Mr. John J. Connors, Jr. passed away peacefully on October 1, 2021, in Peabody, MA. Born in Boston in 1927, John graduated from Charlestown High School at the age of 16 before entering the Navy as a radar operator on the B-24 Liberator. He married Rita M. Delaney in 1950. John and Rita relocated to Cinnaminson, NJ where they raised their 5 children. John enjoyed a 40 year career at RCA, first in electronics and later in the Government Services Division. His profession took him to 42 countries where he experienced Forrest Gump-like encounters with military coups, cold war spies, and bureaucrats of ill-repute. He was a lifelong Nikon man who captured his many adventures through the lens of his camera. In retirement, he served as event photographer for Brooksby Village for 10 years.
John was an engineer through and through, applying his brilliant mind to everything from carpentry to electrical work to automotive repairs. There was nothing he couldn’t design, build, fix, or improve. His greatest passion was tinkering with his old boat, aptly named “The Tinkertoy”.
In later years, he was known for his dedication to his beloved wife during her battle with dementia. He cared for her 24/7 for several years. When she was moved to the memory care unit, he would take the shuttle bus to her building and sit with her all day, every day until her death 10 months later.
John is survived by children Cheryl (Willis) of Pennsylvania, Karen (Ela) of Connecticut, Daniel of New Jersey, Lisa (Miles) of Indianapolis, and predeceased by his amazing wife of 65 years, Rita, and his son, Brien. John is remembered by his grandchildren, Melanie (Thompson) and Richard (Willis); Ryan, Christopher (Ela), and Michele (Thomson); and Wesley and Connor (Miles), as well as great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and a wide assortment of photography equipment.
At John’s request, his ashes will be scattered at sea along with the ashes of his wife and son.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John’s memory to: Brooksby Village Benevolent Care Fund, 100 Brooksby Village Drive, Peabody, MA 01960.