THOMAS “TOM” M. CONARD, JR., 74, of Port Charlotte, Florida died Tuesday, July 31, 2012 at Charlotte Harbor Healthcare, Port Charlotte. Tom was born July 5, 1938 in Miami, Florida to the late Thomas M. and Mildred Conard and moved to Port Charlotte in 1978 from Miami. He was a graduate of Miami Senior High…
Continue ReadingTHOMAS “TOM” M. CONARD, JR., 74, of Port Charlotte, Florida died Tuesday, July 31, 2012 at Charlotte Harbor Healthcare, Port Charlotte.
Tom was born July 5, 1938 in Miami, Florida to the late Thomas M. and Mildred Conard and moved to Port Charlotte in 1978 from Miami. He was a graduate of Miami Senior High and Furman University in Greenville, SC. He was a retired General Contractor and Real Estate broker. Sports were a big part of Tom’s life. He was a member of an exceptional Miami Senior High basketball team that won 3 straight State Championships from 1954-56 and he was recently inducted into the Miami High Hall of Fame, a great honor to him. He went on to play basketball at Furman University where he also honed his fast pitch softball skills during the offseason. This led him to pitch for the famous Clearwater Bombers for several years. His involvement in these different teams led to many long lasting friendships, and countless hours of storytelling. He married his “Southern Belle” college sweetheart, Margo, and had 3 boys. They settled in his hometown of Miami before moving permanently to Port Charlotte.
He became a General Contractor and built homes for Oriole Homes, and then went into business for himself with Kingsway Construction. He loved to support Charlotte High athletics and his sons in their aviation and athletic pursuits, and became very close with many of their great friends. He was a fabulous “Pops” to all of his grandchildren and daughters-in-laws. He had dedicated the last two years to the care of his wife Margo, a stroke survivor. His steadfast insistence of seeing her several times a day, despite his failing health, was a genuine testimony to their 50 year love affair. He will be missed.
Survived by his loving family, his wife of 50 years, Margaret Carter Conard of Port Charlotte; three sons, Thomas M. (Susan) Conard, III of Weldon Spring, MO; Christopher P. (Diana) Conard of Pompano Beach, FL; and Matthew T. (Erika) Conard (Erika) of St. Joseph, MO; two sisters, Betty Parker of DeLeon Spring, FL and Dorothy Conard of Wyoming; and 7 grandchildren, Caroline, MacKinzie, Tommy, Madisun, Max, Ali, and Mia.
Funeral services will be held Friday 2:00 PM, August 3, 2012 at Roberson Funeral Home-Punta Gorda Chapel. Rev. Brian James will officiate. Interment will follow at Indian Spring Cemetery, Punta Gorda, Florida
Memorial contributions may be made to a favorite charity. Friends may visit online at www.robersonfh.com to sign the memory book and extend condolences to the family. Arrangements are by Roberson Funeral Home Punta Gorda Chapel.
Dave and Pam Spiek
left a message on August 2, 2012:
Matt and Erica,
Our deepest sympathies to you and your family, our prayers are with you at this time.
Rick Munroe
left a message on August 1, 2012:
Goodbye Big T, you will be missed beyond what words can describe. The fond memories you leave us will shine on forever and the thought of you will always bring a big smile and remembrance of your bigger than life character.
Rick & Suzanne, Ashley & Max Munroe
Missy Cummins
left a message on August 1, 2012:
To the Conard Family,
I am so sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Let your memories be your comfort.
BMA BD Team
left a message on August 1, 2012:
To the Conard family,
Wishing you peace and consolation during this difficult time.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Kim and Gordon Krause
left a message on August 2, 2012:
May Big T rest in peace knowing he was adored by his friends and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with Margo and the Conard family.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Carole & Don Vollintine
left a message on August 2, 2012:
Matt......so sorry for the loss of your father. This is always such a difficult time in our lives when our parents go through their life stages. Just wanted you to know that we are thinking of you all and praying that you will feel God's presence during this time. Love to you, Erika, and the kiddos .
Mimi and Boomer Savidhe
left a message on August 2, 2012:
Matt, you are in our thoughts and prayers
Judie & Chuck Sinclair
left a message on August 2, 2012:
Matt and family,
Sorry to hear of your dad's passing. He's now at peace.
