Warren Leslie Conrad, 96

February 19, 2019

Warren Leslie Conrad of Willow Valley Retirement Community, age 96, died February 19, 2019. He was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on October 20, 1922, to Louisa and Claude Conrad. His wife of 68 years, Hazel Ramsay Conrad, passed away in October 2014.

Warren had an older and younger brother; so, by his account, he was an “unwanted middle child.” Since he was “ignored” by his parents, he had plenty of time to organize neighborhood basketball and baseball teams and to pursue a wide variety of athletic endeavors.

Warren had a lifelong affinity and talent for organizing people and activities. He particularly enjoyed his time as the social chairman for the men’s club in Longboat Key, FL.

He loved meeting and talking to people and took particular interest in their “story.” He was blessed to keep his mental acuity throughout his long life

Following graduation from Germantown High School, he accepted a gymnastics scholarship to Temple University, but then joined the Army after his sophomore year at Temple during World War II. After written and oral exams, he became an aviation cadet in the Army Air Corps. After 18 months of training, primarily at Michigan State University, he received his “Silver wings.”

He was transferred to a military base in Texas prior to an anticipated deployment to the Pacific. While there he was asked to organize a gymnastics show to entertain the troops. He formed Conrad’s Aerial Circus with 4 gymnasts, 3 divers, 3 weightlifters, 1 clown, and a trapeze aerialist. During rehearsal for the shows, Warren received his orders to pick up a B-24 crew and fly to the Pacific. Much to his disappointment at the time, the base commander cancelled his orders so the shows could proceed.

During his time in Texas, he finally met his long time “pen pal” from Chicago. War-time travel rules had prevented an in-person meeting, so they had written letters for almost two years. Warren and Hazel Eadon married in March 1946.

Warren returned to Temple University and captained the gymnastics team. He graduated with a BS in 1948 and received a master’s degree in 1949. His first position was at Dobbins Tech where he served as football coach, basketball coach, and ultimately, athletic director. He moved to Central High School as the athletic director in 1974 and retired in 1986. He was the Pool director/swim pro at Green Valley Country Club from 1953 – 1983. He was active in the Air Force reserves until his retirement in 1982.

Surviving are three children, 12 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren: son Wayne Conrad, an orthopedic surgeon in Lancaster, PA (LOG) and with wife Karen have 5 children; son Bruce Conrad, a construction executive in Dallas, TX who with wife Christy have 7 children; and daughter Gayl Ludvicek, a professional artist and author living in Port Charlotte, FL with her husband, Sam.

The 5 children of Wayne and Karen Conrad are: Whitney Alexander Tsakonas (husband Art), Lancaster; Brandon Ramsay Conrad (wife Ashley), Lancaster; Courtney May Melamed (husband Zach), San Francisco; Hilary Eadon Conrad, Philadelphia; and Kelsey Sterling Conrad, New York City.
The 7 children of Bruce and Christy Conrad are: Luke Ramsay Conrad (wife Kayleigh), Avon, CT; Katherine Leslie Vinson (husband David), Columbia, SC; Michael Warren Conrad (wife Lydia), Washington, DC; Alyssa Jane Conrad, Dallas; Kristen Gayle Conrad, Falls Church, VA; Zoe Rachel Conrad, Dallas; and Zachary Bruce Conrad, Dallas.

Warren’s family thanks his many caregivers for their excellent and compassionate care during his stays at Spring Run, Meadow Ridge, and The Glen all of Willow Valley.

Warren’s Memorial Service will be held on Friday, March 8, 2019 at 6PM at the Charles F. Snyder, Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory 3110 Lititz Pike. Visitation will be from 5PM until the start of the service. Interment will take place on Saturday, March 9 in Sunset Memorial Park, Somerton (Philadelphia), PA. Memorial contributions in Warren’s memory may be made out to the YMCA 265 Harrisburg Ave. Lancaster, PA 17603 to honor Warren’s love of all sports.

Watch the tribute video