Philip D. "Phil" Conant

Philip D. (Phil) Conant died Monday, February 28, 2011, after extensive heart surgery. Phil, born in Sorrento, the son of a Central Florida pioneer family and the youngest of eight, is survived by his wife, Catherine Hanson; his daughter, Betsy Mularkey and her husband Mike; his son, Philip B. Conant; two grandsons, Patrick and Shane Mularkey, his niece, Nancy Morgan; and many close friends. Voted “Best All Around” Eustis High School Senior , Phil captained the football team, performed with the marching band, and represented EHS at Florida Boys’ State while working after hours at various jobs. While attending the University of Florida, he worked as an announcer and disc jockey at the University radio station, WRUF, and the local Eustis, WLCO, station. Phil also served in the Florida National Guard. Later, Phil and his family moved to Umatilla where he began a lifetime career working with Golden Gem Growers, serving as Vice President, Corporate Secretary, and Director of the Grower’s Division. While residing in Umatilla, he volunteered for Umatilla High School programs and was the “voice” of the Umatilla High School Bulldog athletic programs. Phil always donated his time to help promote community by serving as Mayor of Umatilla, Chairman of Waterman Hospital Board, Director on the Sun Trust Board, Chairman of the Lake- Sumter Community College Board of Directors, and as a consulting member of Florida Citrus Mutual. He was also a member of the Umatilla Kiwanis Club, Jaycees and a deacon at the First Presbyterian Church of Umatilla. Respected as a Broker-Realtor for more than 40 years, Phil specialized in Commercial Sales including citrus groves and vacant land throughout Florida. Always active, Phil enjoyed recreational activities including flying, boating, fishing, tennis, and all outdoor sports. Recently, Phil added ballroom dancing to his interests. Phil will be missed by family and friends and will be remembered as a man of great character with outstanding leadership abilities. Memorial services will be held on Friday, March 4th at 2:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Eustis, 117 S. Center Street. In lieu of flowers, gifts in memory of Phil Conant may be directed to support the American Heart Association at www.heart.org . Arrangements by Harden/Pauli Funeral Home, Eustis Arrangements by Harden/Pauli Funeral Home, Eustis.