Thinking of you and your family and keeping you in our prayers.
Love you.
Marquetta Holland
left a message on August 2, 2012:
My deepest sympathies to you and your family. from the obituary I see he has lived a great life. Erika I will continue to pray for you, your husband and his family. May god bless you all and help you to find peace and comfort in your loss... god bless you all!
Dick Fitzgerald
left a message on August 2, 2012:
Tom was definitely "one of a kind", and will be missed by all. At least his suffering is over, and he can now rest in peace. On behalf of the entire Fitzgerald family, we send our condolences.
Keith Anderson
left a message on August 2, 2012:
Matt,
I'm sorry to hear of your Dad's passing.
Rest in peace "Big T".
Keith
George Bradicich
left a message on August 2, 2012:
To the Conard Family
We are so sorry that we cannot be with you to celebrate Big T's life. Tom was a loyal friend and mentor and supporter to George during his career. We will have fond memories of him and stories to keep us laughing for a lifetime. Such as: Big T standing in the middle of the 18th fairway at West Pines (after bypass surgery) with a 12-pack under his arm stating "I am on the safest place on the golf course." We watched you boys grow up and your Dad was so proud of everything you accomplished. Words can't express how much he will be missed. We share our love in your time of sorrow.
Uncle George and Aunt Shirley
Ed Fleck
left a message on August 2, 2012:
Until meeting Tom in person over five years ago at Miami High at a Hall of Fame induction, he was a just a person in my youth memory of watching him star as the "big man" on the great Miami High basketball teams of the 50s. I watched in amazement as he took right and left-handed hook shots from either side of the key. I had never seen anything like it before.
He was so friendly and approachable and gladly allowed for a photo with him. He loved talking about (and I loved listening to) his Miami High memories.
I last saw big Tom several years ago at a Miami High luncheon in Tampa when a number of his former teammates, legends all, also attended.
Sincere Stingaree sympathy is extended to Margo and his family.
Ron and Jeanna Kuhlmann
left a message on August 2, 2012:
Tom, Susie, Caroline and Tommy,
Know that your Dad and Grandfather is never far away; he has left you with his love and a piece of his heart so he will always be with you!
Our prayers are with you and your family.
Ron and Jeanna
Susan J. Campbell
left a message on August 2, 2012:
As Erika's employer and friend, your family has been in my prayers for many years. My family and I, as well as the Susan J. Campbell Copywriting Solutions team, extend our sincerest condolences to the entire Conard family.
The Pitts Family
left a message on August 2, 2012:
Matt & Erika, how dear your are to us! We are so sorry for the loss of your dad. May God's unexplainable peace surround your entire family.
Jewell Swindell Perry
left a message on January 29, 2013:
Dear Margo,
My deepest comdolences to you, your family and the many friends that are greiving over the loss of Tom. He was such a good friend and spent many late afternoons and evenings at my house in Miami. (We always kept the frig stocked for his tremendous appetite!) I had the biggest crush on Tom but he was smitten with Teddy Lazzo. At our 50th reunion Tom told Margo and everyone within listening range that he had the biggest crush on me in high school. I never knew. I thought he just came over to the house for the food!
My husband and I shared a table at the reunion with Tom, Margo, Joe Leary, Wally Graham and their wives. What a thrill to relive good memories. The world has lost a wonderful person but we will all meet again to share more memories.
Love and Prayers to All,
Jewell Swindell Perry - class of '56
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Carmel Fine
left a message on August 3, 2012:
Please accept my condolences for your loss. I only knew Tom from class reunions, but did enjoy him so much then. I know he will be missed. I hope that you, Margo, are doing well. Again...I am so sorry.
Bill Owen
left a message on August 3, 2012:
Tho I never met Tom, from the stories I have heard from Chris I can tell he loved his boys and was well loved by them as well. May eternal peace be with you.
Mel Carter Jr
left a message on August 3, 2012:
To Margo, Tom, Chris, and Matthew,
I am very sorry to hear of Uncle Tom's passing. He was certainly an inspiration for all paths to excel in life and will be missed. My thoughts are with you today and always.
