Joseph E. Conway

Joseph E. Conway. peacefully passed away at Cottage Hospital on November 28th, 2025. He was 90 years old. A longtime resident of Santa Barbara, he moved to California from Kansas City Missouri in 1960. Joe’s faith was an integral part of his life. A lifelong Catholic, he attended parochial schools and University in Kansas City. After coming to Santa Barbara, he earned his Master of Arts degree from Loyola University Los Angeles. He was a long-time member of San Roque Catholic Church in Santa Barbara.

He was especially proud of his two-year service in the United States Marine Corps where he served in Japan. As a Marine, he rose via meritorious promotion to the rank of corporal. In 1960, he moved to Fontana, California to begin his teaching career. Moving to Santa Barbara in 1965, he was hired by the Santa Barbara High School District to teach at La Colina Junior High School where he taught for thirty years. At La Colina, he taught English 7 in a team situation which included many classes for the gifted and talented. He partnered with Maryanna Gray, for 17 years, and with Ric Reed for 10 years. Toward the end of his career, he also taught typing. If asked to describe Mr. Conway, a former student would definitely include the word strict!

However, in retrospect, each would also realize that it was in his classroom that they learned to write and to think critically. He expected the very best from his students. They would also realize how deeply he cared for them. In 1973, he was cited by the Optimist Club of Santa Barbara, Inc. for meritorious and distinguished service. In 1988, he was given the PTA Honorary Service Award; and, in 1995, he was honored by the Rotary Club of Santa Barbara for “outstanding service to La Colina Junior High School.

Joe moved to Vista del Monte in September of 2016 where he met new friends and reunited with former colleagues. He is remembered there for his appreciation of staff and other residents and his frequent gifts of candy and cookies. Mr. Conway was preceded in death by his parents Bernard and Lorena Conway and his sister Mary Patricia Conway of Kansas City, Missouri.

He is survived by his former wife and friend, Sandy Fisher of Santa Barbara.

A memorial celebrating Joe Conway’s life will be held on Thursday, January 15, 2026 at 11:00 AM at Vista del Monte, 3775 Modoc Road in the main lounge. If you are unable to come it would be wonderful if you sent a special memory of Joe to Maryanna Gray by email or text or to her home address. Email – mawginsb@gmail.com Address – 1020 Randolph Rd. Santa Barbara 93111. If you can attend please let Maryanna Gray know by January 7th to help those planning the event to know how many may be there.