Paul L. Conley
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Paul L. Conley
Greece: Wednesday, December 1, 2021 at age 76. Predeceased by his parents, Paul and Mary Conley; siblings. Survived by his loving wife of 29 years, Ethel Conley; children, Paul R. Conley and Sakura Mitsonomi; sister, Jean Sanders; Aunt Flora Reynolds and Uncle James Reynolds; nieces, nephews; many loving family and dear friends.
Paul had a love of Jazz music and was a DJ for WGMC 90.1. He was a referee for basketball and baseball and enjoyed spending time with his family. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Paul’s visitation will be held Wednesday, December 8, 2021 4-7 PM at Vay-Schleich & Meeson 1075 Long Pond Road. His mass of Christian burial will be held Thursday, December 9th 10:00 AM at Corpus Christi Church 864 East Main Street. Entombment, Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Lipson Cancer Institute (www.rrhgive.org) in his memory. For more information and to sign his online guestbook, visit www.meesonfamily.com
I have many memories of Paul at work through the years. A strong supporter of our community outreach events, a collaborative colleague, and a truly good person. My condolences to the family that he adored and talked about with such pride. The world is a better place for having had Paul here with us…
Truly a sad thing. Paul was always such an upbeat person, who I was truly blessed to know and work with. My condolences to his family.
Paul Connolly was one of the first men who I came to know while breaking into sports officiating during the 1999-2000 season. He ran the clinic, and he attended every .. single .. meeting. Often, he’d start by cutting through the chatter by blowing his whistle — rather loudly — inside room 262 at Brighton High. You can fit about 100 of us in there but Paul’s whistle always found a way to bring everything else down a notch or two. You also didn’t want to be the first row when Paul blew the whistle. He’d stand in front of the room wearing the old-school pants your phys ed teacher wore and talk tough to the new guys. You know, handle your business. Pay your dues. Study for test. Work hard. But that was a front just to get guys to follow the program or weed out those who weren’t serious. He’s always ask about my family. How are the girls? What are you up to now? Also curious and always interested. When I became a college ref and then a varsity ref, we’d work together and chat even more. We also served on the Board of Directors together. He’d tell me about his time working in the ABA and about some of the old timers. But you could tell that he took a bit of pride in helping every one of us get to the next level. He also made sure the board had whistles for the news guys. He stayed involved in mentoring new refs. He was a part of contracts with Section V. We had a city game at School 33 a few years back. It was a three-person game and we always had fun. I could count on Paul to get to where he needed to be even if he had a few miles on those legs. He called fouls, too. Important because .. well, you know, if the coach didn’t get on you, the fans would…lol. But as we went out on the court that day, we hear a woman — about my age — go to Paul, I know you are old as dirt because he were working when I was in school. We all got a laugh. I never let Paul forget. He was 76 when he passed according to his obit, but he never seemed too out of touch with me or my family. Paul was spiritual, always blessing our meals — sometimes in Spanish, or maybe that was Latin — during our annual banquets and some of our meetings when other ref friends passed. He was a part of our sunshine club and shared news on other officials passed on. Jennifer, my wife, and I would often see Paul at Jazz Fest, where he’d catch the sights and sounds and help out a local radio station. He often talked about his family and getting the kids though college. Paul leaves a huge void to fill in Board 60. He loved the game and loved giving time to help other officials and Board 60. I know I speak for everyone here, Paul you will be missed. –Todd Clausen
Outstanding man. We need more Paul Conley’s.
Rest In Peace my brother
Paul Conley, man. Too soon. I remember leaving early for Clinic just to get some of Paul’s perspective on life. One of the best laughs around. One you simply don’t forget. He’ll be missed.
Paul, was definitely a Board 60 person. He always helped wherever he could and ran the Clinic program for many years. He was person who always had your back especially on the court. He will definitely be missed in Board 60. Ethel and his family are in our prayers during this difficult time.
Paul was the most loving caring person I have ever known. I am truly blessed and honored to have known and worked with him like many of you. He will be sooo missed, a true genuine friend and colleague. Paul always gave 110% to everything and everybody. A fond memory at work, Paul would make his "special breakfast potatoes" for different events that we’re so yummy. He’d make sure everyone received them even if they were absent. Paul always had a variety of all our favorite candies available everyday at his desk and kept it well stocked. He was "in" on everything. He loved his family so much and would share stories. He was so proud of them and their accomplishments. Boy, did he know his sports and had a passion and love for jazz music. He loved the public market and knew everyone. He was a devote Christian and lead by example. We should all strive to be more like Paul Conley and the world would be a much better place. My sincere condolences goes out to the family and friends of Paul Conley. God bless!’
My thoughts and prayers go out to Paul’s family and friends who loved and cared about him greatly. Needless to say, we shared a strong love for jazz music. I’d see Paul at the majority of major jazz concerts here in Rochester, my hometown. I’m grateful to have known Paul and l liked hearing him say on his show, "The Doctor Is In"… Tom Pethic Host of Artistry in Jazz WGMC
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Sorry to hear of his passing. Prayers for the family.
