passed away in his home at the age of 68 surrounded by his family and loved ones on the morning of February 20, 2010. He was born in Phoenix on May 31, 1941, the third oldest of ten siblings. He attended St. Mathew’s Elementary School, Brophy College Preparatory, and St. Mary’s High School, after which he served four years in the United States Navy. A third-generation Phoenician, Tom began a very successful career in the beverage industry driving a delivery truck for Hensley and Co., a local Anheuser-Busch distributor, where his outgoing personality and strong work ethic led to his promotion into management. In 1995, at the age of 55, Tom changed from his work clothes into his trademark white t-shirts and blue jeans for good, after which he spent his retirement golfing, skiing, or simply relaxing at his cabin in the White Mountains and driving his restored 1959 MGA to all corners of the state. Tom was successful in life, but humble in spirit, and his kindness and generosity to friends and family were legendary and cherished by those who knew him well. Always quick to use his sense of humor to diffuse tense situations, or simply bring a smile to someone’s face, Tom kept his family and friends happily laughing well into the final days of his life. A cherished father and husband, his life will always be recounted in the constant retelling of the many endearing stories and humorous anecdotes which he shared with us all on many occasions. While Tom was very successful in his professional life, traveled much of the globe, and enjoyed the fruits of his hard work, he derived the greatest joy from life’s simplest pleasures, such as playing a round of golf with his brothers, teaching his nieces and nephews how to ski, taking a long, solitary walk on a mountain road, or simply preparing homemade fajitas and fresh pico de gallo for his family and friends. Tom spent the final years of his life bravely battling Alzheimer’s disease and was cared for in the comfort of his own home by his intrepid and devoted wife. He was predeceased by his parents, Vincent de Paul and Edna Conley, and his older brother, Paul Conley. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Lupe, and children Thomas, Harry, and Kathleen; his brothers Timothy (Robin) Conley, Danny (Renata) Conley, and Mark (Susie) Conley; his sisters Micaela Hain, Bemo (Bill) Siska, Brigid (Hank) Ragland, Sheila Whitfield, and Mary Kathleen Conley. A visitation will be held at St. Mary’s Basilica located at 231 North 3rd Street, Phoenix, AZ 85006, on Thursday, February 25, beginning at 9:00 a.m., followed by a Rosary at 9:30 a.m., and the Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made in Tom’s name to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St. Phoenix, AZ 85014. Arrangements entrusted to Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home.
Please sign guest book at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com
Linda Rodgers
Dear Lupe & Katy, All my love and prayers are with you and your family at this time. Love Linda
Geno and Linda Dightmon
Dear Lupe,
I am sorry to hear of the loss of my dear friend. I will always remember the good times we had at Hensley. May he rest in peace.
God bless
Debra Price
Dear Katy,
Debra Price
Dear Katy & Family,
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. I am praying for a peace and comfort that only God alone can give you during this time! He sounded like a wonderful man. God rest his soul. May God Bless you and hold you in His arms as you walk through this time. We love you, Debra & Kaitlynn Price & Family
Tammie & Brittany Pettengill
Dear Katy & Lupe –
Our sincere condolences to you and your family.
Jose Jimenez and Ericka Bernadette Gallegos
Mrs. Conley/family,
Our deepest and most sincere condolences on your loss. We ask God to give you strength and guidance.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
God bless you and your family
Marty Calhoun
Dear Lupe,
I pray that Tom will be treated as well in Heaven as he treated those of us that were fortunate enough to have known him while he was here on earth.
May God bless and comfort you
Art McKinn
My family’s prayers go out to your family. I will always remember Tom for his humor and kindness. He will be missed.
Jazzy and Suzanne
Miss Katy, we are so sorry to hear about the loss of your Daddy. We love you and are praying for you and your family every day.
Love, Jazzy and Suzanne
Marv and Gladys Austerman
Dear Conley family,
We are deeply saddened by the loss of our great friend. We sharred many happy times with Tom at Hensley & Co. and will always remember him with affection. God be with you in your time of sorrow.
Bill and Laura Owsley
Dear Lupe and Family,
We were so sad when we heard of Tom’s passing. We know it’s been a hard road you all have down. Please accept our sympathy at this sad time.
Sincerly, Bill and Laura Owsley
Joe and Berdie Sauceda
Katy,
May Joe and I offer our Deepest Condolence for your loss. Tom was a humorous man and very loving. God Bless you and help you in this time of sorrow.
Love Berdie and Joe
Joe and Berdie Sauceda
Lupe,
Joe and Berdie are deeply saddened by your loss. Tom was so kind and humorous. Always had a smile on his face. May he rest in peace. God keep you and help you in your time of sorrow.
Love,
Berdie and Joe
Rita Silva
Dear Lupe and family,
Paul and Rita would like to express our sincere condolences for your loss. Know that you are loved and are in our thoughts and prayers.