Joseph Lawrence Conneen, Jr.

Joseph “Joe” L. Conneen, Jr., born in 1945 in Sumter, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on September 24, 2025, in Melbourne, Florida. He was the son of Jane and Joe Conneen, with his father serving as an Army Air Corps check pilot. Joseph was predeceased by his wife Mari, younger sister Mimi, two sons Patrick and Joseph, his daughter-in-law Stephanie Henderson Conneen, and his parents. 

Raised in Bethlehem, PA, Joseph attended the Pennington School for Boys for College Prep. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1963 traveling the world and actively serving into 1969, receiving an Honorable Discharge with Honors. In 1965, he married Mari Conneen, sharing over 60 years of love and companionship. 

After his service in the Marines, Joe pursued higher education at Jacksonville University in Florida, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting. He was deeply involved in campus life, serving as the Business Manager of the school newspaper, President of his fraternity Alpha Kappa Psi, and was honored to be included in Who's Who in Colleges and Universities in America. 

Following graduation, Joe embarked on a successful career path, beginning as a staff accountant with Peat, Marwick, Mitchell & Co. in Jacksonville. He later served as the Chief Financial Officer of Universal Investors Trust in Miami, Florida. Relocating to Melbourne, Florida, Joe pursued his passion for real estate development and custom home building. He also served as an FHA and VA Building Compliance Inspector, ensuring quality construction standards. 

A man of diverse interests, Joe was also an art enthusiast, owning galleries in Melbourne and Winter Park, Florida. Building his dream home Joe and Mari retired in the mountains of Waynesville, NC. He enjoyed exploring the world with his family and cherished open ocean sailing races, adventures, and leisure trips across the Caribbean. In his leisure time, he found solace in being with his wife, sailing, golfing, traveling, and admiring the beauty of art and the mountains of North Carolina. 

Joseph is survived by his sister Mary Jane Sturgis (Doc) of Media, PA, three sons Christopher (Robin), Matthew (Helena), and Michael, all of Brevard County, FL, six granddaughters, and one great-granddaughter. He was an honest Marine. 

A celebration of Joseph's life will be held at his son's restaurant, Pizza Gallery and Grill – Melbourne FL, on October 12, 2025 from 2pm till 5pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the East Coast Zoological Foundation supporting the future Bowen Aquarium. 

Here's a link to Joe and Mari's founding supporter contribution website.