Rest in Peace Mr. Nice Guy – Dom Conicelli

I didn’t want to believe the news when I heard it. It’s hard to say someone was a young 80 something but Dom was. Before I get any further, I just need to wish his family the best in these tough times and know the Coll family is thinking of all of you. Your dad, or grandfather depending on who is reading this…. I have to tell you, he was proud of all of you. He had a glow in his eyes when he talked about his family. My family has bought our last few vehicles there and each time we’d talk to Dom, and he’d say…. go talk to so and so, he’s my grandson or this family member or that family member…. His caring spirit hasn’t been lost on his family. For the past few years of the food drive, I’d get a call from one of his daughters asking where could they meet me to unload a van full of food, and I mean a van full. When it came to the community Dom and his family always kept an eye turned to Conshohocken and the community. I don’t think many charitable causes went through this area unnoticed by Dom or his family. In fact, one of the last times our paths crossed it was trying to help a young man who lost his wheelchair while rowing in the river.

Over the years, I enjoyed my conversations with Dom, not Dom the business man, just Dom the man. The kid who grew up in Conshy, went to Conshohocken High School and was proud of it. He’d talk about old classmates or about the school in general. He’d tell us about his family, where they were, where they are now…  He had a soft spot for Conshohocken and that is probably why my dad and Dom always got along so well, it’s probably why Dom and I always got along so well. Dom would call once in awhile just to check in, most of the time he’d ask if Conshohocken needed anything at some point in the conversation. Most of the time we’d tell him things were good and nothing was needed.. a few times that we felt a need, and it was a need he could help with… a few of, just a few of those things and causes, the Conshohocken Free Library, The Conshohocken Fellowship House (when it was still a board operated non profit) The 9/11 Monument, the Colonial Neighborhood Council. There are more, there is always more…. I know Dom and his family gave what they could and helped a lot of people through the years.

When you drive on the Ridge today, you will see his name through all of car dealership row if you will…. I don’t think any of us will ever understand the years of hard work, of dedication, of time away from family that all of that took. Dom had a vision years ago and worked hard following up on it. Being a Conshohocken kid myself, I always appreciated the fact that Dom used Conshohocken in the description of where his car dealerships where when at the time, many businesses tried to get away from the name Conshohocken. Dom was proud of where he came from, proud of the heights he took his business to. He was good to his employees over the years and I think he was really happy he got to surround himself with so many of his loved ones in the car dealership family. We know the Conicelli family of car dealerships is in good hands because it is the hands of Dom’s family.

Donna, Lori and Dominic. We are truly sorry for your loss.

Here is the obituary as published in the Norristown Times Herald:

Dominic L. Conicelli, 86, of Collegeville, formerly of Conshohocken, died peacefully on October 20, 2018 He was the beloved husband of the late Florence (D’Orazio) Conicelli. He was born in Conshohocken, PA on October 11, 1932 to the late John and Anna (Santi) Conicelli. Dom was a graduate of Conshohocken High School class of 1950 and Villanova University class of 1954. After college, he entered the US Army and served our country in Germany for 2 years. After coming come from the service, he married the love of his life Florence, whom he met was they were only 12 years old. Dom started his career in the automobile business after he returned from the service at GMAC. Dom became a self-made business person in the community when he then broke off on his own starting a small used car dealership, Hy-Speed Auto Sales, in Norristown where he eventually branched off into Carriage Trade Public Auto Auction and 5 new car franchises to follow, which his family still operates today. The dealerships motto is “A Nice Place To Do Business” as always portrayed by Dom himself, “Mr. Nice Guy” the dealerships mascot. Dom had a devotion to the surrounding communities and was a supporter of many of the local charities and groups. As a child, Dom had a love for horses. He saved money from his newspaper route just to ride them on weekends. As opportunities came later in life, he was able to live out his dream of raising and showing western horses. Dom’s horse community of friends brought him great joy and he was humbled to be honored on October 17, 2018 to be inducted to the National Reined Cow Horse Association Hall of Merit. Dom was also the President of the ARCHA, Atlantic Reined Cow Horse Association and help build the association to what is it today. Dom was a member of St. Eleanor Church in Collegeville and the former SS. Cosmas and Damian Church in Conshohocken. He is survived by his devoted children Donna M. McNally and Brian, Lori L. Hammond and Michael, Dominic M. Conicelli and Karen all of Collegeville, 7 grandchildren T.J. Smith and wife Sarah, Kristina Liskey and husband Ken, Jackie Smith and Fiancé Nate, Jill McDonough and husband Mark, Katie Conicelli, Holly Conicelli, Matthew McNally, 2 step-grandchildren Michael Hammond, Jr., Jonathan Hammond, 7 great-grandchildren Jake, Ava, Levi, Juliette, Gena, Meara and Joey. Dom was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend. His generous and loving spirit will be missed by everyone he touched. He loved to joke and make people laugh and feel comfortable. Dom has touched so many people with his inspiration and words of wisdom that will not be forgotten. Most of all, he always said his and Florence’s greatest accomplishment in life was their children and family. Relatives and friends are invited to his Viewing on Thursday, October 25 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Emil J. Ciavarelli Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, 516 Fayette St., Conshohocken, and Friday, October 26, 2018 from 9:00-11:00 a.m. followed by the Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. at St. Eleanor Church, 647 Locust St., Collegeville, PA. Entombment will be open to those that want to attend at the family residence. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Dominic’s name can be sent to the NRCHYA Scholarship Fund, National Reining Cow Horse Youth Association Scholarship Fund 1017 N. Hwy 377, Pilot Point TX, 76258, or St. Mary Catholic Church, 140 W. Hector St., Conshohocken, PA 19428. Please put note “In Memory of Dominic Conicelli” for both. Condolences may be made at www.ciavarellifuneralhomes.com.

Published in The Times Herald on Oct. 23, 2018