Jeffery Arnold Conwell

Jeffery Arnold Conwell, 67, passed away on February 21, 2026, in Oceanside, California. Born on August 17, 1958, at Patuxent River, Maryland, Jeff was the third of four boys in a proud Navy family. Born premature, he entered the world small but determined — a quiet resilience that would characterize his entire life. Growing up in a military household meant living across the United States, learning early how to build community wherever he went.

Jeff is survived by his beloved wife of 46 years, Terry; his sons, Ian and Dustin; his granddaughters, Madison and Kelsei; two brothers; 17 nieces and nephews and their spouses; and many grandnieces and grandnephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Yukie Conwell; his brother, John; and his Uncle Mark.

Jeff devoted 35 years to public service. He began his career in 1981 as a Postal Carrier with the United States Postal Service, later transitioning to the General Services Administration in 2009 before retiring in 2016. He took pride in steady, honest work and in quietly doing his part. His work life created many enduring, meaningful friendships that were important to him. Colleagues remember him as dependable, hardworking, and someone you could always count on.

After retirement, Jeff embraced a life filled with simple joys. Following in his father’s footsteps, he cultivated a garden abundant with fruits and vegetables, generously sharing the harvest with family, friends, and neighbors. He found satisfaction in tending his yard, maintaining his home with care and pride. Summers meant time in the pool, long walks with his beloved dog, and sharing bites of his meals with her and other family dogs — earning him the affectionate nickname “Food Fingers.”

Jeff and Terry held annual passes to Disneyland and visited as often as they could, creating memories that became treasured traditions. Beginning in 2018, they expanded their travels internationally, visiting Japan with their son Dustin and reconnecting with family in Hiroshima, and later traveling to Egypt and Italy. These adventures brought him great joy, blending family heritage with shared experience.

Those who knew Jeff speak most often of his kindness and his playful spirit. He was known for being goofy and lighthearted, always ready with a joke or a bit of humor to make those around him smile. He loved sharing laughs with his sons, granddaughters, nieces, and nephews, and took special joy in being playful with the younger generation. He had a calm presence, a warm smile, and a quiet sense of humor that could sneak up on you. He was generous without fanfare, loyal to his friends, deeply devoted to his family, and endlessly proud of his wife, children, and granddaughters. He showed his love not through grandgestures, but through constancy — by showing up, by sharing what he had, and by filling ordinary moments with laughter.

Throughout his life, Jeff’s work led the family on many moves — from Virginia just outside Washington, D.C., back to California, then Las Vegas, and eventually five and a half cherished years living in Washington, D.C., a place they loved deeply. Ultimately, Oceanside became their paradise — the place where they felt most at peace.

Jeff lived a life rooted in service, family, humility, humor, and simple joys. He will be profoundly missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him.