A wise man knows when to hit the reset button...and our classmate Bob Conquest is one very smart individual.
Bob is remembered as the classmate that excelled in whatever sport of
choice he participated in. Academics he handled with ease and at the end of a
school day he was known as the cool good looking guy that was a member of the
Esquires. He grew up on the lane, Bunns Lane that is. He was determined to excel
in life and he pushed forward with that goal in mind, regardless of whatever
setbacks he incurred.
Bob recalls his friendships in school with Larry Cataldo, Jim Russo and Tom
Farrell to mention a few. When asked if there was a particular teacher along the
way that influenced him Bob quickly noted two, Mr. Miglecz and Sam Lupo. He was
grateful to both for their influence.
If you didn't happen to take note of Bob in high school you certainly
became aware of him if you attended any of our reunions. For so many of them it
was Bob and Diane Fonte-Mohr that led the charge. Bob was quick to point out
that not enough recognition has been directed at Diane for her unselfish time
and effort she put into making each reunion so successful. It was a sheer joy to
work with her over the years. One particular reunion he takes a great deal of
pride in was our twentieth when there was over three hundred and forty four in
attendance. Bob wishes the current reunion committee well and said they are in
for some hard work but in the end the memories of the experience will be well
worth it.
Bob was also a member of our prom entertainment committee and is proud of
the fact our class was the first to hold our prom offsite, selecting the Pines
Manor. In addition, along with Diane Fonte, Larry Cataldo and his best friend
Jim Russo they secured the band Brooklyn Bridge to play that evening...for the
price tag of five thousand dollars.
During high school, like so many of us, Bob took on a part time job. The
first door he knocked on was Chicken Galore. He was asked by the owner if he
could drive a stick shift..."of course" was his answer...although false. His job
was to make deliveries, driving the Volkswagen bug with the fake chicken mounted
on the roof. First delivery, a driver not getting the knack of a smooth shift
results in the fake chicken being thrown off the roof and in front of the car
and run over. The end of the chicken and I guess we now know it never made it to
either side of the road. Bob didn't offer up how long his Chicken Galore
career lasted.
After graduation Bob attended and graduated from the University of
Pennsylvania. Along the way he married fellow classmate Ellen Beulke in 1971 and
are proud parents of two beautiful daughters, Christine and Rebecca...along with
two cherished grandsons.
His career path took him into the electrical trade for many years. Bob
spoke with pride of his union involvement over the years.
His marriage to Ellen
ended and he lost his brother along with his best friend Jim Russo around the
same time. This point in his life he decided to hit that reset button. He
decided to go back to school, this time to prestigious Drew. His new goal...to
become a psychology social worker. That he accomplished and as fate would have
it...he returned to Woodbridge High School working with behavioral disabled
students. He found his place and was happy. Unfortunately two years later he
noticed something wrong with his balance and it eventually led to a diagnosis of
MS. He had a choice, be defeated or march forward. He marched.
He chose to
embrace life more than ever before. Bob focused on his beautiful wife Ginni and
the time they spend in Hillsbourgh and their second home on a lake in
Pennsylvania. Ginni still works in Manhattan, having been with the Wilhelmina
Agency for over thirty years. Bob continues his golf game whenever possible. His
days of competitive running and snow skiing are behind him.
Bob feels that, like so many of his classmates, at this age we're faced
with various health challenges and he reminds us all that life owes us nothing,
however life does promise us life and it's up to us how we choose to embrace the
gift.
In closing, Bob recognized the need for a major change and he did whatever
was necessary to accomplish it. He's an individual that focused on the future.
One thing he did mention is he is extremely excited to meeting up with everyone
at our next reunion..."I will be there!".
Bob, there will be many of us there in attendance as well. For us to see
you and Ginni it will certainly be added value to the entire
weekend experience.
