J. Daniel Connor, II
Retired Engineer for Local # 4 International Union of Operating Engineers
TEWKSBURY: Joseph Daniel Connor, II, age 78, a lifelong resident of Tewksbury, passed away at the Holy Cross Hospital in Ft. Lauderdale, FL on Sunday, March 1, 2020, with his family at his side.
He bravely battled lung cancer for 6 years and was involved in clinical trials which are saving people around the world.
He was the beloved husband of Josephine (DiPalma) Connor, with whom he shared 56 years of marriage.
Born in Lawrence, he was the son of the late Joseph D. Connor and the late Catherine F. (Kelleher) Connor.
“Danny” was raised in Lowell, attended Lowell Trade High School.
Prior to his retirement, he was employed as a crane operator for the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 4 for 50 years. He was proud of the buildings and roads that he helped build in the Boston area. He would love to give tours of Boston showcasing his work.
He was a communicant of St. William’s Parish in Tewksbury and was a member of Tewksbury Elks.
Dan was most proud of his family. He loved his wife very much and they grew up next door to each other. His house was built between both families and they were fortunate to raise their children surrounded by the love and support of extended family. He spent time at Arlington Pond in Salem, NH with his wife’s family. He loved to relax and watch his nieces and nephews learn to swim, ski and wakeboard. He shared his daughter’s love for the stars and aviation and inspired her career. Through her profession, he took an interest in helicopters, planes and jets, her travels and and even got to fly with her on occasion. In 1986, he built a beach house for his family in York Beach, Maine and made many friends in this community where extended family was able to vacation together and bond during their visits at the beach. His summers in York lasted for over 25 years but later traded it for winters in Fort Lauderdale, Florida at the Alagon “little Tewksbury”. Here, he enjoyed boating on the intracoastal, watching the boats go by his condo, visits with his grandson Ian, and times with friends by the pool.
His other hobby was classic cars. He built a 34 Ford Coupe with his brother and was involved in the local classic car community attending car shows. He looked forward to driving his car in the Memorial Day Parade with his granddaughter, Brooke.
He always told his family he loved them and knew he was very loved in return. He lived a happy life focusing on his love for his family and many lifelong friends.
In addition to his wife, Dan is survived by his two daughters, Jeanne Connor-Osborn and her husband R. Scott Osborn and grandson Ian Connor Osborn of Palm City, FL and Dr. Krissie Connor and her husband Paul R. Bunyan and grand-daughter Brooke Bunyan and grandson Paul Gerald Bunyan of Tewksbury.
Dan is also survived by one sister; Patricia Connor Morris and her children Margaret, Jack and Grace Morris; one brother, Louis A. Connor and his wife Kathryn (Clark) of Dracut and their children: Mark, Brian, and Stacey Connor.
Calling hours are Friday March 6 from 4-7 p.m. at the Farmer & Dee Funeral Home, 16 Lee St., Tewksbury.
His Funeral procession will begin at the funeral home, on Saturday, March 7, at 9 a.m., followed by his Funeral Mass at 10:00am at St. William’s Church, 1351 Main St., Rte. 38, Tewksbury. Services will conclude in the Chapel at St. Mary’s Cemetery, 90 River Rd., Tewksbury. The family invites you to join them to them at the Long Meadow Golf Club at 165 Havilah St. Lowell, MA immediately following.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Dan’s memory may be made to the Linda Peters Scholarship Fund, 940 Main Street #18, Tewksbury, MA 01876.