Norman Robert Conover's Obituary
Norman Robert “Bob” Conover was born February 27, 1933 in Long Branch, N.J. to the late Norman Carly Conover and Dorothy (Watson) Conover Perrine.
Bob spent his childhood years in Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey, graduating from Atlantic Highlands High School June 8, 1950. He was a devoted student at North Carolina University - majoring in Biology before he enlisted in the United States Army, serving as a Military Policeman in Korea. After an honorable discharge, Bob returned to North Carolina State University, earning a Master of Science degree in wildlife conservation and management.
In 1960 Bob was a proud N.J. State Trooper, patrolling out of West Trenton, NJ before becoming a Special Agent for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms in Newark, NJ. Bob loved his career in law enforcement as much as he loved learning and took every opportunity to learn a new skill. From Special Agent with ATF, he moved to Alternate Inspector-in-Charge for the IRS where he was offered the amazing opportunity to be a Compliance Intern for the IRS in Washington, DC which he could not turn down. Upon relocating to Cheverly, MD and serving as an Intern, Bob took a position as a Law Enforcement Analyst with the Office of Criminal Enforcement, Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms in DC where he served as a project manager for the team who designed the first ATF computerized management information and intelligence system. In 1973 Bob moved up within the ATF to a regional inspector for the Office of Internal Affairs; directing a staff of special agents and inspectors who conducted investigations in a 13 state area. After several years of exemplary work, he was promoted to Chief of the Special Investigations Branch then was promoted again (and retired as) the Chief of the Operations Review Division.
Bob received many awards and honors throughout his lifetime including:
Tau Alpha Sigma – Honor Society, North Carolina State University
Honor Graduate: 728th Military Police Battalion School
Honor Graduate: New Jersey State Police Academy
U.S. Treasury Department Distinguished Expert of Firearms
U.S. Treasury Department Certificate of Award
Distinguished Expert in Marksmanship
Certified Police Firearms Instructor
Lifetime Member of the Fraternal Order of Police, Nova Lodge No. 35
Bob had many hobbies throughout the years. He loved to fish, hunt, metal detect, ride his motorcycle, and play golf. He enjoyed reading his Bible, praying for and with others, and spending time with his friends and family. Bob was a big prankster – as most of his friends know from personal experience. He loved to laugh, and spent much of his time trying to spread joy and happiness to others.
The largest joy in Bob’s life was most certainly his family. He is survived by his adoring wife of 47 years, who he cherished deeply, Rose Marie (Maker) Conover. He was the proud father of 5 beautiful children whom he loved dearly; Debbie (Conover) Parrack, Kathy (Conover) Lowman, the late Robert Gordon Conover, Lisa (Sasso) Damiano, and Robert Scott Conover; Grandchildren Bradley Parrack, Jeffrey Lowman, David Ross Therrien, Brandon Conover, Colin Conover, Corey Conover, Camryn Conover and Michelle Killary; and great-grandchildren, Madison, Katelyn and Wesley Killary.
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