Gregory Thomas Conway

Gregory passed away Saturday, August 23, 2025, at age 73 at his home in Mannford, OK, surrounded by his family. Gregg was born May 4, 1952 in New York City, NY, to James F. Conway, Jr. and Patricia A. Conway, who preceded him in death. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Gregg moved from New York in 1976 to join his family in Tulsa and began his lifelong work of distinguished service to Oklahoma youth and families that spanned more than 40 years. Gregg graduated from Maria Regina Catholic High School on Long Island, NY. He was a graduate of Tulsa Community College, and earned his bachelor's degree in social work from Oral Roberts University, with cum laude honors. He earned his master's degree in family and addictions counseling from Oklahoma State University, with cum laude honors. Until his retirement in May 2025, Gregg served for nearly 30 years as Executive Director & CEO of the Tulsa Boys' Home (TBH). He led the transformation of the TBH organization to become nationally recognized and accredited for the success of its programs serving boys in need. Prior to taking the TBH leadership role in 1997, Gregg spent five years as Executive Director of the Oklahoma Lions Boys' Ranch in Perkins, OK. Before that-and while earning his master's degree at OSU-Gregg worked from 1990 to 1992 as a family therapist at Payne County Youth Services in Stillwater, OK. After graduating from OSU, Gregg and his wife, Jennifer, also became foster parents, as well as trained other foster parents to serve children in Oklahoma. From 1979 to 1988, Gregg served as Founder and Executive Director of Operation Aware of Oklahoma. The popular, innovative program focused on drug prevention education and the development of positive decision-making skills for students in grades four, five, and six across northeastern Oklahoma. In 1985, Operation Aware drew special national attention. The program and Gregg's efforts attracted the attention of First Lady Nancy Reagan-thanks to the help of his longtime friend and mentor Joe Frates, a distinguished Tulsa business executive and philanthropist. Mrs. Reagan joined Gregg and his Operation Aware team in Tulsa for a firsthand view of the program in action. During the visit, she presented him the Presidential Community Service Achievement Award for his leadership. In 1986, Tulsa-based energy company MAPCO presented Gregg its Unsung Hero Award. That same year, he was also a recipient of the Outstanding Young Man in America Award. Special awards have also recognized Gregg's leadership and his team's service to Tulsa Boys' Home. In 2011, TBH earned the ONE Award, presented by the Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits for excellence in nonprofit management. And in 2012, Gregg was among the twelve leading local citizens chosen to receive the Tulsa Men of Distinction Award presented by the Tulsa Business & Legal News. In addition to his talents and achievements basketball and baseball in his youth, Gregg's interests included horses, horseback riding and skills, sailing, surfing, target shooting sports, wild bird hunting, cigar smoking and leisure driving. He greatly enjoyed his Irish heritage, was an outstanding barbecue chef, and enjoyed rooting for his favorite Oklahoma State sports teams. He also enjoyed golfing and fishing, and loved doing both with family, friends and business associates. He is survived by: his loving bride of 39 years, Jennifer, of Mannford, OK; son Mason and wife Jordan of Enid, OK; son Cale of Sand Springs, OK; brother Kevin and wife Christina Conway of Bloomington, IN; sister Karen and husband Paul of Magnolia, TX; sister-in-law Janice Conway, wife of deceased brother Curtis, of Bakersfield, CA; and sister Christine Hickman of Sand Springs, OK. Gregg is also survived by five grandchildren, Axel Curtis Lee Conway (9), Leo Mason Conway (7), Shaylin Rose Conway (4), Stella Grace Conway (1) and Cillian Michael Thomas Conway (1), Poppy was his favorite name; 18 nieces and nephews; and several great nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, and brother Curtis, Gregg was preceded in death by his father-in-law Richard Trent and mother-in-law Mildred Trent. Gregg is also survived by his brothers-in-law and their wives Bruce and Norma Trent of Charleston, SC; Brad and Becky Trent of Long Beach, MI; and sister-in-law Anne and husband Pat Loyd of Decatur, TX. Gregg was best known for his creative vision, amazing energy, joy of life, and his love and dedication to his faith, family and friends. Most of all, Gregg will be forever remembered as a very loving and generous son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, and dear friend to many and will be greatly missed. A funeral Mass for Gregg will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, August 29 at Holy Family Cathedral, 820 S Boulder Ave, Tulsa, OK 74119. Interment will be at Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Tulsa, OK. In lieu of flowers, and in honor of Gregg's legacy of service to the community and State of Oklahoma, the family requests memorials be made to Tulsa Boys' Home, PO Box 1101, Tulsa, OK 74101, and Operation Aware of Oklahoma, Inc., 8990-B S Sheridan Rd, Tulsa, OK, 74133. Fitzgerald Southwood Colonial Chapel, (918) 291-3500.

Gregory Thomas Conway

May 4, 1952 - August 23, 2025