This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.

Robert Paul Conroy of Essex died peacefully on Dec. 16 at Middlesex Hospital in Middletown, surrounded by family following a brief illness. Robert was born July 28, 1950, to Thomas and Ingeborg (Wischowski) Conroy in Ridgefield. He was a 1970 graduate of Ridgefield High School. In 1979 he married Barbara (Kearton) Conroy. He worked as a construction project manager for many years before joining the Department of Homeland Security, for which he traveled the country as a logistics coordinator providing supplies following natural disasters.

A self-proclaimed beach bum, Bob always enjoyed the beach. He took pride in his lobster boat the Irish Mist and spent many weekends lobstering in Long Island Sound. He loved working for FEMA, where he and Barbara spent months in Louisiana during the relief efforts following Hurricane Katrina. Bob also spent many happy years with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, serving in the New Bedford, Massachusetts Flotilla, which fostered many dear friendships over the years. In retirement, Bob enjoyed time with his brother Tom, his two daughters, and his grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his loving wife Barbara. He is survived by his children Lauren Holt and her husband Jason of Acton, Massachusetts, and Carolyn Nye and her husband Jesse of Essex and his brothers Michael and Thomas Conroy. He leaves his loving grandchildren Cora and Brooke Holt and Alanna and Dylan Nye and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 22, at the Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home, 34 Main Street in Centerbrook, followed by a Celebration of Life Service in the funeral home chapel. To share a memory of Robert or send a condolence to his family, please visit www.rwwfh.com.