Marlborough – John Connor was one of those all-around genuine and really good guys. He was quiet, loyal, and hardworking and always put others before himself. He was married to the late Eleanor “Ellie” (King) Connor, who was as social as they get. Ellie made easy conversation and fast friends with virtually anyone in her company. Opposites attracted. John was just as content to sit in a comfortable chair and read a James Patterson novel, walk the streets of Hudson, or keep his thumb green by working in his picture perfect yards and gardens.
He was born Jan. 8, 1934 in Dorchester, and was raised in the “Fields Corner” neighborhood, where his Irish immigrant parents, Martin and Nora (Shea) Connor, would take him to St. Ambrose Church regularly. He graduated with the class of 1951 from Boston College High School. Like most other men his age, he enlisted in the United States Army and honorably served his country. His time in the service was a subject he’d rarely, if ever, discuss but he knew what sacrifice meant from an early age and remained mindful of his blessings. We live with the freedoms today because of soldiers like John Connor.
A life well lived. John J. Connor died peace-filled and ready Wednesday, April 6, 2016 in the Rose Monahan Hospice Residence. He was 82. God rest his soul. John reunited with his wife, Ellie, who died tragically in a car accident Oct. 15, 2009. He missed her daily and dearly.
He began work at Elm Farm Foods and then was store manager at the former Waltham Super Market in Waltham for over 49 years. John was the face of the business and while his title might not have earned him royalty or prominence on the corporate level, he was one of the great successes of the market. And…in line with who John was he was comfortable with a low profile and a friendly engagement with customers and its food service providers and service people. He easily won the appreciation of his peers and those to whom he was held accountable. He took care of the job…and the job took care of itself. He lived most of his life in Hudson and the last three years at New Horizons Assisted Living Facility in Marlborough.
Mourning his loss, but celebrating his good life are his children, Sean M. Connor and his wife Pamela of Milford, Martin P. Connor and his wife Sarah of Dover, N.H., and Elizabeth M. “Beth” Duncan and her husband Paul of Shrewsbury; he was the much loved “Bumpa” to Julia, Robert, Molly, Savannah, Kelly, Timmy, Madeleine and Elena, Adam and Lauren; his siblings, Fr. Martin Connor of Regina Cleri Residence in Boston and Joan Walsh of Norwood; and also survived by nieces and nephews.
Family and friends will honor and remember John’s life by gathering for calling hours Monday, April 11, from 4-7 p.m., at Heald & Chiampa Funeral Directors ~ The Sumner House, 5 Church Road, On the Common, Shrewsbury Center, and again Tuesday morning, April 12, before leaving in procession to Saint Mary’s Church, 640 Main St., Shrewsbury, where his funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Burial with military honors will follow at Mountain View Cemetery in Shrewsbury.
Memorials in his name may be made to St. Jude Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
