Walter Robert Conlin Jr.

Walter’s initial childhood was in North Syracuse, NY but his family moved to Corning, New York while mid-year in second grade. He attended public schools there in Corning, graduating from Northside High School in 1961. He was very active in sports, earning multiple letters in basketball, football, and baseball.

Following high school graduation Walter entered the USAF in 1965 and was stationed at Fairchild AFB in Spokane, WA, and was a Vietnam era Veteran. While serving there, he also continued his sports activity to include football, softball, and basketball, as well as pursue his college education at Eastern Washington State University. He achieved the rank of Staff Sargent as a medical material specialist. During this tour, his son Brent Alan Conlin was born.

Upon his honorable discharge on 24 March 1969, he immediately went full time to college at Eastern Washington State University, completing his BA in Business Administration and Human Relations in December 1970. After graduation, Walter moved his family back to NY and worked for the American Cancer Society, and during this time his daughter was born, Tara Lynn Conlin. Promotions within the ACS had the family relocating to Utica, NY, where he also pursued semi-pro baseball.

In 1973, work changes brought the family back to Corning, NY where Walter was active in coaching Pop Warner football and Little League baseball, as well as umpire Cinderella Softball in the youth leagues in Big Flats, NY. He was also a member of the Big Flats Volunteer Fire Department.

In July 1980, Walter accepted a job with American General Insurance Company in Houston, TX, where he was Director of Corporate Planning, implementing the first digital tracking of performance for the corporation and all its subsidiaries. In 1986, Walter joined Xerox Corporation, where he had multiple President Club performance years until retirement, ultimately in Austin, TX.

While in Austin, he also continued playing baseball in the senior men’s league until age 58, as he always loved the game. Since 2002 Walter was a member of the National and CTHOG motorcycle group of Harley-Davidson where he enjoyed the rides and made many friends. A spin off of those members was created affectionally called “Sons of Arthritis” where he enjoyed close riding bonds and friends up until his demise. Walt also led a few motorcycle fund-raising rides for dog shelters. Patti and Walt rode all over the US. Walt made a 28-day ride to Alaska and across much of Canada in 2005. With his four Harley’s, Walt accumulated over 128,000 miles. He thoroughly endorsed the saying “it isn’t the destination; it is the ride”.

Walter was predeceased by his parents Walter Robert Conlin, Sr. and Marion Elizabeth Conlin, and a sibling Donald Glen Conlin. He is survived by his wife of 23 Years, Patti Louise Conlin, siblings James Harold Conlin (Terra), John Lowell Conlin (Barbara), David Tyner Conlin and Richard Alan Conlin (Karen), son Brent Alan Conlin (Patty) with three grandchildren, daughter Tara Lynn Rodden (Paul) with two grandchildren and two additional step children Kelly Herman (Patrick) with two grandchildren, and Katie Frazier (James) with five grandchildren.

A celebration of Walter's life and catered reception for family and friends will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, April 28, 2023 at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home in Pflugerville.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Walt’s honor.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldencapitalparks.com for the Conlin family.