Ernest E. Conry Sr.

Ernest E Conry Sr. was born on May 22, 1953, in Brooklyn, NY, to the late Charles Purvis and Eugenia Conry, and peacefully departed this Earth on Sunday, July 19, 2026. He graduated from Bushwick High School in 1971 and then pursued a career in Special Education, working for the Department of Education, Kings County. Ernest then went on to be employed for 30 years at New York City Off Track Betting as the Superintendent of Construction. After OTB closed due to bankruptcy, he worked as a bus driver for Snyder Bus Company, then becoming a beloved custodian at Memorial Elementary for 10 years before his passing.

He lived in New York for 36 years, before moving to Washington, NJ, in 1989 with his family. He lived a life rooted in family, hard work, and compassion. He was known for his generous heart, his sense of humor, and his willingness to help anyone in need. Whether spending time with family, sharing stories, or simply offering words of encouragement, Ernest left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Ernest found joy in working with his hands around the house. As a former high school basketball player, he was an avid sports fan, with basketball being his favorite sport to watch, especially the New York Knicks. He also supported local youth sports teams, especially students from Taylor Street, Memorial, and Warren Hills. He enjoyed listening to classic soul music such as the Temptations, the Whispers, and many artists from the Motown era of music. If he had some free time over the weekend, you could catch him at the casino. If he couldn’t make it to the casino, he brought the casino to him on his phone with the many casino games he used to love to play.

He was preceded in death by his siblings Eugene Conry, Terry Conry, and Darren Purvis. He is survived by his loving mother Nancy Purvis, wife, former Mayor of Washington, NJ, Ethel Conry, loving niece, Felicia Conry, whom he raised as his own, children, Shontae Conry and Ernest Conry Jr.; his cherished grandchildren, Jan Carrasquillo III, Dontae Gallagher, and Maraya Gallagher; his sibling, Mitchell Purvis (Jeannine); his special aunt Rosalind Purvis; his brother-in-law Lee Price; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends who will forever treasure his memory.

The Conry family extends its heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has offered prayers, love, and support during this difficult time.

Though our hearts are heavy, we find comfort in knowing that Ernest’s legacy of love, faith, and devotion will live on through all who knew him. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Family and friends are invited to attend a wake on Saturday, August 1, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Faith Discovery Church, 33 Brass Castle Road, Washington, NJ. Funeral services will begin at 12:00 p.m., followed by interment at Washington Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Warren Hills Memorial Home.