Francis P. "Frank" Conroy, Sr.

Francis P. "Frank" Conroy, Sr  89, of Springfield, PA, passed away peacefully on May 6, 2023, surrounded by his loving family.

Frank was the son of the late Edward and Margaret (Saunders) Conroy of Philadelphia, PA. He was a 1951 graduate of St. Thomas More High School and in 1993 received his Associate's Degree from Delaware County Community College.  After high school, he served two years in the United States Army and was prepared for deployment to Korea just as the conflict came to an end.  Prior to his retirement, he worked full time as as a carpet installer, Carpenters Floor Layers, Local 1823 for 20 years.  After that, he worked at E.I. DuPont in Wilmington, Delaware as a carpet installer for 18 years.

In the early years, while working during the day for Local 1823, he took a side job at the Philadelphia Airport where he worked the evening shift as a ramp agent for Eastern Airlines. In his later years he always had "side jobs" on Saturdays installing carpet in private homes.  There was never a shortage of work and he never missed an opportunity to earn another paycheck for his family. 

He was a founding member of St. Kevin Church for over 60 years.  He was a dedicated member of the Knights of Columbus, Our Lady of Lourdes Council 4500, serving many officer positions including Grand Knight.  Most years he worked diligently as the chairmen of their largest fundraiser, Chance of a Lifetime (COAL), known as the COAL Sweepstakes.  He would sell tickets to anyone and gave "a book of chances" to his family to sell to their friends.   He could often be heard saying, "Do you want to buy a book of chances.  If you pay for five, you get one free!"

Working at the Philadelphia Airport increased his interest in planes.  So much so that in the early 1970's he became a licensed pilot.  While he did not maintain his license for long due to family obligations, he never stopped looking up in the sky in amazement at any plane in flight.   

Frank enjoyed spending time with his family, most especially the love of his life, his high school sweetheart, Eleanor.  They had four children who they traveled the roadways of America with on many exciting camping trips.  Trips to Colorado Springs, Virginia Beach and Orlando to name a few.  Later in life, continuing his love for travel, he and Eleanor would visit beautiful destinations such as Greece, Germany, Ireland, Italy, and Hawaii.   Their 67 years of marriage was well spent indeed!

He also loved the shores of South Jersey.  Every day that was free of clouds was called, "a beach day".  Spending a day at the beach was treasured when it included his favorite sister Joan, and her husband John.  Then made better still with the arrival of grandchildren bouncing in the sand and frolicking by the shoreline.  He loved to read, especially the Philadelphia Daily News and the Sunday Bulletin, now called the Sunday Inquirer.  He was an avid fan of all Philadelphia sports teams, and especially enjoyed watching the Philadelphia 76'ers.

Beloved husband of Eleanor M. (Rafferty); Loving father of El Conroy, Christopher (Mary Lou Dressman) Conroy, Karen (Dan) Hegarty and the late Frank Conroy Jr.; Also survived by his loving daughter-in-law Jeanne O'Hara Conroy. Cherished Grandfather of Judi, Sarah, Dana, Kevin, Frank, Tiffany, Dave, Jeff, Adam, Mary Jane, and the late Michael. Great-grandfather to 24. He is survived by his cherished sister, Joan Patrignani and by many nephews and nieces.

Relatives and friends are invited to his Viewing Friday, May 12, 2023 9:30am St. Kevin Church, 200 W Sproul Rd. Springfield, PA 19064, and to his Funeral Mass, 11:00am in the Church. Int. SS. Peter & Paul Cemetery. Contributions in his honor can be made to St. Kevin Church, 200 West Sproul Road, Springfield, PA  19064.

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