LEWISTON — John M. Conley, 71, of Jay, died Friday, April 15, after a brief stay at St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center.

He was born in Danvers, Mass., Dec. 25, 1939, the son of Harry and Alice (Beliveau) Conley. John graduated from Danvers High School in 1958. He lived in Plaistow, N.H., for many years and worked at Bostik in Middleton, Mass., for more than 35 years.

After moving to Maine in 1995, he worked at G.H. Bass for eight years until the business closed. In 1961, he married Judy Garlington. They had three children. He later married Claire Fournier of Jay, where they shared their home for the past 25 years.

He was a very active member at East Auburn Baptist Church participating in the Christmas Spectacular and the Easter Event. He made many close friends and always looked forward to the men’s retreat in Jackman.

John was a man that was full of life. He had many interests and hobbies. His favorite pastime was fishing in his boat “My Little Fishing Boat.” He always looked forward to fishing with his grandchildren whenever he could. He liked bowling and playing horseshoes on a regular basis and would challenge anyone to a game. He loved snowmobiling and camping and would spend many weekends enjoying the great outdoors. He loved traveling and seeing new places and always had to incorporate a good meal in every trip.

John was the New England Patriot’s No. 1 fan. He would jump at a chance to see a game at Gillette Stadium. He loved children, especially his grandchildren and the children that came to his home every day for daycare. His greatest interest was spending time with his loving wife. They spent many hours together gardening, cooking, fishing, enjoying bonfires, barbeques, eating out and traveling to new places that appeared in their Downeast magazines.

He will be truly missed by all. Not only was he the life of every party, but he was also a very generous man. He spent numerous hours visiting the elderly at nursing homes and dedicated much of his time to helping at the East Auburn Baptist Church food pantry.

He is survived by his wife, Claire Fournier of Jay; her five children; former wife, Judy Garlington and their two children, Debbie Kroboth and husband, Mark, of New Hampshire, and Christopher Conley and wife, Jayne, of Oregon; five stepchildren, Randy Chicoine and wife, Sharon, of Turner, Cheryl DeGone of Turner and son-in-law, Steven DeGone, of Auburn, Lorrie Chicoine of Jay, Tracy Shore and husband, David, of North Carolina, and Darcy Reffner and husband, Steven, of Utah; 11 grandchildren, Kyle and Teresa Kroboth, Christopher and Stephanie Conley, Brianna and Anthony DeGone, Tyler Chicoine, Stephen and Daylyn Reffner, Michael and Tricia Shore; sister, Ellen Pszenny and husband, Chet.

He was predeceased by his parents; infant daughter, Mary; infant twin, Chicoine; grandsons; and infant granddaughter, Alexa Rae Chicoine.