Thomas Michael Conley

Thomas Michael Conley (Col. USMC, Retired) died peacefully after a long illness. He was born in Denver to James and Maxine Conley and was the oldest of six children.

Tom spent most of his childhood in Colorado Springs where he graduated from St. Mary’s High School in 1958. He attended the University of Colorado at Boulder on a Penrose Scholarship where he was a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity and graduated with a degree in economics in 1962.

He was commissioned a second lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps and received his Navy Wings of Gold in 1964. Tom proudly served his country as a fighter pilot for 29 years, including two tours in Vietnam. His pilot call sign was “Blade,” and he logged over 5000 flight hours, primarily in the F-4 Phantom. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Navy Commendation Medal.

Tom met his wife Sally (Stenback) in Boulder, where they married in 1963. His military career moved them to nine different states before they settled back in Boulder in 1991 after his USMC retirement.

An active member of Alcoholics Anonymous for over 50 years, his passions included reading, skiing, fishing, CU Buffaloes, Denver Broncos, Colorado Rockies, and family card games.

Tom is survived by his wife Sally, his children Kirsten, Lee, and Joanna, their spouses Gary, Jacqui, and Reese, his grandsons Benjamin, Thomas, and Casey, and his brothers, nieces, and nephews.

Tom’s adult life was also shared with seven dogs and nine cats. Therefore, in lieu of flowers, please donate to the Humane Society of Boulder Valley or your local animal shelter.

A memorial service and reception will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Boulder on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at 11am.