James J. Conroy, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, father-in-law, uncle and friend, passed away on June 9, 2024 in West Islip, New York. He was born on February 16, 1940 to Nellie V. and James H. Conroy, deceased. He is survived by his wife, Patricia - to whom he was married for 63 years; his daughter, Jeanine Viglucci and her husband Joseph; his son, James Conroy and his wife Zoe; his four grandsons - Joseph (23), Michael (21), James (20) and Robbie (17).
James was born in NYC, but was raised most of his life in Astoria, Queens. His family moved to Brentwood, New York in 1955 where James started high school. James was on the first of Brentwood’s basketball, football and wrestling teams throughout his tenure. He was the first King of the Senior Prom at Brentwood and he graduated in 1957. Upon graduation, at the age of 17, he enlisted in the US Navy - Submarines. He was honorably discharged in 1959 when his father was suddenly killed in a car crash.
James volunteered as a fireman for Vanguard in the West Islip Fire Department from the early 1960’s to the late 1970’s. He was also President of the Corporation of the West Islip Department.
He met his wife, Patricia, and they married October 7, 1961 - soon thereafter their son James was born in 1962 and then their daughter Jeanine in 1964. James was Patricia’s one and only great love.
James became a member of the Local 580 Ornamental Ironworker’s Union and during his time there, he also became a Union Teacher of apprentices.
He was very involved with his two children and his four grandsons all of whom brought him his greatest joy. He adored his daughter-in-law, Zoe, and his son-in-law, Joseph, and he was thrilled that James and Jeanine made marriage choices they made. James was loved by everyone - he was a loyal, kind, loving gentleman and Superman right to the very end. He fought a hard fight, but lost the battle.
He will be wholly missed and although gone in body, he will always be in our hearts. We have been blessed to have had him in our lives.
Viewing - Thursday, June 13, 2024 - 2:00 - 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00;
Funeral Mass - Friday, June 14, 2024 - Our Lady of Lourdes, Hunter Avenue, West Islip, 10:30 a.m. - Procession to follow to St. Charles Cemetery in East Farmingdale.
In lieu of flowers, James wanted donations to be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
