Neil Roy Conaway

Neil Roy Conaway, age 75, of Erie, Pennsylvania, passed away on Friday, July 3rd, 2026 at Hamot Medical Center, with his wife and daughter by his side. Neil was born on January 29th, 1951, in Meadville, PA, the son of Robert Leland Conaway and Ruth Bunce Conaway. He grew up on a dairy farm in Townville, Pennsylvania, graduating from Townville High School in 1968. He began working for General Electric (GE) in Erie in March 1969, starting out in the machine shop. Neil continued his career path at GE for 41 years, retiring in 2009 as a locomotive inspector. In addition to providing a job he was proud of, GE is where he met his wife Teresa, and they were married in 1977.

As an avid outdoorsman, Neil loved boating, fishing for walleye in Lake Erie with his father-in-law, hunting with his dad, and camping, especially in the Allegheny National Forest, where he spent many of his happiest moments with his family. Neil was a sports enthusiast and diehard Cleveland Indians (now Guardians) fan, and he always looked forward to attending Erie SeaWolves games. Neil loved dogs, and enjoyed many fond moments with his wonderful canine companions over the years. The latest of these beloved four-legged friends were Mitzi, Queenie, and Vinny.

Some of Neil's favorite memories include family vacations to Maine and Florida, and fishing trips to Bark Lake in Canada. He was a lifetime member of the Polish Falcons Club, Nest 610. Neil was also always a very hard worker, who believed in the importance of doing a job well. Neil continued to keep busy following his retirement by holding numerous jobs, the most recent of which was Arrow Security.

Neil was preceded in death by his father Robert Conaway; his mother Ruth Conaway; his stepfather Theodore Preston; his sister Cathy Roche and her husband Jon; his father-in-law Harry Mikolajewski; and his mother-in-law Stella Mikolajewski.

Neil is survived by his wife Teresa Mikolajewski Conaway; his daughter Emily Conaway of Erie; his sons Brent Conaway (Loretta) of Queen Creek, Arizona, and Steve Conaway (Carolyn) of Evanston, Illinois; his sisters Linda Conaway of Saegertown, Mary Schroeder (George) of Conneaut Lake, Patty Smith (Don) of Cambridge Springs, and Brenda Bogda (Curtis) of Cambridge Springs; sister-in-law Patty Mikolajewski of The Villages, Florida; grandchildren Annabelle, Luke, Rosemary, and Juliette; and many nieces, including his goddaughter Kelly, nephews, and cousins.

Neil would like to extend special thanks and appreciation to Dr. Bill and Dr. Kevin for many years of excellent care. His family is also grateful to the team at Hamot Medical Center for their kindness.

At Neil's request, there will be no viewing hours; however, Neil asks everyone to say a prayer for him. A celebration of life will be held for the family at a future date.

Instead of flowers, Neil asked that donations be made in his memory to the National Park Service's Plant-A-Tree program, at plantatree.fs.usda.gov. From that homepage, please select the state of Pennsylvania, and choose the Allegheny National Forest as the location for your donated tree. Thank you so much for helping to support one of Neil's very favorite places.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Burton Quinn Scott Cremation & Funeral Services, Inc., 602 W 10th St., Erie 16502.

Neil will forever be loved and missed by his entire family.