Gerard Conway, Sr.

Gerard J. Conway Sr. of Media, PA passed on May 11th, leaving behind a loving family and devoted friends. Known by many nicknames such as Jer, Jerry, Senior, GJC, Conway, Himself, MLR god, Dad, and Pop Pop.  Jerry was broadly known to be deeply generous and fiercely loyal.  All of these nicknames came with respect, appreciation and in most cases love.

Jerry was the son of Jim and Mildred Conway, was raised in St. Anne’s Parish and attended North Catholic High School in Philadelphia.  During his Air Force career, he worked in Administration at Willow Grove Air Force Base. His business skills developed at an early age

as he used a portion of his allowance to hire friends to do his chores at the Conway’s corner store. The rest was profit.  Jerry’s business, MLR, was a labor of love that also covered his most important purpose in life - providing for his family and his employees.

Jerry was a loving husband and father, a businessman, golfer, friend and benefactor with a good heart and generous spirit.  Jerry lent his professional skills to a group of young theatre artists, and that work culminated in the creation of the Arden Theatre Company, of which he was the Founding Chairman of the Board of Directors.  He was a devoted supporter of St. Vincent’s Home for Orphans in Tacony.

But Jerry’s greatest gift was creating joy. He enjoyed planning parties (family and Christmas), family dinners (he cooked enough for a Marine Platoon), family vacations, projects in home and garden; golfing with friends, giving the dogs treats and attention, and spending time with his family in the Poconos. He shared his love of golf with Jerry and Serena and military life with Jason.  And nobody’s house celebrated Christmas better than Jerry’s.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Cheryll, children: Jerry (Nicole), Jason (Megan) and Serena and grandchildren Kailyn, Maddon and Conner.  In lieu of flowers, a donation may be sent to one of the following:  St. Anne’s Church, 2328 E. Lehigh Ave, Phila, Pa 19135  or  Wounded Warrior Project.