NORWICH – Brian Rex Conant, a vibrant young man of 41 years, had his life tragically snuffed out by a senseless accident. Prior to this, however, he had accomplished a number of things – academically, he graduated from Norwich High School, class of 1986. Being athletically inclined, he was also an outstanding runner. At one time Brian actively participated and was successful in running several marathons, including the Utica Boilermaker, Taranto Marathon, and won the inaugural Allegro run. Brian kept in physical shape by running several times each week.
On the secular side, his work career after graduation included Champion, Great American, being a chauffeur for Coachmaster, and being a furniture technician for Scholet Furniture.
Brian had a unique personality. He loved to kid and tease and had a dry sense of humor that would come through when he would put together his speaking assignments. This was part of Brian’s life that was most important to him. Many years ago Brian began pursuing spiritual things and, through his study of the Bible, he became one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. He endeavored to share what he had learned from the Bible with others. He would have excellent conversations with everyone he came in contact with, including those he drove around as a chauffeur. He always endeavored to do what was right, even if it left him at a disadvantage. He followed his Bible-trained conscience. He was very effective teaching from the Bible and made excellent spiritual progress. He was an active member of the West Norwich Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Brian is survived by his wife, Teresa Conant, her son Joshua Santos and wife Jessica, mother-in-law Iris Delgado and her husband Roger, all of Norwich. On Brian’s side of the family is his mother. Rose Conant and her companion Oscar Schaeffer of Norwich; four brothers: Mark and Teri Conant and Eric and Kathryn Conant, all of Norwich, Bill and Carol Conant of Wallingford, Conn., and David and Jody Conant of South Plymouth; two sisters, Wendy Conant of South Plymouth and Sandra Conant with companion Steve Suloft of Oxford. Also surviving are uncles Theodore Conant and wife Lucy of Norwich, Earl Conant of Oregon, and Joseph Belush of Earlville; one aunt, Betty Conant of Norwich; several nephews, nieces, and cousins.
Brian was predeceased by his father, Rex Conant; maternal grandparents, Sarah and Sebastian Ciminata, paternal grandparents, Theodore and Mertie Conant, uncle Erford Conant, and aunts Josephine Belush and Geraldine Conant.
It is noteworthy to mention that the Conant family is a very close-knit and loving family worthy of imitation by the community. All friends and family will dearly miss Brian.
Memorial services for Brian will be held on Saturday, July 25, at 2 p.m. from the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Norwich. Family and friends are welcome to attend. There will be no calling hours.
Arrangements are by the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home.