Colonel John Conley, former resident of Simsbury and North Granby, passed away peacefully at his home in Mays Landing, NJ, on Friday, August 22, 2025 surrounded by his family, after a year-long battle with cancer. He was 69.
John enlisted in the U.S. Navy at age 19, serving as a Cryptographic Machine Operator for two years and achieving the rank of Petty Officer Third Class. Following his naval service, he attended Green Mountain College, where he met his wife, Jane, and later Saint Michael’s College, where he enrolled in ROTC. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as an Armor Officer in the U.S. Army, first assigned to the 11th ACR in Fulda, Germany.
Throughout his career, John served in the U.S. Army and the Massachusetts Army National Guard as both an Armor and Infantry Officer. His service included a deployment with the Combined Special Operations Task Force in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. John served honorably for a total of 36 years in the U.S. Navy and Army achieving the rank of Colonel and ultimately retiring in 2011.
John’s awards include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Ranger Tab, Combat Infantry Badge, Parachutist Badge, and the Iraq Campaign Medal. John continued his service to our nation as a Special Agent for the Defense Security Service from 2012 to 2019.
In addition to his distinguished military career, John was a devoted animal lover. He could almost always be found at his local dog park with his beloved German Shorthaired Pointer. He also served as a board member supporting the park, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered by both two- and four-legged friends.
Above all, John was a dedicated husband and proud father who never hesitated to put his family first. He is survived by his wife, Jane; his daughter Caitlin, her husband Brian, their daughter Phoebe, and dog Ellie; his son Kevin, his wife Lexi, and their dogs Tasha and Mila; and his siblings Ellen, Jed, Joan, and MaryAnne.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to GSP Rescue of New England (www.gsprescuene.org).