Rev. John M. Connor, C.Ss.R., at age 76 and formerly of Mission Hill, died suddenly on April 11 in Long Branch, New Jersey. Son of the late Michael and Hannah Connor, Father John is survived by his sisters, Mary Gillis of Roslindale and Elizabeth Hegarty of Marshfield; his nieces Anne Errasti of Duxbury and Donna Sullivan of Auburn; his devoted nephews John Gillis of West Roxbury, Paul Gillis of Walpole, and Michael Gillis of Roslindale; his 14 grandnieces and grandnephews; his Redemptorist confreres; and his many friends. Fr. John was ordained to the priesthood in 1965 and his ministry included pastoral assignments to the Redemptorist foreign missions in Brazil and Paraguay; parochial ministry in Redemptorist parishes in Boston, Brooklyn,and Philadelphia; the preaching of parish missions and novena devotions to Our Lady of Perpetual Help; and retreat ministry for the last 14 years at San Alfonso. Fr. John was also a cherished celebrant, a gifted preacher, and a devoted friend to the Charismatic Community through his many years of ministry to God's people.
Services for Fr. John will take place on Monday, April 18 at the Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help – Mission Church at 1545 Tremont Street in Roxbury. Family and friends are invited to a viewing at 9:00 AM followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow at the Redemptorist burial site at Old Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Fr. John's memory to the Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help - Mission Church. RIP Father John!