Thomas Frederick Conlon Jr. (October 10, 1924 – December 8, 2017) was an American politician who served as the 54th mayor of Cumberland, Maryland, from 1966 to 1974 as a member of the Democratic Party. He previously served in the Maryland House of Delegates from 1959 to 1962.

Thomas F. Conlon Jr.
54th Mayor of Cumberland, Maryland
In office
1966–1974
Preceded byEarl D. Chaney
Succeeded byF. Perry Smith Jr.
Member of the Maryland House of Delegates
In office
1959–1962
Personal details
Born
Thomas Frederick Conlon Jr.

(1924-10-10)October 10, 1924
Cumberland, Maryland, U.S.
DiedDecember 8, 2017(2017-12-08) (aged 93)
Political partyDemocratic
SpouseGertrude Dooley
Children5
Parent
EducationLaSalle High School
OccupationPolitician
Military service
AllegianceUnited States
Branch/serviceUnited States Army
Years of service1943–1946
RankCaptain

Early life and education

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Conlon was born on October 10, 1924, in Cumberland, Maryland, where he attended parochial schools. Conlon's father, Thomas F. Conlon, served as the 49th mayor of Cumberland, Maryland, from 1942 to 1944.[1]

Conlon graduated from LaSalle High School in 1942.[2]

Conlon served in the United States Army from 1943 to 1946.[3] After leaving active duty, he became involved in the United States Army Reserve,[1] retiring with the rank of captain.

Following his military service, Conlon returned to Cumberland and began working in the family business, selling travel services and life insurance.[2]

Career

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Conlon was a delegate to the Democratic State Convention in 1954.[3]

In 1962, Conlon was elected to one term in the Maryland House of Delegates.[2] He represented Allegany County from 1959 to 1962.[3]

Conlon served two terms as the 54th mayor of Cumberland, Maryland, holding office from 1966 to 1974. According to one of Conlon's children, he wanted to preserve the Queen City Station, though it was ultimately demolished.[1] He was preceded in office by Earl D. Chaney and succeeded by F. Perry Smith Jr.

Personal life and death

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In 1953, Conlon married Gertrude Dooley, with whom he had five children. He was a Roman Catholic.[2]

Conlon was a member of several organizations during the course of his life, including the National Railroad Historical Association, the National Preservation Society, the Cumberland Chamber of Commerce, the American Society of Travel Agents, the Cumberland Historic Cemetery Organization, the Knights of Columbus, and the Military Affiliate Radio System.[2] He was also a member of the Maryland Independent Insurance Agents Association and the Society of the Holy Name.[1]

Conlon died at the age of 93 on December 8, 2017.[2]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d Larry, Greg (December 12, 2017). "Tom Conlon, former Cumberland mayor, dead at 93". Cumberland Times-News. Cumberland, Maryland. Retrieved July 18, 2024.
  2. ^ a b c d e f "THOMAS F. CONLON". Cumberland, Maryland: Cumberland Times-News Obituaries. December 22, 2017. Retrieved July 18, 2024.
  3. ^ a b c "Thomas F. Conlon, Jr". Maryland State Archives. February 27, 2001. Retrieved July 18, 2024.
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