Conception (Conjie/Connie) Joseph Conti, 93, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 14, 2015, at Central Vermont Medical Center in Berlin. Connie was born in Upper Graniteville on October 3, 1921, in the family home. He was the fourth of nine children born to Andrea and Loretta Conti who had immigrated from Lettomanoppello, Italy. He attended the Websterville School before serving in the Civilian Conservation Corps. In 1938 he enlisted in the US Army at Fort Ethan Allen. He served honorably overseas for six years as a member of the 62nd Anti- Aircraft Artillery Regiment in World War II. He was awarded the Vermont Distinguished Service Medal. On November 9, 1946, Connie married Rolande (Ronnie) Lavigne, the love of his life. Connie is survived by his wife, Ronnie, his children Loretta and her husband Roy Nicholson of AZ, Mike Conti and his wife Pam of MD, Patty and her husband Paul Haverstick of Waterbury Center and Jackie and her husband Steve Yandow of Moretown. Grandchildren include: Braden Nicholson, Carrie Nicholson, Ami Conti, Andy Conti, Amanda Knowlton, Kathryn Baccaglini, Jean Haverstick, Nicola Grasso, Laura Conti, Angelina Redding, Corey Minor, Natasha Yandow, Taylor Yandow and Alison Yandow. In addition Conception has six great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Rose Roy of MA, his brother, Peter Conti and his wife, Beverly of Berlin, sister-in-law Lenora Conti of Barre, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Connie was predeceased by his parents, his son Andrew Conti, brothers, Nicholas Conti, Stanley Conti and Vincent Conti, and sisters, Mary Poitras, Annette Klingerman, and Norma Noakes. Connie was a business man. The family initially resided in Barre where he owned a meat market and grocery store. They later moved to Montpelier where he worked for Swift Meat Company after which they opened several businesses in the Waterbury area including a grocery store, laundromats and a furniture and appliance store. He was president of the Independent Grocers Association. In 1972 they moved to Moretown. Connie was a man of a great many interests. In his younger days he enjoyed outdoor activities including hunting, fishing and harvesting wild mushrooms. In later years he enjoyed collecting and restoring cars, juke boxes, arcades games and slot machines. He was an active member of the Vermont Automobile Enthusiasts for over 35 years where he served in several capacities including President. Throughout his life, he enjoyed spending time with people sharing stories, good food and lots of jokes. He will be missed for his kindheartedness, generosity, quick wit and sense of humor. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, April 20 at 11 a.m. at St. Andrews Catholic Church, Waterbury, VT. Family and friends may call Sunday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Guare and Sons Funeral Home, 30 School Street, Montpelier. Interment will be at a late date in the St. Sylvester Cemetery in Websterville. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be sent to the Waterbury Good Neighbor Fund, in memory of Conception J. Conti, c/o Waterbury Congregational Church, 8 North Main St., Waterbury, VT 05676 Donations may also be made at https://waterburycast.wordpress.com/donate/