David James Conroy

David James Conroy Asheville, NC ~ David James Conroy died on Friday, October 26, 2007 at age 89 after a long illness. Born in Blue Island, Illinois in 1918, he was the son of William E. and Ruth King Conroy. In Dave’s early years the family moved across the country following the projects of his father’s career as an engineer. After many years they chose to reside in Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania. He attended Harvard College, graduating in 1939, and immediately went to Harvard Law School. World War II interrupted his law school studies and he enlisted in the U.S. Naval Air Corps in 1941. As a pilot he was assigned duty in the Aleutian Islands. In 1943 Dave was transferred to a squadron that flew torpedo bombers from escort carriers, serving aboard the U.S.S. Makin Island in the Central Pacific. As he flew over the island of Iwo Jima he witnessed the U.S. flag behind planted on Mount Surabachi and immediately broke radio silence, notifying the photographer who then took the famous picture. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and three Air Medals. Toward the end of his military service Dave met Lois “Dode” Hepner of Scranton, Pennsylvania. The couple married in 1946. After resuming law school and being admitted to the bar in 1947, he conducted a private practice. In 1961 he became secretary and general counsel for the International Salt Company of Clarks Summit, PA. In 1970 the company joined with American Enka, later part of Akzo-Nobel, of Asheville. The family moved to Asheville where Dave took the position of corporate secretary. He retired in 1983. During his years in Asheville he enjoyed being involved in professional and community affairs. Dave was a member of the North Carolina, Pennsylvania and American Bar Associations. He served as director of The Chamber of Commerce, The Asheville Symphony, The Asheville Art Museum, Asheville Country Day School, and The Health Adventure. He was Campaign Director of the United Way and Board Chair in 1979. He enjoyed being on the Board of Directors of Memorial Mission Hospital for 12 years and was its President in 1980-81. He was also a director of the Memorial Mission Foundation and the Community Care Partners Foundation. He was an appointed member of Buncombe County’s Reorganization Commission and a member of the North Carolina Board of Nursing. Dave was known to family and friends as being energetic and personable. He always had an engaging smile, a twinkle in his eye, a story to tell, and a dollar to bet on the next Harvard football game. He loved history and was an avid reader of books, especially about Queen Elizabeth. Some of Dave’s happiest times were traveling with his wife and family, driving the pontoon boat at Lake Tahoma, golfing, and taking long rides through the countryside. Surviving him are his wife of 61 years, Lois “Dode” Conroy; three daughters, Susan Williams and her husband Tim of Pittsburgh, PA; Pamela Breslin and her husband, Andy of Lenox, MA; Christine Farnam and her husband, Neil of Asheville; a son, Peter Conroy and his wife Roxana of Jacksonville, AL; nine grandchildren and three great-grandsons. Also surviving is his sister Margaret Capeci of Brooklyn, NY. A memorial service will be held at 5:00 PM, Sunday, October 28 at Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian. The family will receive friends immediately following the service at the funeral home. Memorial gifts may be made to The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 6931 Arlington Road, Bethesda, Maryland 20814 or to Care Partners Adult Day Services, 68-A Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville, NC 28803.