John Robert Conte, Jr. died suddenly at home on April 22, 2025.
John was born in Greenwich at Greenwich Hospital on July 16, 1959, to John and Principia Conti. He attended Greenwich schools and graduated from St Mary High School in 1977, where he played goalie on the varsity hockey team and was Senior Class President.
After high school graduation, John attended the State University of New York, where he earned a degree in horticulture. With a passion for the beauty of trees, he later became a CT State licensed arborist. John went on to become a CT and NY licensed Landscape Architect as well.
To further his professional acumen, he also studied Architectural History at Columbia University and Horticulture at Harvard Graduate School of Design. He frequently described these studies as a ‘hobby’ because he so loved what he did in his work life.
John had decided early on that he wanted to work alongside his father in their family business, Fairfield Tree Service, which was founded by his father in Greenwich in 1937.
John and Kim took over ownership of Fairfield Tree Service in 1985. Along with his love for trees, he developed a passion for landscapes and their design. He grew the business into Fairfield House & Garden Co., specializing in landscape construction and fine home building. Along with Fairfield House & Garden, John later formed a second business in Greenwich, Conte & Conte, which focuses on Landscape Architecture and Engineering.
John was a true visionary. As soon as he stepped onto a property, he could visualize how to transform it into something magical and unique. Over the years, he developed an extensive portfolio of beautiful landscapes that came to life under his direction, many of which can be found right in Greenwich. John envisioned and created unique design solutions, always seeing past the ordinary to find the extraordinary. And always, John was a champion of trees and their protection.
John married his beloved wife Kimberly (Stevenson) Conte in 1983. Like John, Kim too is a lifelong Greenwich native. They raised their two adored sons in Greenwich, while running the family business together for 41 years. John met Kim in 1982 on the Byram Park softball field when Kim was set up for a blind date with someone else. Unfortunately for that date, John spotted Kim and Kim spotted John at that game, and it truly was love at first sight for each other. They were engaged seven months later. That love was at the center of everything they did – how they raised their children, how they worked so beautifully together, and how they treated their family, friends, colleagues, clients and strangers. All with love.
John was a consummate family man. He most loved time spent gathering with his family and friends. He threw many large gatherings at his beloved ‘Langhorne Lodge’ home. His home was always open to everyone, and John had a knack for making those in his presence feel comfortable, cared for and loved.
John had so many talents and enjoyed many hobbies. What made them most enjoyable to him, though, was sharing them with others. He loved taking family members for a spin on the Long Island Sound in his beautiful boat or painstakingly setting up his intricately created Christmas train scene on the outside porch for all the grandchildren and nieces and nephews to enjoy. He loved to keep the outdoor fireplace he built stoked for visitors to gather around, while bringing you the best tasting cappuccino around. John loved people and John loved life.
Upon returning home to Greenwich whenever traveling, John always commented on what a privilege it was to come home to the beautiful town of Greenwich. He marveled at its beauty and character. And he was passionate about keeping its best qualities for generations to come. Because of this, John gave generously of his time, throughout his life, to the many town organizations in which he was involved.
John’s wise, steady counsel made him an asset to the numerous non-profits and Greenwich Town agencies on which he served. He was a board member of Family Center, the Greenwich Chapter of the Boy Scouts, the Greenwich Land Trust and Greenwich Audubon. John was Board President for Greenwich Green & Clean, the Round Hill Association, and the Greenwich Tree Conservancy. John spent many years as Co-Chair of both the Greenwich Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Agency and the Architectural Review Committee.
John will be so sorely missed. But those who knew John can be continually reminded of him as they ride through the beautiful Greenwich streets.
It is likely they’ll be passing by a landscape that he designed, or a welcoming park that he created, or a lovely storefront design that he approved, or a tree that he saved.
John is survived by his beloved wife, Kimberly, sons John III (Juliana) and David, grandchildren, David Jr, Giovanni and Eloise, and siblings: Cheryl Conte, Regina Lupo (Anthony deceased), Sandra Marr (Richard), Sister-In-law: Leslie T. Stevenson; Brother-in-law: Peter B. Stevenson (Kathy) and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Calling hours will be from 4:00-7:00pm at Coxe and Graziano Funeral Home on Tuesday, April 29.
A Memorial Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, April 30. Services begin with eulogies at 10:45am and the Mass at 11:00am at St. Michael’s Church, North St. Greenwich.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John’s memory to the following charities: Greenwich Botanical Center, Greenwich Tree Conservancy, Greenwich Land Trust, Greenwich Audubon, or, simply, just plant a tree.