Joseph Edward Conley

Joseph Edward Conley

1959 – 2023

Joseph E. Conley passed away peacefully on Monday, August 7, 2023, surrounded by family.

Joe was born July 5, 1959, in Portland, Maine. He was the second of five children born to Martin H. And Lois A. (McCabe) Conley of Portland. He touched many lives in his roles as son, father, brother, friend, and neighbor throughout his 64 years. He was a man of few words, but all of them were sincere and true. Joe had an uncommon ability to form genuine and meaningful connections with people, and he was always able to see the good in someone.

He was raised in Portland and attended Portland High School before enlisting in the US Army where he served for two years. He worked for several years in the moving and storage industry and loved traveling all over the country. He also worked for the United States Postal Service and the Kennebec Journal. He lived most of his life in Maine but also spent a number of years in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. He was a beloved leader in the Alcoholics Anonymous program, and took pride in sponsoring friends. Joe was known for his ability and success in helping others in their spiritual growth journeys.

Joe would want to be remembered by the following lyric: “It’s amazing with the blink of an eye, you finally see the light. It’s amazing when the moment arrives that you know you’ll be alright.” He always loved rock ’n’ roll, and Aerosmith was his favorite band. He loved to hunt and fish, and he lived to play cards, especially cribbage. He also loved golf, whether he was on the course or watching the pros from his living room. An afternoon on the golf course, he’d say, was the best reward for a hard day’s work. He passed on many of these same passions to his children.

Joe joins his parents and his youngest son Shaun in the hereafter. His memory will be carried here on Earth by his children Joe, Justin, Richard, Joshua, and Kayla; as well as his siblings Michael, Kathy, David, Karen and her husband Tim. He will also be remembered fondly by all of his nieces, nephews, and the countless friends he made throughout his life. He shared a special bond with his family and always beamed with pride when seeing or hearing about the success and accomplishments of his children and loved ones.

Per Joe’s wishes there will be no visiting hours. An informal celebration of Joe’s life will be held at a later date.