Peter Joseph Conlon

FITCHBURG - Peter Joseph Conlon, age 56, of Fitchburg, passed away on Monday, June 2, 2025, at his home surrounded by love. He was born on May 18, 1969, in Joliet, IL, the son of Anthony and Louise (Treadwell) Conlon.

Peter grew up in Oceanside, CA, near many extended family members. He graduated in 1987 from Army Navy Academy in Carlsbad, CA, where he loved playing water polo, basketball, golfing, music, dancing and many lifelong friends. He attended Chapman University, where he played on the golf team, was a member of Delta Sigma Phi, and created many wonderful friendships. Peter graduated with a degree in Communications in 1991 and began his career in finance. During the past 34 years Peter worked at American Funds, Evergreen, AIG, Protective, Transamerica, Saybrus and was currently a Regional Vice-President for Nationwide. Peter loved his work as it involved building authentic relationships and working in the best interests of clients. He was very passionate about his job and those he worked alongside. Pete met his wife, Debra, in 2009, and they began their many adventures together, which included eloping to Door County in 2013. They loved each other dearly, enjoyed traveling together to new locations, watching sporting events, laughing, being with family and friends, and taking their beloved dogs to dog parks.  

Peter loved his children and was so proud of the young adults they have become. He enjoyed the times they spent together. Peter could not have been more excited to welcome the first grandchild, Audrey Jane, in October of 2024. He was known for holding her in his arms, way beyond his “time-limit” and loved her beautiful blue eyes and her endearing smile. He was a social butterfly and loved being in the center of a group of friends and loved ones. Peter enjoyed taking vacations, especially traveling internationally and to warm weather destinations. He was an avid sports fan and loved cheering for the Colts, Cincinnati Reds, and Notre Dame. Peter never missed a tee time or the opportunity to watch a golf tournament. He was always happy to go fishing with friends and enjoyed his times on the water. Peter had a great smile and a wonderful sense of humor, which was very endearing.

Peter will be remembered as a kind, loving, and genuine person who was always eager to help a friend, offer support and give a hug. He loved to make people laugh and had an absolute heart of gold. All that interacted with Peter benefited from his positive perspective and grateful attitude.

We would like to thank the University of Wisconsin (UW) Madison Palliative Care Program, especially Dr. Eric Marty and social worker Jean Ligocki. They provided compassionate care and support for Peter, as well as Debra, which made a huge difference during this challenging journey. We would also like to thank the UW Carbone Cancer Center and the wonderful team at Agrace Hospice Care. Their incredible care meant the world to Peter and our family. We are also forever grateful to Jonathan Jarrell, and Peter’s many colleagues at Nationwide. What an incredible group of co-workers and friends. We are so appreciative to everyone who sent messages of love, provided support, cared for our pups, brought us meals, sent cards, posted a memory, and so on. We love you all!

Peter will be greatly missed by his parents, Anthony and Louise; wife, Debra Borquist-Conlon; three sons, Paden (Gracelyn), Riley (Hailei) and T.J (Hannah); two daughters, Skyler (Tom) and Lilly; and granddaughter, Audrey (8 months).

Peter - Your life was a blessing. You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. JAMES CATHOLIC CHURCH AT GOOD SHEPHERD PARISH, 1204 St. James Court, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 20, 2025, with Father Drew Olson presiding. This service will be live streamed with specific more details to follow. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON FITCHBURG FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 2950 Chapel Valley Road, Fitchburg, from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 19, 2025, and also at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Friday.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the University of Wisconsin Palliative Care Program’s Excellence in Palliative Care Fund (https://secure.supportuw.org/give/search/?search_filters=wiscmed&custom=medgen02&appeal=738)

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Fitchburg
Funeral & Cremation Care
2950 Chapel Valley Road
(608) 442-5002