Godspeed
Mel Jr. and Jackson.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Jim Jeffries
left a message on August 3, 2012:
As a sophomore at MHS I remember going to the basketball games and watching Tom perform on the court. He was fun to watch and I admired him on and off the court. He was a great guy and will be missed. Go Stings!
Cheryl Linn
left a message on August 3, 2012:
Dear Susan, Tom, Caroline and Tommy,
Praying for comfort for you and for all your family during this time. Draw near to God and to each other. Sincerely in Love, Cheryl Linn
John 14:1-3
"Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also."
Bill and Donna Begelman
left a message on August 3, 2012:
Just learned that Tom has left this world and want to express our deepest sympathy to the Conrad family. Many years have passed by, but the happy days at football practice and games will always remain with us. We cherished your friendship when you were here in Miami...take care and God bless you Margo, your sons and family.
Jo Koelz
left a message on August 3, 2012:
My heartfelt sympathy to you and your family. The caretaking of your parents is a affirmation of the love your family shares. My prayers and thoughts are with you on this day. With heartfelt sympathy, Jo.
Barbara South
left a message on August 3, 2012:
My deepest sympathy to the family. I know Tom fought the hard fight and now is in no pain. I pray the family will find peace in knowing what a fine gentleman Tom was during his association with all the members of Coldwell Banker Sunstar Realty.
Ed Donaldson
left a message on August 3, 2012:
I have always felt so wonderfully priveleged to have known Tom. He, along with Fenner Phillips, AG Sherman, Louie Dejesus and several other remarkable young folks, played ball ball for me when I was in highschool at MHS at old West End Park. They were days I will cherish all of my life. Tom was a person to make anyone proud when he or she could say he was a friend.
Hang in there and rejoice for the time you had with him. It's never easy but you have terrific memories of a loving husband, Father and Grandfather.
Gfw iB
jon warren arthur
left a message on August 4, 2012:
Great buddy from Citrus Grove Elementary and onward. Same old neighborhood on NW 7 St. Besides MHS reunions had an excellent lunch in 85 in Tampa both looking for better work. Caught up on our life stories. Terrific friend and wonderful person!
Nancy Hixson
left a message on August 4, 2012:
My heart felt condolences to the Conard family. I am glad that I met your father and had the opportunity to get to know him, a very nice man with a very good heart. I enjoyed all the stories he shared with me about his life and family. He will be missed.
Joseph and Jennifer Trott
left a message on August 5, 2012:
Dear Chris and family-
We are so sorry to hear of Tom's passing.
He used to stop by my office to "bounce" ideas off me. Beyond business regarding surveying his properties, I learned a few lessons from our talks. His advice for managing our office property has been invaluable. He also made an impression with a bit of advice that has guided me personally for the last few years, "Don't buy your kids houses...they'll never leave."
He was a great guy who loved his family very much. He was always talking about you.
Joe and Jenn
Bob and Sue Dillon
left a message on August 6, 2012:
Our deepest sympathy to the Conard family. Tom was a great friend to me as is Margo. I will miss STRETCH very much. DIL
Stan Weyer
left a message on August 10, 2012:
I got to know Tom at Charlotte Harbor Healthcare. He was a great guy and I enjoyed his freindship. Plus, he was one of the few guys that was taller than me. Ha. Miss you Tom
Bobby Pinson
left a message on October 13, 2012:
I just learned of my college friend and fellow player with Furman University.....Tom and I red shirted together and played one year together..... I was in Norfork, VA in infantry training in the early 60"s and went to see him pitch for the Clearwater Bombers... I really thought a lot of Tom and I know he will be missed......
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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Dave and Pam Spiek
left a message on August 2, 2012:
Matt and Erica,
Our deepest sympathies to you and your family, our prayers are with you at this time.
Rick Munroe
left a message on August 1, 2012:
Goodbye Big T, you will be missed beyond what words can describe. The fond memories you leave us will shine on forever and the thought of you will always bring a big smile and remembrance of your bigger than life character.
Rick & Suzanne, Ashley & Max Munroe
Missy Cummins
left a message on August 1, 2012:
To the Conard Family,
I am so sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Let your memories be your comfort.
