Larry E. Conley
GUILFORD- Larry E. Conley 84, long time resident of Guilford, passed away early Tuesday morning July 17, 2012, at Hibbard Nursing Home in Dover-Foxcroft after several years of declining health battling Parkinson's with complications from a recently discovered cancer.

Larry was born February 10, 1928 in Monson, son of Charlie and Elvie (Smith) Conley. Larry's mother died in an automobile accident when he was just 2 yrs old. From that time on, he lived with his very special uncle John and grandmother Laura Conley.

After graduating from Guilford High School in 1947, he married his high school sweetheart, Ruth E Gorman on Sept 3rd, 1947. For most of his adult life, he was employed by Hardwood Products. Co. of Guilford.

Larry was a past president of Guilford High School PCHS Alumni Assn.. Sports and sporting events were his passion. In high school and his young adult years he played baseball and basketball on the school and town teams. Later and into his senior years he was well known around the state on the candle pin bowling circuit, being considered among the best in state and winning many trophies. He participated in several TV matches and did commentary for radio and TV stations.

A fan of harness racing, in the summer he could be seen following the Maine fair circuit. He really enjoyed his association with the many friends he made over the years at the many sporting events.

As an avid sports fan, Larry was particularly loyal to UMO girls basketball, UMO baseball, the Red Sox, Celtics, Patriots, NASCAR and Tiger Woods.

Larry could often be seen at local games following the sports careers of the children and grandchildren of local friends and neighbors as well as the games of his own great grandchildren.

During his retirement years, he enjoyed doing many Cyr bus trips around the U.S. and Canada and especially enjoyed bus hosts Roger and Polly, and hosts Dave and Evie.

In addition to his wife of 64 years, Larry is survived by a very special daughter, Susie, and her husband Ted Grant of Dover-Foxcroft; 4 grand-daughters, Sheila Chenevert and her companion, David Bartlett of Fairfield, Cathy and her husband, Greg Curry of Dover-Foxcroft, Christy and Mike Carey of Milo, and Kandi and her husband, Brent Martin of Dover-Foxcroft and grandson David Grant of Mt. Desert; Great grandchildren: Travis Chenevert and his fiancé Mallorie Blakney of Winslow, Ryan, Beth and Tyler Chenevert all of Fairfield, Tyler Bartlett of Fairfield, Macy & Mitchell Carey of Milo and Brooks Carey of Scarborough, Ashlynn Curry of Dover-Foxcroft and Logan and Lauren Martin of Dover-Foxcroft. He is also survived by 2 sisters, Viola Woodard of Monson and Priscilla Tucker of Sangerville; and one brother, Charles "Sonny" Conley of Bedford MA; and brother-in-law, James "Bud" Gorman and his wife, Kathy of Delaware. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews including several special Bennett nieces and nephews.

Larry was predeceased by four brothers, Thornton, Lloyd and Eddy Bennett and Kenny Conley.

A memorial service will take place on Friday, July 20, 2012, with visitation at 11:00 and service at 12:00 at Abbot Evangelical Free Church, Abbott Village, with Pastor Ray Beless officiating. Burial will follow at the Lawn Cemetery in Guilford.

The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Abbot Evangelical Free Church, P.O. Box 131, Abbot ME 04406, or "Maine Parkinson Society". Preaddressed donation envelopes will be available at the service.

Arrangements by Crosby & Neal, Guilford. For an online guest register, go to www.CrosbyNeal.com.