Peter Thomas Conlon Jr.

"Thou shalt come to thy grave in a full age, like as a shock of corn cometh in his season." Job 5:26

"Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man, and fear thy God: I am the Lord." Leviticus 19:32

Peter Thomas Conlon Jr., was born in the heart of Manhattan, N.Y.C. on August 5,1936 alongside his identical twin brother, Thomas Peter Conlon. His father was Peter Thomas Conlon and his mother was Alice Murphy Conlon, both were descendants of first generation Irish Immigrants, with strong family values. Peter and Tom also had two older sisters Gloria and Theresa. Their childhood home was a tenement house on East 96th St. where Central Park became their backyard and riding the subways for fun at 12, became their portal to adventure.

Peter started working at age 11, delivering groceries and ice chunks for Uncle Nick the Iceman. At 14, he became a vendor at Yankee Stadium selling peanuts, a job secured by his father. Later, he learned the Butcher trade and became a full-time Butcher.

At the age of 19, Peter joined the U.S. Navy, setting sail on a journey of discovery and service aboard the U.S.S. Neosho, stationed in Norfolk, V.A. and Naples, Italy. He visited 30 countries and 150 ports in 2 years. He came home with a deep appreciation for the vast differences of other countries, cultures and peoples of the world.

In 1957, during his Navy years, Peter met Leona Compala (a beautiful Polish girl from Jersey) on a blind date when she was 19. They married in 1960 and together they began their life in the suburbs of Northern NJ, raising their two children...Karen Lee and Peter Thomas III.

From 1959-1985: Peter began his career in Insurance Underwriting working in lower Manhattan in the Financial District. His sharp intellect and dedication quickly propelled him into Executive Management positions. Over the course of his career, he worked at companies such as Aetna Casualty, CNA, Continental Insurance and Underwriters Inc. which allowed him to travel extensively. Alongside his corporate endeavors, Peter also owned and operated an Exxon Station with a service bay.

During these years a major occurrence took place in Peter's life at the age of 45. He survived a life altering car accident, spending 87 days in the hospital with breakage all over his body and permanently damaged vocal cords. The emergency room doctor thought Peter would die that night, but the Lord caused him to live and gave him another 43 years of life.

In 1988, Peter became the NJ Regional General Manager at Burns International and retired in 2003 after being in the workforce for 56 years. Known for his exceptional ability to articulate his thoughts, he was a natural leader and gifted public speaker, excelling in troubleshooting issues and bringing people together to achieve results. His passion for management and his unwavering commitment to "getting things done through people" were hallmarks of his career.

In retirement, Peter and Lee moved to Cary, NC to be close to their children and grandchildren and to continue their love of travel, which was a highlight of their 64 years together. Known for his quick wit and laughter, he cherished family traditions and family get- togethers and always showed unwavering affection and interest in his children and grandchildren. He felt the one great reward for growing older was to see his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

The bond he had with his twin brother Tom, was unparalleled. They were best friends to the end, sharing decades of memories, laughter, and an unshakable connection. Together, they shared an exemplary brotherly commitment to both their sisters, staying close and seeing each other often.

Peter never forgot his father who died when he was 23. It was his heart's desire to bring honor to his father's name throughout his life. Determined to leave a meaningful word behind for future posterity, he began documenting his life and beliefs at age 57. His memoir, "My Walk Through Life, One Man's Thoughts and Memories," and 50 more additional "Essays" which captured his reflections, worldview, and heartfelt advice for his children and future posterity. As the "Senior Member" of his family he felt a deep responsibility to this work.

Peter's generosity extended beyond family; he supported causes dear to him, always striving to make a positive impact upon those in need. He loved excellent conversation, challenging jobs, a good debate, the telling of a great story, a good sense of humor, being on time, and to always stay current on world events. He carried an enduring love for his N.Y.C. roots, which shaped his spirited outlook on life.

Over the years, Peter always hoped he had made a difference in the lives of some and deeply believed, "We should all be concerned about the well being of our fellowman. And whenever possible, to raise someone up from despair, and to bring a little light into other people's lives."

At age 88, Peter died in peace, full of thanksgiving for the wonderful life the Lord had given him and acknowledging the comforting hand of God upon his shoulder throughout the years.

He is survived by his wife Lee, and son Peter and Daughter-in-Law Haley and their children Peter Thomas, Nathan, Grace and Elise. Also, his daughter Karen and Son-In-Law Randy, with their children Holly and Jon Moline, David and Christina Martens, Charity and Marshall Reynolds and Patience. Also, 7 great grandchildren: Liberty, Magnolia and Merrit Moline, Ax and Milly Martens, with one more on the way, and Liam and Avalene Reynolds. Also, Peter's twin brother Thomas and Sister-In-Law Ann Conlon; as well as many nieces and nephews, and dear friends.

REST IN PEACE, DEAREST HUSBAND, DAD, and GRANDPA ... WE MISS YOU

A visitation for Peter will be held Monday, December 16, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 200 Southeast Maynard Road, Cary, NC 27511. A graveside service will occur Tuesday, December 17, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Raleigh Memorial Park, 7501 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh, NC 27612.

Memorial tributes and messages of sympathy can be left by clicking the "Add a Memory" box below. Brown Wynne of Cary is honored to serve the Conlon family.