Richard Byron Conroy

Richard B. (Dick) Conroy, 81, of The Villages, Florida, passed away peacefully on June 25, 2026. A man of exceptional resilience, sharp wit, and deep devotion to his family and friends, Dick leaves behind a rich legacy of service, storytelling, and love.

Born on July 2, 1944, his blonde curls as a child quickly earned him the lifelong nickname of "Corky". He eventually went on to earn his degree from Ball State University and began his professional life dedicating his talents to education as a teacher. After leaving teaching, he moved to Rochester, Indiana, before later settling in Syracuse, Indiana. It was in Syracuse that Dick transitioned into finance, successfully managing the local bank and becoming an active member of the community.

In 2013, Dick transitioned to a new chapter of retirement, moving to The Villages, Florida, while happily spending his summers in Zionsville, Indiana. In both places, his warm personality and quick humor allowed him to make an abundance of wonderful friends.

Dick was a man of many passions, including golf and card playing, and he was a published author who penned seven books. His writing journey began during his remarkable recovery following a liver transplant 26 years ago-a testament to his enduring strength. Even when Dick was in great pain, he consistently maintained a positive attitude because of his profound faith and his deep trust that God was in control. He once read that one of the greatest regrets people have when dying is that they wished they had stayed in touch with their friends. Taking that truth deeply to heart, Dick made every effort to stay connected with the people in his life. He attended Live Oaks Community Church, where he looked forward to sharing time with his Encore group, and he cherished sharing a laugh with those around him.

Dick's greatest joy was his family. He is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Cheryl (Harper) Conroy; his two devoted daughters, Amy Yoder and Melissa Rent; his son-in-law, Chris Rent; his sister-in-law, Eileen Conroy; his brother-in-law, Bill Harper and his wife, Trish; and his five cherished granddaughters, Payton Ross, Olivia Rose, Gabrielle Yoder, Caroline Rent, and Gracie Rent, who were the absolute pride of his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Byron and Dorothy Conroy; his siblings, Michael Conroy and Susan Conroy; his brother-in-law, Charles Harper; and his sister-in-law, Sandra Harper.

A Memorial Service will be held at Trinity Springs Retirement Community, 12120 CO RD 103, Oxford, Florida 34484, on July 2, 2026, at 1:30 pm.

A celebration of Dick's life will be held in Marion, Indiana, at the Elks Lodge on Friday, July 10, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Cornerstone Hospice in The Villages, Florida, or Live Oaks Community Church in The Villages, Florida, or that you simply raise a glass, play a round of golf, or share a joke in honor of a life beautifully and fully lived.