on May 16, 2010. Grandpa or "Poppi", as he liked to be called, was also predeceased by his parents: Martin John Conjura and Louise Matilda (Schmidt) Conjura of Spring Valley, NY, his brothers: Martin, Walter "Pat", Albert "Bud; sisters: Evelyn Luscher, Helen Krainak, Caryl Garulli; sisters-in -law, Vivienne Conjura and Janet Conjura; and brother-in law, Bill Luscher. He is survived by brothers: John Conjura and Edmund P. Conjura, Sr. (Ingrid), and brothers-in-law, Adam Krainak and John "Jack" Garulli. He is survived by his sons: Martin "Tim" (Joan), Thomas "Tom" (Patty) and daughter, Nancy Colgan (Jeff); his grandchildren: William Conjura (Staci), Maria Reininger (Urban), Thomas Conjura (Kylie), Thomas Conjura, Jr., (Stephanie), Michael Conjura (Cindy), Tim and Kyle Colgan. He is further survived by his twelve great-grandchildren: Matthew, Tyler, Jonathan, and William Conjura, Natalie and Katie Reininger, Emma, Dylan, Michael, Nina and Cali Conjura, as well as one on the way! In addition, "Uncle Bill" is survived by many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Bill grew up in the rural, (then) small town of Spring Valley, New York. He was the seventh of nine children, born at home, and brought up during the Great Depression. Living during that time shaped who he was: hard working, frugal, but yet loving and generous to a fault. While in high school, he played football, basketball and his favorite sport, baseball. He was even offered a college baseball scholarship after high school. Grandpa loved the NY Yankees, his favorite player was Mickey Mantle. He always had something to say about the games. Bill coached his sons' baseball team in the Spring Valley Recreation Association. After he retired, he was an assistant varsity baseball coach at Tri-Valley School, coaching his grandson, Tom, in his senior year. The kids all called him "Grandpa". More than once he said to one of the kids, "If I can run this fast...you can too! " He also helped to coach his son, Tim's, senior league team. Bill worked hard his entire life. He helped out on a milk route, worked at a farm, even as a young boy. He worked three jobs to support his young family after he was married. Grandpa worked for Orange and Rockland Utilities in Spring Valley, Monroe or Middletown, NY for forty years. He started as a laborer and worked his way up to certified welder in the gas department, and then foreman. Bill was a supervisor in the Underground Department, and retired in the position of General Line Supervisor. He was a parishioner at Immaculate Conception Church in Woodbourne, NY. Bill belonged to the Knights of Columbus, as well as being a charter member of the Tri-Valley Lions Club in Grahamsville. He was an Honorary Life Director of the Neversink Agricultural Society, after many years as a director. Bill served as President of the Fair Association for many years. His wife, Nancy, was the secretary of the Fair during his tenure there, and they made quite a team! The grandchildren still talk about hanging out in the secretary's booth with Grandma, especially during a sudden downpour. Grandpa belonged to the Sullivan County Cooperative Extension for many years. He also was a tremendous supporter of the FFA Alumni Association and was a lifetime member. Bill always enjoyed working outside on his property. He was the creator of many rock walls lining the driveways and houses on "The Conjura Compound". People marvel at the quality of the craftsmanship he showed when he built the walls. He also loved to grow things and had a large vegetable garden, as well as many flowering plants and shrubs. "Green Thumb" is a term that surely fit him to a "T". Poppi was a role model for all of the family and many others. He showed by example the way to do anything, from building a house to caring for children. He could do any type of construction, electric or plumbing work. Grandpa was also a great cook. His meatballs were the best around! He taught his children, who later taught their children how to do all of these things. Nothing made him happier than to be around his family. He loved seeing all the kids, grandkids and great grandchildren. Bill took special delight in the little ones... and could quiet a cranky baby when the parents could not. Grandpa really had the knack! He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. Special thanks to Dr. Dinsmore, Dr. Subbiah, and their caring nurses at Crystal Run Healthcare, the nurses and doctors at Orange Regional Medical Center, and Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Counties, as well as Dr. Sidorowicz. Visitation will be held on Monday, August 27, 2018 from 2-4pm and 7-9pm at Colonial Memorial Funeral Home, 396 State Route 52 Woodbourne, NY. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, August 28th at 11am at The Church of the Immaculate Conception in Woodbourne, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Hospice of Orange and Sullivan, Inc. 800 Stony Brook Court, Newburgh, NY 12550 or Catholic Charities Development Office 27 Matthews Street, Goshen, NY, 10924. Arrangements under the care of Colonial Memorial Funeral Home. For more information call 845-434-7363 or visit colonialbryantfuneralhome.com