He was born on August 23, 1925 in Long Branch, NJ. He was the son of Lucy (West) and Conrad Christian de la Motte and the stepson of William Paiton Moncrieff.
Educated in Long Branch and Rumson schools, he was a graduate of Rumson High School in 1943. In May, 1943, he enlisted in the U. S. Army and served in the combat engineers, including service during the Battle of the Bulge. He was honorably discharged in 1946. Later he enlisted in the U. S. Army Reserve and served until 1964 when he retired as a Master Sergeant.
Conrad received his Associate Arts degree from Monmouth Junior College and his A.B. from Montclair State Teachers’ College in 1950. He taught in the Long Branch school system from 1950-1982.
On April 1, 1950, Conrad married Gail Schley Grant, a partnership that lasted for 61 years. They raised 2 daughters, Jeanne and Claire. Gail kept the home fires burning while Conrad also worked part-time with the Boro Bus Co. and the Long Branch Sewer Authority.
Active in teaching and service organizations, Conrad served as president of the Long Branch Teachers’ Association in 1959, was a life member of the National Education and the New Jersey Education Association, and was the longtime membership coordinator for the Monmouth County Education Association. He also belonged to the Monmouth County Retired Educators’ Association, the New Jersey Retired Educators’ Association, was a life member of the VFW and the Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge.
Through Gail’s love of Maine, Conrad was introduced to the state and enjoyed vacationing there. Upon retirement, he and Gail were lured to Florida for the winter months. They enjoyed friendships in both places, as well as maintaining NJ connections.
He is survived by his daughters Jeanne and husband Craig Edmunds of Norway, and Claire Vining of Farmington , grandchildren Aimee Parks and husband Kieyn of West Long Branch, NJ, Nicole Edmunds and boyfriend Aaron Flye of Farmington, Michel Vining and companion Nate Robbins of Dixfield, and Luke Vining and companion Wanda Marston of Peru. He was also the proud great-grandfather of Mya Gastin, Daniel T. Parks, and another greatgrandchild to be born in September. Also surviving are Conrad’s nephew L. Hunter Grant and wife Betty of Half Moon Bay, CA, niece Jo Anderson and husband Matt of Springfield, OH, and nephew David Ross and wife Traci of Middletown, OH.
Conrad was predeceased by his wife Gail, his sister Lorraine, his parents, and his stepfather. He was a hardworking and patient man who never had a harsh word for anyone. He will be remembered as the source of family lore, the giver of excellent travel directions, and a lover of newspapers.
The family would like to thank the caring staff at the Maine Veterans’ Home in South Paris for the compassion and love that they showed Conrad in the time that he lived there. They also want to thank the nurses and doctors, especially Dr. Eshleman, at Stephens Memorial Hospital for the care which they gave Conrad in the past few days.
A celebration of Conrad’s life will be held at a later date at the family’s convenience. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Conrad’s memory to the National Parkinson Foundation, Gift Processing Center, P.O. Box 5018, Hagerstown, MD 21741- 5018. Arrangements under the care of Oxford Hills and Weston Funeral Services, 1037 Main St., Oxford, ME 04270. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.oxfordhillsfuneral services.com.
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