Roan J. Confer

Roan J. Confer, Sr., 79, of Lewisburg, passed away August 27, 2020 at the Gatehouse of Divine Providence Hospital.

Born on May 13, 1941 in Honolulu, Hawaii, he was the son of the late Ronald and Esther Confer. He lived in Hawaii the first nine years of his life.

Roan was a 1960 graduate of Williamsport High School and Williamsport Technical School. Upon graduation, he worked as a plumber for his uncle’s company. He was a lifetime member of the Plumbers & Pipefitters Union, Local 810, which eventually became Local 520. He was later a member of the Sprinkler Fitters Union, Local 669. Early in his career, he worked in the gas fields of the western part of the United States. He also worked on the initial construction of oil and gas pipelines in Alaska. Throughout his career, he was a self-employed subcontractor in the boiler industry, automatic fire sprinkler protection industry, and solar renewable energy industry. He retired as a self-employed contractor.

Roan was an active Mason. He was a 50 year member of Ivy Lodge #106, Williamsport. He was a member of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite in the Valley of Williamsport. He was a past member of the Zafar Grotto in Williamsport, and the Irem Temple Shrine in Wilkes-Barre. He was a lifetime supporter of Shriner Hospitals for children.

For decades, Roan was a very active volunteer usher during the week of the Little League World Series. He was also an active supporter of Habitat for Humanity and volunteered in its various construction projects. It was important to him to help the less privileged, especially children.

Most of all, Roan enjoyed spending time with this family and countless friends. He was always the life of the party and at the center of any gathering. Nothing made him happier than spending time with his grandchildren. He never missed a single event in which his children and grandchildren were a participant—graduations, school plays, and all athletic competitions.

For many years, he enjoyed skiing in Vermont and Colorado. Additionally, he enjoyed golf and was a member of the Susquehanna Valley Country Club in Selinsgrove.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Cheryl Bartosik.

Surviving are his partner of 23 years, Judi Karr, five children, Roan J. Confer, Jr. (Marcia), Cheryl A. Harpster (Jerry), Michael V. Confer, Lisa R. Green, Lynn M. Kipp (Mike), he also had a step-daughter, Sabra Karr; seven grandchildren, Madalyn Confer, William Confer, Benjamin Confer, Matthew Harpster, Brooke Harpster, Remy Harpster, Waylon Dorminy; he is also survived by a brother Philip R. Confer (Phyllis), of Madison, CT.

Memorial contributions may be made in Roan’s name to Susquehanna Health Foundation, 1001 Grampian Blvd. Williamsport, PA 17707, to support the expansion of UPMC Hillman Cancer Center in Williamsport.

The family is being assisted by Cronrath-Grenoble Funeral Home, 106 S. Second St., Lewisburg.