BMA BD Team
left a message on August 1, 2012:
To the Conard family,
Wishing you peace and consolation during this difficult time.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Kim and Gordon Krause
left a message on August 2, 2012:
May Big T rest in peace knowing he was adored by his friends and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with Margo and the Conard family.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Carole & Don Vollintine
left a message on August 2, 2012:
Matt......so sorry for the loss of your father. This is always such a difficult time in our lives when our parents go through their life stages. Just wanted you to know that we are thinking of you all and praying that you will feel God's presence during this time. Love to you, Erika, and the kiddos .
Mimi and Boomer Savidhe
left a message on August 2, 2012:
Matt, you are in our thoughts and prayers
Judie & Chuck Sinclair
left a message on August 2, 2012:
Matt and family,
Sorry to hear of your dad's passing. He's now at peace.
Thinking of you and your family and keeping you in our prayers.
Love you.
Marquetta Holland
left a message on August 2, 2012:
My deepest sympathies to you and your family. from the obituary I see he has lived a great life. Erika I will continue to pray for you, your husband and his family. May god bless you all and help you to find peace and comfort in your loss... god bless you all!
Dick Fitzgerald
left a message on August 2, 2012:
Tom was definitely "one of a kind", and will be missed by all. At least his suffering is over, and he can now rest in peace. On behalf of the entire Fitzgerald family, we send our condolences.
Keith Anderson
left a message on August 2, 2012:
Matt,
I'm sorry to hear of your Dad's passing.
Rest in peace "Big T".
Keith
George Bradicich
left a message on August 2, 2012:
To the Conard Family
We are so sorry that we cannot be with you to celebrate Big T's life. Tom was a loyal friend and mentor and supporter to George during his career. We will have fond memories of him and stories to keep us laughing for a lifetime. Such as: Big T standing in the middle of the 18th fairway at West Pines (after bypass surgery) with a 12-pack under his arm stating "I am on the safest place on the golf course." We watched you boys grow up and your Dad was so proud of everything you accomplished. Words can't express how much he will be missed. We share our love in your time of sorrow.
Uncle George and Aunt Shirley
Ed Fleck
left a message on August 2, 2012:
Until meeting Tom in person over five years ago at Miami High at a Hall of Fame induction, he was a just a person in my youth memory of watching him star as the "big man" on the great Miami High basketball teams of the 50s. I watched in amazement as he took right and left-handed hook shots from either side of the key. I had never seen anything like it before.
He was so friendly and approachable and gladly allowed for a photo with him. He loved talking about (and I loved listening to) his Miami High memories.
I last saw big Tom several years ago at a Miami High luncheon in Tampa when a number of his former teammates, legends all, also attended.
Sincere Stingaree sympathy is extended to Margo and his family.
Ron and Jeanna Kuhlmann
left a message on August 2, 2012:
Tom, Susie, Caroline and Tommy,
Know that your Dad and Grandfather is never far away; he has left you with his love and a piece of his heart so he will always be with you!
Our prayers are with you and your family.
Ron and Jeanna
Susan J. Campbell
left a message on August 2, 2012:
As Erika's employer and friend, your family has been in my prayers for many years. My family and I, as well as the Susan J. Campbell Copywriting Solutions team, extend our sincerest condolences to the entire Conard family.
The Pitts Family
left a message on August 2, 2012:
Matt & Erika, how dear your are to us! We are so sorry for the loss of your dad. May God's unexplainable peace surround your entire family.
Jewell Swindell Perry
left a message on January 29, 2013:
Dear Margo,
My deepest comdolences to you, your family and the many friends that are greiving over the loss of Tom. He was such a good friend and spent many late afternoons and evenings at my house in Miami. (We always kept the frig stocked for his tremendous appetite!) I had the biggest crush on Tom but he was smitten with Teddy Lazzo. At our 50th reunion Tom told Margo and everyone within listening range that he had the biggest crush on me in high school. I never knew. I thought he just came over to the house for the food!
My husband and I shared a table at the reunion with Tom, Margo, Joe Leary, Wally Graham and their wives. What a thrill to relive good memories. The world has lost a wonderful person but we will all meet again to share more memories.
