Paul Conley (In Memoriam)

In Memoriam – 1945-2021

On December 1, 2021, Jazz90.1 learned of the passing of Monday morning DJ Paul Conley, after a courageous and quiet battle with cancer.

Paul hosted Jazz Horizons every Monday morning from 1 a.m. – 6 a.m. since the mid 1990’s on Jazz90.1. Paul always kept his listeners tuned in to jazz, blues and a taste of Latin music. He was also a co-organizer of the Annual Pythodd Jazz Reunion in Rochester for its seven year run. He also volunteered his time for both Camp Good Days and Special Times and The Ronald McDonald House of Rochester through his officiating Board.

In additional to his interest in music, Paul officiated boys high school basketball and in the ABA Professional Basketball League. He also Umpired college baseball and was an alternate umpire in the International League. Paul was also employed at DXC/Xerox as a Technical Helpdesk Analyst. He also taught and trained new officials for boys high school basketball. As you can tell “the Doctor” always stayed busy.

Paul resided in the town of Greece, New York with his wife Ethel, his daughter Phoebe and son “Chipper”. We will never forget “Uncle Paul” and his love for jazz and for the Rochester community. 

“I will always remember Paul’s passion for jazz, and the hours of stories that he would tell. “Uncle Paul” was really the “mayor” of jazz in Rochester, and he knew just about everyone. If you asked him, he would tell you he met some of the biggest stars in jazz over the years. Paul was front row at every jazz festival, and couldn’t be happier to be enjoying the wonderful music,” said Station Manager Rob Linton. “Paul also devoted thousands of hours behind the mic as host of “Jazz Horizons” on Jazz90.1 every Monday morning. We will miss him so, so much.”

Jazz90.1 DJ’s and Volunteers Remember Paul:

Chuck Ingersoll: “When we got the new transmitter and power boost, it was very exciting for everyone. And Paul, being a huge WGMC booster, was over the top excited. He went down to Elmira to ref a basketball game, and was thrilled to hear the station a good portion of the way. When he returned, of course he tuned in 90.1 immediately and at about Dansville he got really good reception and he called me (I was doing the SJS 3-hour live version on Friday nite from 9 to midnite back then) and was just beside himself with glee and how “now people can actually HEAR US!”

Rick Petrie: Paul was always ready to tell me how it really was and is, and he was usually right!  His love for music was steadfast and fun. What a voice!  I will miss him.

Rob Linton: I will always remember Paul’s wit and humor, and oh….those stories. Some of his stories you could believe, and others – well – maybe not so much (insert laughing emoji.) But – the stories were so entertaining, and his humor was truly contagious. You could just sit and listen to his amazing tales from Rochester jazz for hours, and it was like taking a ride back in time. We also had so much fun at the jazz festival each year, and seeing that bright smile of his was always a joy. We will truly miss Uncle Paul.

Tom Pethic: When l heard the sad news about Paul Conley l was shocked. To say the least, anytime one loses a family member it’s tough and certainly not easy. I’d see Paul at the majority of jazz concerts and would often chat with him about his days working at The Pythodd. At WGMC we certainly are a family. A jazz family, per say. Paul’s dedication to jazz music and what he’s done with his ongoing efforts in our community should not be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with Paul’s family and friends who loved and cared about him. “The Doctor Is In” – Paul Conley 

Joëlle VanBuren: Paul Conley was a passionate human being: he loved jazz; he loved sports; he adored and was so proud of his family. He also had a great sense of humor and was not afraid to speak up. Above all, He was deeply religious and lived his faith every day. His passing is our loss and heaven’s gain. Paul’s Bio:

Paul Conley passed away on December 1, 2021. He hosted Jazz Horizons every Monday morning from 1 a.m. – 6 a.m. since the mid 1990’s on Jazz90.1. Paul always kept his listeners tuned in to jazz, blues and a taste of Latin music. He was also a co-organizer of the Annual Pythodd Jazz Reunion in Rochester for its seven year run. He also volunteered his time for both Camp Good Days and Special Times and The Ronald McDonald House of Rochester through his officiating Board. In additional to his interest in music, Paul officiated boys high school basketball and in the ABA Professional Basketball League. He also Umpired college baseball and was an alternate umpire in the International League. Paul was also employed at DXC/Xerox as a Technical Helpdesk Analyst. He also taught and trained new officials for boys high school basketball. As you can tell “the Doctor” always stayed busy. Paul resided in the town of Greece, New York with his wife Ethel, his daughter Phoebe and son “Chipper”. We will never forget “Uncle Paul” and his love for jazz and for the Rochester community.  Check Out Paul Conley’s Top Jazz Playlist