June 11, 2026

OBITUARY: Deacon James Conroy

REGIONAL
Staff report

SPRINGFIELD – Deacon James Michael Conroy, 74, died Friday, June 5 surrounded by his family.

He was born on July 24, 1951, in Chelsea, Massachusetts, a son of Madeline (Sheehan) and Edward Conroy. He graduated from Weymouth South High School in 1971 and from Elms College in Chicopee with a bachelor’s degree in religious studies. He went on to earn a master’s degree in education from Elms College.

He was united in marriage to Mary R. (Stallmann) Conroy June 19, 1982, at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in West Springfield. Deacon Conroy practiced martial arts and at one time was the youngest Judo black belt in New England. He retired from competition at the national level but taught youth the sport at the Westfield Boys and Girls Club.

Deacon Conroy was ordained a deacon in 2005. He served in the parishes of Holy Name, Chicopee; Immaculate Conception, West Springfield; St. Thomas the Apostle, West Springfield; and Westfield State University. He was the director of Marriage and Family Life for the Diocese of Springfield and also served as a chaplain at Baystate Medical Center, New England Hospice and several area nursing homes. In addition, he served as chaplain for the West Springfield Knights of Columbus and West Springfield Veterans Council.

He is survived by his wife, Mary, sons Kevin and Brian Conroy and his wife Leslie, grandchildren Vera and Dylan Conroy, sister, Susan Bartecchi, 12 nephews and nieces, well as many very good friends.

Calling hours are Thursday, June 11, 4-6 p.m. at Toomey-O’Brien Funeral Home, 1043 Westfield Street in West Springfield. A funeral Mass will be held Friday June 12, 2026, 10 a.m. at St Thomas Parish in West Springfield, with burial to follow in St Thomas Cemetery.