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We have lost another hero of the Greatest Generation. Donald J. Conley, 97, passed away peacefully, Oct. 31, 2020 at Mount Nittany Medical Center, after a brief illness.
Born Sept. 10, 1923, in Johnson City, New York, Donald was the son of Joseph Conley and Etta Warner. He married the former Jean Ayres, June 7, 1947. Jeannie, as he affectionately called her, preceded him in death after 66 years of marriage in 2013.
On Nov. 13, 1942, Donald enlisted in the U.S. Navy serving in both the Armed Guard and Seabees. He was discharged on Feb. 6, 1946. Serving as a gunner on various Liberty merchant ships, he made many harrowing trips across the Atlantic and into the Mediterranean protecting his ship ferrying supplies to our troops. When asked about his service, Donald would simply say, "I did the best I could."
Later using his G.I. benefits, he trained as a machinist, an occupation he followed until his retirement.
In 1970, Don and Jeannie reshaped their lives, moving from Pennsylvania to Colorado, a state they came to dearly love. They spent many years there camping, hiking, making new friends, traveling, and pursuing a newfound love, dancing the polka. Donald also continued to devote himself to his passion, hunting, now climbing the Colorado mountains always looking for that ever elusive elk or moose or any other quarry.
Donald is survived by his daughters, Katherine Taylor, Lynette (Richard) Gorell, and Linda (Vincent) Aliberti. Also surviving are several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, along with several nieces and their families.
One daughter, Paulette Brodsky, preceded him in death.
Funeral arrangements will be private at the convenience of the family. Burial will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.
The family suggests in lieu of sending flowers, please consider thanking a Veteran for his or service.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Moriarty Funeral Home & Crematory, 112 E. Church St., Lock Haven, Pa. 17745.
Online condolences may be given by visiting www.moriartyfuneral.com