Conrad Pierson Shad
September 8, 1942 - September 7, 2023

Conrad Pierson Shad of Port Orange, Florida, passed away in Glens Falls, New York, after a valiant battle with myelodysplastic syndrome. A first-generation American of German immigrants, he was born in Summit, New Jersey and graduated New Providence High School in 1960. Conrad attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical Institute in Miami, Florida, graduating in 1962. Conrad was a member of the Georgia Army National Guard's 159th Aviation Company as an aircraft mechanic and the New York Air National Guard's 109th Tactical Airlift Group as an LC-130 Flight Engineer. He was a pilot for General Electric Corporate Air Transport out of both Schenectady County Airport, New York followed by Cincinnati Municipal Airport-Lunken Field, Ohio. Conrad finished his professional aviation career as a corporate pilot for the Kroger Company. He and his wife then moved to Spruce Creek Fly-In Community in Port Orange, Florida in 1999 for their retirement. Conrad lived a life filled with passion, adventure, and unwavering devotion to his family, friends, and his beloved aviation community.

Conrad was preceded in death by his sister, Elizabeth Shad Fernekess of Basking Ridge, New Jersey, and his stillborn daughter. He is survived by his loving wife, Marcia Daly, with whom he shared a profound and enduring love for 51 years, and their two sons, Brian (Suzanne) and Christopher (Fawn). Conrad was a cherished grandfather, "Opa", to Joseph and Logan, both of whom he loved deeply. He leaves behind beloved nieces and nephews in New Jersey and Florida and cousins across the country.

Conrad was an accomplished aviator and aircraft mechanic. His lifetime dedication to his profession was recognized in 2017 when he was honored with the Federal Aviation's top achievement awards: The Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award and the Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award. These accolades were testaments to his passion for flight and his commitment to safety. His expertise touched the lives of countless individuals within the aviation community, leaving an indelible mark, specifically in his home of Spruce Creek Fly-In Community, where he formed lasting bonds and friendships. Conrad was a member of the Quiet Birdmen Association, the Old Pilots Group, the United Flying Octogenarians the Experimental Aircraft Association, the Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Alumni Association, and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. His contributions to the aviation world extended beyond mechanics and piloting; he was a source of knowledge, camaraderie, and support for all who shared his love of the skies.

In addition to his aviation pursuits, Conrad loved travel and leisure time. He was an active member of the Eagle Wings Motorcycle Association and its predecessor the Gold Wing Road Riders Association, where he found joy in the open road and the company of fellow riders. He and his wife travelled over 40,000 miles together on their motorcycle. Marcia and Conrad also journeyed cross country in their motorhome, visiting countless national parks and beautiful small towns. For 22 years, Conrad and his family enjoyed summers at Sacandaga Lake in the Adirondacks of New York State.

Conrad's legacy will live on through the cherished memories he created and the profound impact he had on the lives of those around him. His kindness, wisdom, and love will be dearly missed but never forgotten.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Conrad's memory to:

Experimental Aircraft Association's Young Eagles program of Chapter 288 in Daytona Beach Florida:

https://eaa288.org/pay%3A-dues-%26-donations

or

The Myelodysplastic Syndromes Foundation:

https://www.mds-foundation.org/

Rest in peace, dear Conrad, as you embark on your flight West.