Dr. Donald Richard Conroy (Don)
Donald Richard Conroy, born March 18, 1929, in St. Paul, Minnesota, passed away March 6, 2025. Don lived many lives—each marked by deep dedication to his faith, family, and community. He was raised by his grandmother, Bridget and Aunt Theresa Sweeney, after the death of his parents. Don's early years in an Irish-American neighborhood shaped his character and laid the foundation for a life of connection and purpose.
Ordained as a priest, Don was deeply involved in the Civil Rights Movement, marching in Selma alongside John Lewis and Martin Luther King, Jr. His faith was central to his life, and his spiritual journey led him to explore various religious traditions, including a memorable audience with Pope John XXIII in 1959 and meeting the Dalai Lama in India.
Don left the priesthood in 1967 to marry Mary Orfield and together they had three children; Martin, Karin, and Anna. His love for travel took him on many adventures, especially to Ireland, where he connected with his heritage and forged lasting bonds with his extended family. He also enjoyed playing golf and found success in the Minnesota state senior amateur competitions, where he formed lifelong friendships.
Don is survived by his wife, Mary; children, Martin (Lois), Karin (Philip), and Anna (former spouse Rick); and grandchildren, Thomas, Patrick, James, Bennett, Sawyer, Esme, Josephine, and Ireland. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Thomas and Patrick, and many extended family members.
A visitation will be held at 10 am, followed by a Catholic Mass at 11 am on March 17, 2025, at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, 5426 12th Ave S, Minneapolis.
Don was the center of many conversations, a source of wisdom and counsel, and his absence will leave a great hole in our lives. As John O'Donohue wrote, "May you live this day, and every day, in a fullness of grace, with a soul unafraid of the dark." His life was a testament to living fully with purpose, grace, and courage. We will miss him deeply, but his legacy lives on in each of us, in the lessons he imparted, and in the love he shared.
Send Flowers: When Is the Ordering Deadline?
ANY DAY OF THE WEEK
Order any time up till the day before
MON-FRI Order by 2:00PM
SAT & SUN Order by noon
TUES-SAT
Order by 3:00PM
The day before
SAT & SUN Order by Saturday
Note: These are general guidelines; some florists may not be able to operate within these timelines. During peak periods such as Valentine’s Day, Memorial Day and most holidays, florists are not always able to keep up to demand. Tribute will contact you if there are any issues.
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Send Flowers: When Is the Ordering Deadline?
ANY DAY OF THE WEEK
Order any time up till the day before
MON-FRI Order by 2:00PM
SAT & SUN Order by noon
TUES-SAT
Order by 3:00PM
The day before
SAT & SUN Order by Saturday
Note: These are general guidelines; some florists may not be able to operate within these timelines. During peak periods such as Valentine’s Day, Memorial Day and most holidays, florists are not always able to keep up to demand. Tribute will contact you if there are any issues.
Plant a tree: How does it work
When your purchase is complete, a post will be made on the tribute wall of the deceased signifying the planting of a memorial tree.
An official certificate recognizing your purchase will be included with your email receipt. You can then forward the email to the family or print it and give it to them personally.
After an order is placed, our forestry partners will plant the tree in the area of greatest need (nearest the funeral home), according to the planting schedule for the year.
Due to seasonal conditions, the tree planting takes place during the spring and summer.
Tree Planting Timeline
Orders placed in:
January - May
Planting will take place in Spring or Summer of the same year.
June - December
Planting will take place in Spring of the following year.
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