Ronald J. Conlan

August 11, 2022

Ronald Conlan, son of (the late) John and Alice Conlan, passed away peacefully at Saint Raphael’s hospital in the late evening on August 11, 2022. He is survived by his loving wife, Kathleen (Bowen) Conlan and two devoted children, Kevin Conlan and Matthew Conlan, as well as his brother, John Joseph Conlan (Kathleen), nephews Brian and Christopher Conlan and niece, Aimee Conlan Altemus, as well as many beloved friends.

“Ron” was dedicated to his family, and his career as a teacher. He taught many students throughout his tenure at West Haven High School, where he was a social studies teacher, as well as the Director of the Alternate Program, Teacher and Director of the Summer School Program and, possibly most notably, the Mock Trial Advisor. Ron led numerous mock trial teams to State Championships and was incredibly proud of every individual he taught or coached. He devoted countless hours to the team and was always there for any student who needed him. It is likely that he did not even realize the number of lives he touched and the opportunities that he afforded to so many of his students, who are undoubtedly eternally grateful. Ron was also dedicated to working with the Special Olympics and utilized that as another avenue in which to involve his students with the community.

Ron also received many awards and achievements throughout his career, notably, Person of the Year by the West Haven Bar Association, the Mark R. Shedd Award for Excellence in Teaching Law and Citizenship in education in 1997 and 1998, the Walter Camp Football Foundation Award for Community Service and Participation in the Special Olympics in 2002 and the Certificate of Appreciation for outstanding service to the West Haven Community House. He was also a member of the West Haven Hall of Fame class of 2014.

Ron was inducted into the Hall of Fame for his outstanding basketball career (WHHS ‘68). He went on to continue his basketball career at Southern Connecticut State College (SCSC, ‘73), where he was the co-captain in his final season, as well as the team’s Most Valuable Player and leading scorer. He then returned to SCSC as the Assistant Basketball Coach from 1974-78.

Ron loved sports, always cheering for the Yankees, Giants and Celtics. He also enjoyed spending time with his family, close friends, and many prior students that he kept in touch with throughout the years. Ron was a selfless individual, truly leading a life of service and community involvement and he will be missed beyond measure.

Visitation will take place on Monday evening from 4 to 7 pm at the West Haven Funeral Home. On Tuesday morning the procession will leave the funeral home at 9 o’clock. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Lawrence Church, St. John XXIII Parish at 9:30. Interment will follow in St. Lawrence Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, if you would like to make a donation to the scholarship fund that has been created in Ronald Conlan’s memory, you may make a check out to WHHS-Senior Scholarships with “Ron Conlan Scholarship” in the memo line. Please send checks to WHHS c/o Principal Dana Paredes. To leave an online condolence for the Conlan family, please visit our website: www.westhavenfuneral.com.