Obituary of Kenneth J. Connor

Ken, beloved husband (66 years) of Betty, passed on to meet the Lord leaving a legacy of love, laughter, hard work, and devotion to God. Almost 93, he lived all but a few months in Lockport and was a lifelong member of St. Patrick’s/All Saints Parish.

Predeceased by wife, Betty (Eldredge), parents Raymond Connor, and Blanche (James); brothers Raymond Jr., and William, and sister Mary (Bugenhagen). He is survived by daughters Ann (Joseph) Ottobre and Patricia; grandchildren Erin (Ryan) Wallington and Steven Ottobre; great-grandson Maddox Joseph Wallington; sister-in-law Mary Urtel; brothers-in-law Bruce Eldredge and Raymond Bugenhagen; adoring nieces and nephews, neighbors, and dedicated caregivers at Kemper House Worthington, Worthington, OH.

Kenny attended St. Patrick’s School and Lockport High School. As an eight-year US Marine Corps Reservist, he was assigned to the Marine Fighter Squadron 441, MARTC Naval Air Station at Niagara Falls and served active duty at Cherry Point, NC, during the Korean Conflict.

He worked at Castle’s Dairy, Dewey and Almy Chemical, Olin Mathieson Chemical Corporation, The Upson Company (TUCO) where he met Betty, and retired from TICOR in 1989 as a Real Estate Title Searcher.

Ken liked “jazz band dancing,” singing in a hot shower, tennis, target shooting, riding his bike, and ice skating to the point of leveling the front yard to make an ice rink. He vigilantly tended their property for the majority of the 61 years they owned it, including building rock walls to stabilize the hillside, mowing, snow blowing, roofing, painting, and fixing what needed attention. In retirement he enjoyed wood carving, drawing, painting, reading, and traveling with Betty to “see the kids.” A favorite family vacation spot was Bolton Landing on Lake George, NY, and he liked the warmth of the South.

He was known for a firm grip, soft heart, and “keeping the peace.” He was the family “Chief Prayer Officer.” He had a gift of gab with his quick quips and hearty laugh. He modestly declared himself, “handsome, charming, and irresistible.” In his final years, Betty lovingly tended to him until her passing, and then he enjoyed the remarkable care and was adored by the compassionate staff at Kemper House Worthington near his two daughters in Ohio. Though the extended pandemic quarantine from family visits may have contributed to his decline with vascular dementia, he thrived for some time on prayer, good food, dancing, singing, and joking with the staff.

A Mass of Christian burial will take place at All Saints Parish at a later date at the convenience of the family. Interment at Cold Springs Cemetery.

Donations are suggested to All Saints Parish, 76 Church Street, Lockport, NY 14094; Our Lady of Peace Parish, 20 E. Dominion Blvd., Columbus, OH 43214; or “Kenney Family Foundation”, On behalf of Ken Connor, 800 Proprietors Road, Worthington, OH 43085, for the Music and Memory Program (or online at: https://gf.me/u/ycwcxx).