Love and Prayers to All,
Jewell Swindell Perry - class of '56
<><
Carmel Fine
left a message on August 3, 2012:
Please accept my condolences for your loss. I only knew Tom from class reunions, but did enjoy him so much then. I know he will be missed. I hope that you, Margo, are doing well. Again...I am so sorry.
Bill Owen
left a message on August 3, 2012:
Tho I never met Tom, from the stories I have heard from Chris I can tell he loved his boys and was well loved by them as well. May eternal peace be with you.
Mel Carter Jr
left a message on August 3, 2012:
To Margo, Tom, Chris, and Matthew,
I am very sorry to hear of Uncle Tom's passing. He was certainly an inspiration for all paths to excel in life and will be missed. My thoughts are with you today and always.
Godspeed
Mel Jr. and Jackson.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Jim Jeffries
left a message on August 3, 2012:
As a sophomore at MHS I remember going to the basketball games and watching Tom perform on the court. He was fun to watch and I admired him on and off the court. He was a great guy and will be missed. Go Stings!
Cheryl Linn
left a message on August 3, 2012:
Dear Susan, Tom, Caroline and Tommy,
Praying for comfort for you and for all your family during this time. Draw near to God and to each other. Sincerely in Love, Cheryl Linn
John 14:1-3
"Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also."
Bill and Donna Begelman
left a message on August 3, 2012:
Just learned that Tom has left this world and want to express our deepest sympathy to the Conrad family. Many years have passed by, but the happy days at football practice and games will always remain with us. We cherished your friendship when you were here in Miami...take care and God bless you Margo, your sons and family.
Jo Koelz
left a message on August 3, 2012:
My heartfelt sympathy to you and your family. The caretaking of your parents is a affirmation of the love your family shares. My prayers and thoughts are with you on this day. With heartfelt sympathy, Jo.
Barbara South
left a message on August 3, 2012:
My deepest sympathy to the family. I know Tom fought the hard fight and now is in no pain. I pray the family will find peace in knowing what a fine gentleman Tom was during his association with all the members of Coldwell Banker Sunstar Realty.
Ed Donaldson
left a message on August 3, 2012:
I have always felt so wonderfully priveleged to have known Tom. He, along with Fenner Phillips, AG Sherman, Louie Dejesus and several other remarkable young folks, played ball ball for me when I was in highschool at MHS at old West End Park. They were days I will cherish all of my life. Tom was a person to make anyone proud when he or she could say he was a friend.
Hang in there and rejoice for the time you had with him. It's never easy but you have terrific memories of a loving husband, Father and Grandfather.
Gfw iB
jon warren arthur
left a message on August 4, 2012:
Great buddy from Citrus Grove Elementary and onward. Same old neighborhood on NW 7 St. Besides MHS reunions had an excellent lunch in 85 in Tampa both looking for better work. Caught up on our life stories. Terrific friend and wonderful person!
Nancy Hixson
left a message on August 4, 2012:
My heart felt condolences to the Conard family. I am glad that I met your father and had the opportunity to get to know him, a very nice man with a very good heart. I enjoyed all the stories he shared with me about his life and family. He will be missed.
Joseph and Jennifer Trott
left a message on August 5, 2012:
Dear Chris and family-
We are so sorry to hear of Tom's passing.
He used to stop by my office to "bounce" ideas off me. Beyond business regarding surveying his properties, I learned a few lessons from our talks. His advice for managing our office property has been invaluable. He also made an impression with a bit of advice that has guided me personally for the last few years, "Don't buy your kids houses...they'll never leave."
He was a great guy who loved his family very much. He was always talking about you.
Joe and Jenn
Bob and Sue Dillon
left a message on August 6, 2012:
Our deepest sympathy to the Conard family. Tom was a great friend to me as is Margo. I will miss STRETCH very much. DIL
Stan Weyer
left a message on August 10, 2012:
I got to know Tom at Charlotte Harbor Healthcare. He was a great guy and I enjoyed his freindship. Plus, he was one of the few guys that was taller than me. Ha. Miss you Tom
Bobby Pinson
left a message on October 13, 2012:
I just learned of my college friend and fellow player with Furman University.....Tom and I red shirted together and played one year together..... I was in Norfork, VA in infantry training in the early 60"s and went to see him pitch for the Clearwater Bombers... I really thought a lot of Tom and I know he will be missed......
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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