G. Guthrie
Conyngham of Eastern PA Supply Co. died peacefully at his home May 10. He was
84.
After receiving his bachelor's degree from Yale University (class
of 1945) and after active duty in the U.S. Marine Corps, he began his career at
the family business, Eastern PA Supply Co. In 1951, he was recalled to active
duty and was then sent to Korea where he earned two Purple Hearts and was
honorably discharged as a 1st Lieutenant.
He would continue to work at
his family’s business and be an active member of the community for the next 55
years. He was CEO of W. H. Conyngham & Co. Inc., whose principal businesses
were: Eastern PA Supply Co., a 10-location wholesale distributor of plumbing, heating,
electrical, and water systems equipment; Hillside Farms, a Holstein dairy farm
managed by his brother William; Hillside Greenhouse, managed by his brother
Jack, who was also vice-president of sales at Eastern PA Supply Co.; and
Hayfield Farms, which would eventually become a real estate venture with the
focus on preservation of quality wildlife habitat and shared resources.
Conyngham
relished the wholesale distribution business where he made countless lifetime
friendships with fellow wholesalers, suppliers and contractor customers. He was
considered a true icon of the industry.
He was one of the early
presidents of the Middle Atlantic Wholesalers Association, a regional trade
association affiliated with the American Supply Association and served on its
first Board of Directors.
Conyngham was also a very active member of
C.L. Watt Inc., a management and marketing cooperative group dedicated to
improving the business of its independently owned wholesale-distributor
members. His no-nonsense approach to business and friendly demeanor are fondly
remembered by his many associates.
As busy and active as he was in his family business and industry trade
associations, Conyngham never forgot his community, and the obligation as a
successful person to give back generously and often with time, ability and his
checkbook. To that end he served on many community boards as a board member,
officer or chairman, often times for 30, 40 or even 50-plus years. His
longevity to these local and regional agencies and organizations was highly
valued for the mature perspective he brought to the table.
In
addition to his first wife Corinne, he is preceded in death by his brother
William L. Conyngham and William’s wife, Cornelia Parkhurst Conyngham.
Mr. Conyngham is survived by his family, including his loving
wife Shirley Marquart Conyngham; devoted brother, Jack and his wife Lou; son Donald and his wife, Joyce; son Malcolm
and his wife, Janeen; his one and only devoted daughter, Thamsin, and her
husband Malcolm; son, George, and his wife Maureen; 11 grandchildren; and four
great-grandchildren. Additionally, step-children Michael Marquart, Eric
Marquart and Kirsten Marquart Judd, and their three children; and finally, his
faithful Jack Russell Terrier, Jackie.
Funeral services will be held Thursday at 10 a.m. in St. Stephen's
Episcopal Pro-Cathedral, 35 S. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre, Pa., with the Rev.
Daniel Gunn officiating. Interment will be at the family’s convenience
in the Conyngham Family Plot at Hollenback Cemetery, Wilkes-Barre,
Pa. Friends may call on Wednesday, 1 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m., at the
Harold C. Snowdon Funeral Home, 140 N. Main St., Shavertown, Pa.
In
lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to
- The United
Way of Wyoming Valley 8 West Market St., Wilkes-Barre, Pa.
18701
- Children’s Service Center of Wyoming Valley 335 S.
Franklin St. Wilkes-Barre, Pa. 18703
- Wilkes-Barre YMCA 40
W. Northampton St. Wilkes-Barre, Pa. 18701
- American Red
Cross 20 New Commerce Blvd. Ashley, PA 18706
- SPCA of
Luzerne County Fox Hill Road Wilkes-Barre, PA 18705
- St.
Stephen’s Episcopal Pro-Cathedral, 35 S. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre
18701.
