Mr. Barry Edward Connors, an Andover Townie and a more recent resident of Lawrence, Ma passed away at home, after a valiant battle with cancer, on Wednesday morning, October 30, 2019. He was 74 years old.
The second of The Baron (George) and Margaret’s five boys, Barry was born August 4, 1945. He graduated in 1963 from Andover High School where he excelled as an athlete playing both football and basketball, and was later inducted into the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame. Upon graduating high school Barry received a scholarship to play football at West Texas State and then at Parsons College in Iowa. He received his Bachelor’s degree from Parson and his Masters from Fitchburg State. After brief tryouts with the Cleveland Browns and Buffalo Bills, Barry played a few years of semi-pro football before embarking on a 36 year career teaching and coaching in the Billerica Public School system. He loved the people of Billerica and always spoke fondly of them, especially those with whom he worked and the kids he taught and coached. A long time area sports official and referee, he got a particular thrill from running into kids and coaches whose games he had refereed in years prior.
In addition to teaching, coaching, and officiating, he had many other interests and talents, but the greatest was his ability to build and maintain relationships with people. He could always be counted on for a good joke or a witty one-liner, and he was a terrific storyteller and conversationalist. He truly cared about others and was most happy speaking with or about the people he knew and met along the way. He was very giving, a dependable friend, and so willing to offer his hand or a word of hope or encouragement to those in need of one. He considered himself blessed and lucky to be surrounded by a loving family and so many great friends. Above all, he absolutely adored his grandchildren, and could always be relied on for love, support and guidance. He will be dearly missed.
Barry leaves behind his wife of 49 years, Rebecca (Elser), his children; Barry Jr and his wife Melanie of Fort Lauderdale, Stephanie J. Mini of Andover, and Justin T. Connors of Andover, brothers; George W. Connors Jr. Of Florida, David Connors of Salem, New Hampshire, William Connors of Andover, and Kevin Connors and his wife Marylou of Andover, grandchildren; Rebecca, Rachael, Jacob, Leah, Quinn, Ryan, and Hadley and several nieces and nephews.
His Funeral Service will be celebrated in the Faith Lutheran Church, 360 South Main Street, Andover, on Sunday, November 3, 2019, at 4 PM. Relatives and friends are most welcome to attend. Calling hours will be held in the Burke-Magliozzi Funeral Home, 390 North Main Street, Andover, on Saturday, November 2, 2019, from 2 to 6PM. Internment will be privately held. In lieu of flowers, donations in Barry’s memory may be made to a charity of your choice. For additional information, please visit, www.burkemagliozzi.com.