William Joseph Conklin

William Joseph Conklin

Of Susquehanna, PA

William J. Conklin, 74, of Susquehanna, PA passed away at his home with his family by his side, on Friday, October 20, 2023.

He was predeceased by his parents, John L. “Bud” Conklin Jr. & Agnes “Mickey” (Terrell) Conklin, daughter Kelly A. Conklin, and sister-in-law Deborah (Binder) Zayas.

Bill is survived by his devoted wife of 38 years, Anne “Lee” Conklin, daughter Caryn Conklin-Meagley; son-in-law Scott Meagley; brother and sister-in-law, John L. Conklin, III (Judy); brother in-law Kris (Julie) Binder; nephews Eric Conklin, Mark (Vanessa) Conklin, Jonathan (Anamaria) Binder, and Steven Binder; niece Kristin Binder; his treasured grand-dogs, Marco, Urijah & Thor; and many cousins.

Bill was born in Susquehanna, PA on July 6, 1949, and spent most of his life living on West Hill. Bill graduated from Susquehanna Community High School in 1967. After high school he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He served in the Vietnam War as part of the “Gator Navy”, aboard the USS Vancouver (LPD-2), an amphibious naval service ship.

After traveling back and forth to New Jersey for more than 20 years, Bill retired from the NJ Transit railroad in 2005. Prior to working for NJ Transit, he worked for Conrail.

Bill was a lifetime member of the American Legion Post 357 in Hallstead, PA and was a lifetime member of the VFW Post 6223 in Great Bend, PA. He always enjoyed traveling with his wife and daughters throughout the years and especially enjoyed his trips to the west coast to visit his California cousins. In the summer you could often find him driving his Corvette to the golf course, or cruising around town in his 1940 Dodge. He was a true animal lover and always had a dog or cat by his side. Over the last 9 years he was proud of the funds he raised for local animal welfare organizations in memory of his daughter, Kelly. Many knew Bill as a diehard Washington Redskins fan, but above all else, he was a wonderful father and husband, and generous friend to all.  His dry sense of humor and keen wit will live on in our memory.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, October 27, 2023 at 11:00am at St. John’s Church, 15 East Church St. Susquehanna, PA.

Interment will directly follow at St. John’s Cemetery in Susquehanna, PA.

The family is incredibly grateful to Jesse Kabana, and staff at Personal Home Health and Hospice Care of Blakely, PA for the extraordinary compassion and care that Bill received from them.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the animal shelter of your choice.