Obituary of Donald K. Connor

Donald K. Connor, 84, of Essex, CT passed away peacefully at Middlesex Hospital on Sunday, August 19, 2018 shortly before his 85th birthday.   
He is survived by Constance Kenyon Connor, his wife of 66 years.  Don and Connie grew up in Bradford, Pennsylvania and shared the classic love story starting as high school  sweethearts. 
He graduated from Bradford High School and later earned his bachelor degree in engineering at Purdue University. Starting his career as a draftsman in Olean, NY, he became a design engineer at Warner Ladder, a regional sales manager for Lester Engineering for the New England market and concluded his working life as Vice President of Operations for Macristy Industries in New Britain, CT.  
Don was a resident of Essex for more than 30 years and was involved in community life.  Boating on “Togetherness” was his passion. He was a member of both the Essex Yacht Club and the Essex Corinthian Yacht Club.  As an active parishioner at the First Congregational Church of Essex he was honored to serve as a Steward.  Don loved going to the Griswold Inn on Tuesday nights with Connie and dancing to his favorite band, “Shiny Lapel Trio.” 
Don is pre-deceased by his beloved son James; his parents Brian and Eleanor Connor; two brothers James and Paul; four sisters Dorothy, Betty, Millie and Bonnie.  
Surviving are his three daughters Gail Dingman, Wendy Connor Locus, Lori Connor; sons-in-law Carlton Dingman, Jack Locus, William Warner; two granddaughters Heather Anselmi and her husband Peter, Deven Comen; two grandsons Jason Zablocki and his wife Aaryn, Daniel Comen and his wife Trisha; four great grandchildren Harrison, Cooper and Marlee Anselmi, Quinn Comen and a large extended family.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00 pm on Thursday August 23, 2018 at the First Congregational Church of Essex, 6 Methodist Hill, Essex, CT.  A reception will follow at the Essex Court/Place common meeting room, 26 Main Street, Centerbrook, CT. 
The family requests that those interested in commemorating Don’s life, can send a donation to the First Congregational Church of Essex, United Church of Christ. 
Arrangements are being handled by Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home, Inc.