Donald Conover

DONALD W. CONOVER age 79; loving father of Janet Blyer (husband Michael) and Matthew (wife Dawn); grandfather to Ryan (fiancé Jaelyn Smith) and Zachary (wife Liberty); cherished son of the late David and Thelma (nee Mack); former husband of Susan Conover (nee Wilford); U.S. Army Veteran.

Don was born on October 7, 1946 to David and Thelma Conover in Cleveland, Ohio and graduated from Lutheran East High School in 1965. He entered the US Army in 1966 and was honorably discharged in 1968. He then pursued higher education at Cuyahoga Community College, where he graduated with an associates degree in business. Following his marriage in 1970, he worked for the next 18 years for General Electric as a Manager in the lighting division (Nela Park). Branching out on a new venture, Don then co-owned and operated a carpet and upholstery cleaning company in Chardon, Ohio. Some of his commercial customers included Cleveland Stadium, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Cuyahoga County Metroparks, and the Cleveland Public Libraries.

Favorite leisure activities for Don included fishing at Bass Lake, golfing with his son Matt and playing basketball in a local community league. He also enjoyed watching all Cleveland sports teams (Cavs, Indians, and Browns), as well as Ohio State football. Having a big heart for animals, he spent time volunteering at Rescue Village in Novelty, OH.

He was a man of integrity and character who always worked hard to provide for his family. He was best described as quiet and reserved but had a sense of humor and a contagious laugh. Don passed away peacefully at home with his children at his side on November 21, 2025.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Don to Rescue Village at 15463 Chillicothe Rd, Novelty, OH 44072, or online HERE.

Celebration of life service Wednesday November 26, 2025 at 1 PM at Knollwood Mausoleum, 1678 Som Center Rd, Mayfield Heights, Ohio with Military Honors. Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Don at THE CEMETERY. WEDNESDAY 12:30 - 1:00 PM. Arrangements by DeJohn Funeral Home and Celebrations Center in Chesterland, Ohio.

A son’s tribute to honor a man whose love and strength shaped our lives in countless ways.

 My father was more than a parent—he was a teacher, a protector, and a friend. He taught me many things that I still carry with me today and have passed on to my sons. Important character traits like responsibility, integrity, respect, compassion, and family values to practical things like home repairs, car maintenance, and taxes. He also taught me the value of hard work, the importance of kindness, the power of perseverance, and his wisdom helped guide me through life’s challenges.

I have many good memories of us together from hunting, fishing, golfing, and playing catch to going to a Cavs, Indians, or Browns game. From attending a World Series game to watch the Indians win to taking the train downtown every Christmas Eve for shopping and some Morrow Nut House cashews. I will also remember his generosity. From sending me back to college with a few extra bucks to get by to coming over to blow leaves for me when I was on a business trip. From letting a college kid borrow his Corvette to take his girlfriend out on a date to wanting to help with his grandson’s wedding in the last days before his passing.

Though he is no longer with us, his spirit lives on in the lessons he shared and the love he gave so freely. We will carry his memory forward, cherishing the moments we had together. Dad, thank you for everything. Rest in peace until we see each other again.

Your proud son,

Matt