William Conroy, 90, operatic tenor, choir director at St. Catherine-St. Lucy

William J. Conroy, 90, of Oak Park died on June 12 after a long illness. Born in Chicago on July 5, 1921, he began his musical career early in life, taking private lessons at the Chicago Conservatory of Music. He performed for several years as a tenor with the St. Louis Municipal Opera and the Chicago Opera and toured in concert with the Master Singers at major universities. He was a featured soloist in Grant Park concerts as well as WGN Theater of the Air.

Mr. Conroy also performed at local nightclubs and served as choir director and soloist at St. Catherine of Siena/St. Lucy Church in Oak Park for 20 years. Following his retirement, he enjoyed spending the winter months with numerous friends in the Canary Islands. He will always be remembered for his curiosity, wit, charisma, and especially his Irish limericks.

William Conroy is survived by his daughters, Valerie Gager, Linda Porter, and Maura Simms; his grandchildren, Dawn and Marc DeMuro; his great-grandson, Panos Anistasiou; his former wife, Jessica Reed; and his nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Jim and Ed Conroy.

A memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, June 23 from 2 p.m. until time of service (4 p.m.) at Drechsler, Brown & Williams Funeral Home, 203 S. Marion St., Oak Park. A memorial message may be written to the family by visiting the Chicago Tribune guestbook at chicagotribune.com/obituaries.