We offer our sincere condolences to the family and many friends of Paul Conley. A longtime Jazz fan and ambassador, Paul was a contributor to the vibrancy of the Rochester community and beyond. He was a regular at Jazz events In Rochester and was always at the Pine Grill reunion in Buffalo. He gave his all to his family, his work and his community. Rest In Peace!
I loved what you shared here Todd! It took us right into Paul’s life. Especially the "you’re old as dirt" comment! My dad umpired baseball for a bit and coached baseball and football at Penfield. Thank you sharing your fond memories with us…
NY heartful condolences to Paul’s family. He was a kind thoughtful christian man. My family will miss him
Paul was a wonderful person. I loved seeing him and having talks about the music. So sorry to hear of his passing. Thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Paul Conley I can’t believe you are gone, you were one of the sweetest and dearest person I have known. We worked at Kodak together and then again at EDS. I just cant wrap my head around the fact you have left us. God will be waiting for you with open arms. My deepest sympathy goes out to your wife Ether and Chip and Phoebe, you were a great husband, father and friend. Rest in heaven my friend you will be sadly missed. Sharon Boga and family.
My condolences to Paul’s Family. I have known Skip for most of my life. He was a Great athlete at Franklin and MCC. He was also a Great Mentor and Advocate for young up and coming athletes. He had a Great Jazz Radio program. He was also a Great Bartender at the Famous Pythod Lounge. He was also a knowledgeable and Courageous Referee. You will be missed in Rochester. Love Ya Skip. John "Bubbie" Blackwell
My sympathies to the Conley family. Doctor Livingston as he was affectionately referred to among his fellow officials in IAABO 60 was a caring and giving member, always willing to help his fellow officials with his knowledge and experience. He will be missed.
I used to coach varsity boys basketball at Greece Arcadia High School and always looked forward to having Paul as a referee on one of our games. He was an excellent ref who got along well with players and coaches and knew the rules. Paul always had a big smile when you met him and I have a mental image of him smiling all the time! Will be missed. Doug Childs
Paul was a bright light in the lives of all who knew and loved him. He was such a caring and positive man and always greeted us with his megawatt smile. He will be missed by everyone. Our thoughts and prayers are with all his family and friends.
I knew who Paul was during my days playing at Lyons HS in the early 80’s. He had something about him that stood out. I got to know him even more as I began a career in coaching HS and College basketball. In 1996 he worked one of my games at Mynderse Academy one Friday night when I was at Victor HS. We lost in double OT because he made a call that I believed was incorrect. Never mind the rest of the game! I left the tape outside the door he was dressing in. The next morning my phone rings at my home very early in the morning. I answered hello and all I heard in return was, “you should have watched the tape first.” Noticing the number was similar to mine I asked Paul if he lived near me up off the Ridge near Dewey. When he said yes, he shortly came over for some coffee and of course a quick view of that tape. However, the time we spent talking and laughing was invaluable for me. I truly learned at that moment what a great person he was! I was fortunate to continue to interact with him throughout the years. My condolences to the family. And I won’t divulge what we saw on that tape. Great memories of Paul
My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Pauls. I am a retired basketball coach and AD from Wayne and Monroe counties. I truly enjoyed Paul’s sense of humor and his professionalism on the court. I will miss his sense of humor and dedication to his profession.
I coached boys basketball at Marion Central for 25 years. I always was happy when we got Paul for a game. Always a smile even when I disagreed with a decision. But he always had time to talk to an athlete during the game. I’ve been retired for 18 years and miss the game, mostly guts like Paul. My condolences. Good Guy. Jim Christie, Marion Central.
You, Paul, will truly be missed. You did a lot for everyone. Rest in Peace.
Remember Paul from HS. He was a great guy. So sorry to hear of his passing. My deepest condolences to his family and close friends.
I’ve known Paul for over 35 years…Paul was a great guy…he officiated my basketball games when I coached boys basketball at Dansville HS in the 90’s. He was quick with a smile and always positive no matter what. The players always loved when he officiated because he had such a bright personality and communicated well will them all. He treated my father Jim Sr. fantastic- always complimenting him on his colorful suits he wore and making a fuss of him which he loved. My wife Luane and I always looked forward to the annual Christmas card Paul and his lovely wife Ethel would send us every year. I will miss him very much -may God Bless… the world was a better place with Paul in it. Jimmy DeBell Jr
I know the Conley family through my association with his son, Paul, at Siena Catholic Academy and also at Sacred Heart Cathedral. My heart and prayers go out to this priceless family who are so close to the Lord. I know that Paul L. Conley will be greeted by all the angels and saints. His legacy, more than anything else, is that he leaves behind him his holy wife and beautiful children who are the crowning achievement of his life. May the Sacred Heart of Jesus comfort and welcome him. May Mary, Mother of God, warmly embrace him. Mr. Bob DiFulio
My condolences to the family, Paul will be missed. Paul was a friend to all he met and would always be there to encourage and listen to you.
