John Conrad

John Lewis Conrad, 87 of Manassas Virginia died peacefully on May 21, 2012. A gifted business man, devoted husband, wonderful father, giving grandfather, and super Redskin Football fan, with an unforgettable laugh. A shining example of all that measures a strong, honorable man. Born June 9, 1924 in Portland, Oregon, to the Reverend John L. Conrad and Elsie (Bautz) Conrad. John served in the United States Marine Corp during World War II as a Staff Seargent. He saw combat in the Pacific on Iwo Jima and Guam. Upon his discharge he returned to Buffalo, New York where he worked for the local phone company (where he met his wife, Mary Ann), became a sales representative for the H.J. Heinz company and then joined the W.H. Gunlocke Chair Company in October 1955 where he held positions as a territory salesman, assistant to the General Sales manager, Vice President & General Manager, Executive Vice president, where he expanded the company by establishing a factory in California and adding a desk line. He became President of the company in 1971 finishing his career at Gunlocke by leading a strong Government Sales team and eventually retiring in Manassas, Virginia. John was a long time active member of Manassas Presbyterian Church. Some of John's other achievements included: Vice President of the Whittier Chamber of Commerce, Director of the Rio Hondo Family Service Association, Chairman of the Board of the Rio Hondo Metropolitan YMCA and a member of The City of Whittier's Crime and Civil Disorder Prevention Committee. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 50 years, Mary Ann Conrad, sisters, Barbara Shoemaker, Helen McLeod, Lilah McLeod and little brother Donny. He is survived by his son and spouse John and Shirley Conrad of High Point North Carolina, 3 daughters and their spouses Susan and Skip Hollcroft of Manassas Virginia, Lisa and Tony Brooks also of Manassas, and Anginette and David Holmes of Laurel Maryland; nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Visitation will be Thursday, May 24th from 6-8 p.m. at Pierce Funeral Home, 9609 Center Street, Manassas, VA 20110. A memorial service will be held 10 a.m., Friday, May 25th at Manassas Presbyterian Church. Interment immediately after service at Stonewall Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations may be made to Manassas Presbyterian Church, 8201 Ashton Avenue, Manassas, VA 20109 Condolences may be sent to www.piercefh.com.

John Conrad

June 9, 1924 - May 21, 2012