Jack Connors, Jr., 82, of Boston, Massachusetts, passed away on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, surrounded by his close family.
Jack was born on June 9, 1942, at Faulkner Hospital in Jamaica Plain to John and Mary Horrigan Connors. A pivotal figure in Greater Boston’s business, health care, education, social services, and political communities, he was renowned for his philanthropy and successful advertising career. In 1968, Connors co-founded the ad agency Hill, Holliday, Connors, Cosmopulos. His innovative approach and extensive connections in Boston’s power structure allowed him to raise significant funds for various causes. Notably, he co-created Camp Harbor View, a program supporting underprivileged youth, and along with his wife Eileen, contributed nearly $100 million of their own money to charitable endeavors. Connors was also instrumental in the merger of Mass. General and Brigham and Women’s hospitals. He passed away from cancer in his Brookline home, leaving behind a legacy of generosity and civic leadership.
Jack’s first love was his family and friends. He and his wife cherished spending time with their grandkids, watching them compete on the rinks, rivers, racecourses, fields, and courts across New England. He had a deep affection for Cape Cod, enjoying whale watching on the Happy Jack and holding court at the Marshside. He also loved being in Naples, FL, spending time on the golf course and hunting for alligators with his grandchildren. Among family and close friends, he will always be known for sharing bad jokes, often repeating the same ones and laughing harder each time. Jack’s success never changed his loyalty to his oldest friends. His loyalty was unwavering, and he and Eileen found their greatest happiness in the company of old friends.
Jack is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Eileen, his four children: Kevin, Susanne, Tim, and John; his four sons- and daughters-in-law: John, Suzanne, Jamie, and Larisa; his 13 grandchildren: Molly, Mary, Willy, Jack, Owen, Brooke, Connor, Nolan, Callie, Gavin, Ryan, Austin, Dylan; and his beloved sister, Peggy Hanks.
A man of strong faith, Jack’s wake will be held at St. Ignatius Church in Chestnut Hill on Monday, July 29th, from 3-8 pm. The Funeral Mass will be held at St. Ignatius Church in Chestnut Hill on Tuesday, July 30th, at 10 am. A reception will immediately follow the mass at Boston College's Corcoran Commons. The burial will be private for family only.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Camp Harbor View, Boston College, The Campaign for Catholic Schools, and/or Eileen’s House in Dorchester.