Our deepest sympathies to all Paul’s love ones. Paul and I went to grammar school, high school, college together. Played ball together and against each other. Talked jazz and hung out at the Pythod. He will be truly missed. The old gang is getting smaller and smaller. God bless you Paul and rest easy.
Happy to. Have a nice photo of Paul from one of our banquets. Paul was so unselfish with his time. He’ll be missed.
So sorry to hear of your passing. Will always have the happiest of memories of that magical season we had at MCC in the fall of 1965 when we were crowned the undefeated National (NJCAA) Mens Soccer Champions. You were also named an All-American that season. I’m sure you and Coach Mancarella are sharing stories of that year! I will always remember your music on the bus to away games. Rest in Peace…
Rest In Peace, Paul. I always appreciated your sense of humor, and your professionalism as a basketball official. Paul Forte – Bishop Kearney H.S.
I remember Paul as a CYO basketball referee while I was involved in CYO from grammer school through high school. He always had a smile for us kids and we were always excited to see him. I had the pleasure of running into him last summer as he was umping my son’s baseball games. I was greeted by that million-dollar smile and sweet demeanor. God Bless you and keep you Paul.
I have so many fond memories of Paul, he will be greatly missed. Paul was always there for you, would listen when you needed an ear. He was truly one of the most genuine people I have had the pleasure of knowing. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, whom he always talked about and was so proud of, as well as all who knew him. Rest in Peace Paul.
My deepest condolences to all those who are touched by this loss. I did not know Mr. Conley personally but work with his son Paul, who shared a little bit about him with me. Will be keeping you all in my thoughts, and I hope happy memories provide some comfort as you grieve.
One of the most people and family focused person I’ve ever worked with. A true professional who focused on customer satisfaction as he saw clients as people not just his job. He brought joy to many. RIP Paul.
As a former basketball coach at Avon Central School, I always appreciated Paul’s fair officiating and his kind, friendly manner. He was well- liked in Livingston County. My condolences to the family, John A. Smith
I was sorry to hear about the passing of this great human being. He will surely be missed as a leader and mentor, professional he was. I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the family and friends that he touch. Rest in peace my dear friend God has a plan for you now, see you on the other side.
Paul will be greatly missed. He loved every aspect of the sporting world. I coached basketball at Wilson, and Paul’s professionalism and diligence made everyone most comfortable. And he was much more than a referee. His smile and laughter will not be forgotten. Everyone knew how he deeply cared for his family and friends. He was a true gentleman.
Paul was a beloved co-worker who always shared himself with others. He also always shared so many delicious treats. Not sure if I got more, or less, healthy by knowing and working with him. :) Working along with and along side of him at Xerox, EDS, HP, Xerox Services & ATOS, over a span of many years, was a real joy. Paul was quite obviously a ‘people’ person. You could tell by the wall of pictures he always had on his ‘cubicle’ walls at work. There were so many pictures that, one wonders how those walls even stayed up! It was obvious Paul loved his family by the way he often spoke so highly of them. One could tell, if one got to know Paul, that he was a very multifaceted man. Just how he kept all those plates spinning–even at his “prehistoric’ age– was a wonder… One thing for sure, at least it seemed so to me, was that though Paul was indeed a “multifaceted” man, he didn’t appear to be a “multi-faced” man. In other words, he seemed like one who was honest and spoke what was real to him and true to others. I just found out today (12/27/21) about Paul’s passing by another co-worker who had retired like I have. It leaves a big hole in my heart that when I look back on so many years working with Paul, that those memories are now fixed. I count it good to have known and shared some of my life with Paul. Ethel, Paul, and Sakura (& others)… My prayers are that you will find your ultimate comfort in Jesus during these days of your grief and loss. Your loss is only magnified by who, and what Paul Conley was to you and to so many others. Blessings! Gary Spatol (EDS 0566)
I too just heard of Paul’s passing, and I am sorry that I missed the opportunity of meeting his beautiful family on December 8 and present my condolences in person. Paul was so young at heart that we could not believe his age. Memories I cherish were when we worked at the office until midnight, and we made a point to walk out together to the parking lot. I can’t help but smile remembering how hard it was for him to stop working, shut everything down, and pack up. We would take the elevator together as he always had heavy bags, and he would talk about his family. No matter the weather, he always made sure that we could all start up our vehicles and drive off safely as we emptied the parking lot. He would also save his breakfast special for me although I worked the last shift and would remind me of the popsicles in the freezer. Yes, he loved and cared for everyone. ’Joining Gary in prayer for comfort for Paul’s family and friends, broken-hearted at Paul’s early departure, (didn’t we all expect him to live 20 more years?) Caroline
Paul and family,I’m sorry I just seen this. Paul umpired many of the games I pitched in H.S., Collage, and the old,A.B.C. League in Rochester. He was FAIR,TOUGH,and someone you could trust and respect.After the “Glory days” I would run into Paul from time to time. We had great conversations about “The Glory Days” and the times to come. Really a nice guy… I respected Paul GREATLY! R.I.P,Great man.