Michael John Conrad
July 29, 1933 ~ January 6, 2023
Michael J. Conrad
Major General, US Army
Major General (ret) Michael J. Conrad of McLean, Virginia, died 6 January 2023, at Carmichael, California. Born 29 July 1933 in Dayton, Ohio, he was son of Major General Victor A. Conrad (USMA 1924) and Martha O’Leary Conrad. He is survived by his sons Michael, Jr. (wife Holly) and Thomas (wife Lillian), sister Mary Conrad McGarey, and brother Donald Conrad (USMA 1963). He was pre-deceased by his wife Ann, son Christopher, and sister Martha Catherine Rogers. Mike grew up as an Army brat, graduated from Washington-Lee High School in Arlington, VA, in 1951 and from the United States Military Academy (USMA) at West Point, NY in 1956. While at West Point he played second base for the Army baseball team and became President of his graduating class – a position he held continuously until his death making him the longest serving Class President in the history of West Point. After graduation, he was commissioned as an infantry officer and married Ann Colby Cotter, a teacher, of Lexington, MA, in June of that same year. Together they had 3 boys; Michael, Jr. (USMA 1979), Thomas, and Christopher. After serving overseas tours in Germany and Vietnam and receiving his master’s degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in Troy, NY, Mike returned to West Point to teach Mathematics and serve as the Officer’s Representative (OR) for the Army baseball team. In 1969, Mike deployed to Vietnam for his second tour and served as the battalion commander for the 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment. After many Pentagon assignments and another overseas tour to Germany, Mike was selected to command the 1st Cavalry Division in Fort Hood, Texas, from 1984 to 1986. Mike retired from active duty in 1988 as the Deputy Inspector General for the US Army in the rank of Major General. Mike subsequently worked for EER Systems, Inc. and L-3 Communications and took pleasure in serving the US Army in a different capacity. He and Ann enjoyed their West Point classmates, traveling, and attending opera, ballet, and music concerts at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. Mike was a beloved grandfather to Colby, Taylor, Michael III, Veronica Barrison (husband Brian), Jordan, and Daniel (wife Marlena) and great grandfather to Hannah Barrison. Service will be held at the Fort Myer Old Post Chapel at Arlington National Cemetery on Wednesday, May 10, 2023 at 10:45am.
Major General, US Army
Major General (ret) Michael J. Conrad of McLean, Virginia, died 6 January 2023, at Carmichael, California. Born 29 July 1933 in Dayton, Ohio, he was son of Major General Victor A. Conrad (USMA 1924) and Martha O’Leary Conrad. He is survived by his sons Michael, Jr. (wife Holly) and Thomas (wife Lillian), sister Mary Conrad McGarey, and brother Donald Conrad (USMA 1963). He was pre-deceased by his wife Ann, son Christopher, and sister Martha Catherine Rogers. Mike grew up as an Army brat, graduated from Washington-Lee High School in Arlington, VA, in 1951 and from the United States Military Academy (USMA) at West Point, NY in 1956. While at West Point he played second base for the Army baseball team and became President of his graduating class – a position he held continuously until his death making him the longest serving Class President in the history of West Point. After graduation, he was commissioned as an infantry officer and married Ann Colby Cotter, a teacher, of Lexington, MA, in June of that same year. Together they had 3 boys; Michael, Jr. (USMA 1979), Thomas, and Christopher. After serving overseas tours in Germany and Vietnam and receiving his master’s degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in Troy, NY, Mike returned to West Point to teach Mathematics and serve as the Officer’s Representative (OR) for the Army baseball team. In 1969, Mike deployed to Vietnam for his second tour and served as the battalion commander for the 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment. After many Pentagon assignments and another overseas tour to Germany, Mike was selected to command the 1st Cavalry Division in Fort Hood, Texas, from 1984 to 1986. Mike retired from active duty in 1988 as the Deputy Inspector General for the US Army in the rank of Major General. Mike subsequently worked for EER Systems, Inc. and L-3 Communications and took pleasure in serving the US Army in a different capacity. He and Ann enjoyed their West Point classmates, traveling, and attending opera, ballet, and music concerts at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. Mike was a beloved grandfather to Colby, Taylor, Michael III, Veronica Barrison (husband Brian), Jordan, and Daniel (wife Marlena) and great grandfather to Hannah Barrison. Service will be held at the Fort Myer Old Post Chapel at Arlington National Cemetery on Wednesday, May 10, 2023 at 10:45am.
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My FIL was a great man … the epitome of Duty, Honor, Country brought to life. To us though he was beloved DL (Dad Love – family nickname). He was always kind and generous. He took our kids to the playground often when they were younger … and always had a large selection of B&J ice cream in the freezer to share. He and Nana were a shining example of a happy and successful marriage to their children and grandchildren. They spent almost every Christmas with us … no matter where we were stationed … making cherished memories and building strong loving relationships with each of the kids. It was an honor to spend time with them and care for them over the last few years. ❤️
Mike was one of the most dedicated men I know, whether it be family, friends, work or his running. I will always remember that no matter the weather; snow or 95+ degree heat; I would see him out the office window every day out for his daily run. The first time, I remember thinking who is this crazy guy running in the 97 degree heat! I saw him heading back into the parking lot, took a bottle of water out to him and he had barely even broken a sweat after 5 miles. This started the first of many fun conversations. We will all sorely miss him.
On behalf of the Naval Academy Class of 1956, I offer our condolences and sorrow at Mike’s passing. Mike and I conducted several joint Army-Navy luncheons at Ft. Myer before A-N games and over several years. I got to know Mike, and he was a pleasure to work with, and a great representative of his West Point Class. To paraphrase Shakespeare: ‘may flights of angels bear Mike to his eternal rest.’
Sincerely, – Jim Van Metre, President, USNA 1956
Q: How did you meet Michael?
A: I was hired by him as his Administrative Assistant at EER in Chantilly, VA. He was so highly respected by all. The same time every day he would leave his office, put on a pair of shorts and jog outside for at least an hour. He always had a smile in his eye and a love of life. I have fond memories of him.
Q: What will you miss most about Michael?
A: Mike and began much too late to be good golfers. We settled for adequate. We played a lot in the ten years after we quit the 9 to 5 world. We had a lot of fun and I miss you, Mike. Thanks for the memories, Tom Wright