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309 6th Street Union
City, N. J. Crusaders 4;
Debating 3, 4; Chemistry Club 4;
Football 3, 4; Basketball 1; Baseball 1, 2; Track
3; Honor Pin 1; Intramurals 1, 2, 3, 4 |
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 John
F. Connors of Secaucus passed away on Jan. 21, 2010. His
final days were spent surrounded by family and friends, some
of whom included his beloved wife, Sylvia, and two loving
daughters Kimberly Lanflisi (James) of Long Island, N.Y.,
and Jacqueline Connors Bruno (Gilbert) of Wood-Ridge, N.J.
He will also be deeply missed by his stepson, David Hanley
of New York; six grandchildren; a brother, Dennis, of
Maryland, and a sister, Mary Connors Parker of Virginia. He
is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
John was born on May 19, 1940, to John and Marie Connors. He
graduated from St. Peter's Prep in 1958 and later served in
the United States Army. He received a bachelor's degree from
Rutgers University. He served as secretary and as exalted
ruler of the Secaucus-Meadowlands Elks Lodge and as vice
president of the Eastern District and New Jersey State Elks
Association. John received numerous awards for his
enthusiasm and commitment toward furthering Elkdom's
programs.
One of John's priorities was to help all children receive
the opportunity for an education despite their economic
means. It was to this avail that he dedicated much of his
time as an Elks member.
This same priority was so apparent when he took on the role
of organizer and host at numerous high school reunions from
St. Peter's Prep. The class of 1958, under his direction,
has contributed record amounts to the scholarship fund that,
in fact, was begun by John and fellow classmates. One of
many testaments he received was, For so many years, you have
been the ultimate 'can do' guy for us when it came to
reunions, phonathons, etc.
It was under John's direction, while working as executive
director of the Hudson County Department on Aging, that the
Meals on Wheels Program was created. Before becoming ill
John was executive assistant in the Hudson County Sheriff's
Department. John was an avid cook, mostly because of the
camaraderie it created. Tailgates at the annual Secaucus
DooWops grew in attendance due to his specialty dishes.
His sense of humor was second nature for John. One of his
former employees noted that no matter how low she felt going
to work she always ended up smiling after a visit with John.
Others have commented that, although his jokes were often
corny and predictable, you just couldn't help joining in the
laughter that they created.
Ultimately his love for his grandchildren was what defined
him the most. He taught Jimmy to crab and Natalie how to
plant flowers. Cenza got to play doctor and check Grandpa's
heart rate and Jeanelle proudly defended his humor. This
love was mutual which became apparent when he received a
poem written by Sofia and Gabby saying, Roses are red,
violets are blue, you are the best and we all love
you…..Your lizard impression is such a perfection.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Mack Memorial Home,
1245 Paterson Plank Road, Secaucus, N.J. Visitation will be
held on Sunday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. The family will
gather with their relatives and friends for a Funeral Mass
at 9 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 25, 2010, at Our Lady of
Czestochowa Church, 120 Sussex St., Jersey City, N.J.
Cremation will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St.
Peter's Prep, Class of 1958 Scholarships/John Connors, 144
Grand St., Jersey City, N.J. 07302. |
