William George Conley

William “Bill” George Conley

BATH – William “Bill” George Conley of Tavares, FL, former resident of Bath, NY, passed away with the comfort of his family on Friday, October 8, 2021 at the age of 78.

Bill Conley was born January 3rd, 1943. He was the first of two children born to Ava Fish Conley and George D. Conley.

From the age of six Bill lived in Bath with his Aunt Mil and Uncle Leon Murphy, enjoying many summers on Keuka Lake with friends from school, regularly testing the limits of speed boats and cars. He graduated from Haverling Central School in 1961, entered the Army in 1963 and served two years at Ft. Belvoir, VA received an honorable discharge in 1965.

He returned to Bath and worked for his Uncle (Leon Murphy) for over 25 years at Bath Television and Service Co., Inc. becoming president of the corporation in 1993. A family business that sold furniture, televisions, satellite dishes, appliances, and snowmobiles over the years, it included a Radio Shack Franchise and cable television company for residents in Bath, Savona and Kanona. Many employees were family and several employees were friends that became family.

In 2004 he sold the business and retired with Mary to Central Florida. He enjoyed playing golf and socializing with friends and family. He was a social member at the VFW in Bath, a member of the Amvets Post 1992 in Florida, the Bath American Legion, and the Bath Elks Club.

Those who knew Bill will remember him having a great eye for a pool shot, gambling at the Savona Fire Department, plowing snowed in driveways, hunting during deer season, working at the slaughterhouse, snowmobiling locally in Bath and in the Adirondacks with friends and family. He spent time coaching t-ball, grasshoppers and Little League, cheering for the soccer teams, attending local car races as well as NASCAR in Indy, Watkins, the Poconos and Daytona.

Bill was able to repair nearly anything, from washers and dryers to tractors, including his collection of antique coin operated slot machines and jukeboxes, acquired through wheeling and dealing at antique shows and flea markets with Mary, Shea and Tara in tow. He enjoyed bowling, card games and clambakes, and loved hosting great parties.

He was preceded in death by his parents Ava Fish Conley and George D. Conley (Elaine) and two brothers, Brian J. Conley and Martin Lodge and life-long friend, Harry Grover.

Bill is survived by his wife of 55 years, Mary Cobb Conley, his son, Shea William (Dana) an attorney in Lexington, KY and grandchildren, William, Glenna and Connor, his daughter, Tara Maureen Kewley (Bryan) an artist in Houston, TX and grandson, Hawkins James Dean Kewley. Bill is also survived by sisters Patricia Walling of Martinez, GA, Marjean Nielsen of Bath and Barrie Conley of Naples, FL and brother, Dean (Janice) Conley and several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

On Saturday, June 11, 2022 a memorial service will be held at 11 am at Bishop & DeSanto Funeral Home (formerly LaMarche Funeral Home), 35 Main St, Hammondsport, NY, 14840 with an internment at Nondaga Cemetery in Bath, NY. A celebration of Bill’s life will take place from 1 pm – 4 pm at the American Legion Post, 14 West William Street, Bath, NY, 14810.

In remembrance of Bill, contributions may be made to the Bath American Legion, 14 W William St, Bath, NY 14810.

The Bishop & DeSanto Funeral Home is honored to assist Bill’s family with the arrangements.