Classmate spotlight...

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.