John F. Connor

John F. Connor, 62, of Brownville, NY, passed away peacefully at his home on April 27, 2025, surrounded by his loving family and friends, after a courageous battle with esophageal cancer. 

John was born on March 22, 1963, in Watertown, NY, the son of Lyle Joseph and S. Ruth (Brenon) Connor. He graduated from General Brown High School in 1981 and enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served honorably aboard the USS Coral Sea until his discharge in 1987.   

Upon returning home, John began working at Knowlton Brothers Specialty Paper Company in 1988. While working full-time, he pursued his education at Jefferson Community College, earning an associate degree in Math and Science. He continued his academic journey at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry in Syracuse, where he received a bachelor’s degree in Paper Science and Engineering. He was most recently employed as the Research and Development Manager at Knowlton Technologies in Watertown. 

On November 3, 1990, John married Kathleen L. (Wanta) Parker of Kensington, Maryland, in Brownville. The couple resided in Chaumont for 20 years before moving to the family’s original homestead in Brownville in 2007. Kathy retired from the Northern Regional Center for Independent Living in 2021 after serving as Director of Family Support Services for 24 years. 

John was a man of many passions. He enjoyed hunting, baking, chopping and hauling wood, and spending time at his camp in Rodman, where he loved four-wheeling and camping. A devoted fan of Jeopardy, he was known for his sharp wit, sense of humor, and his ever-present wisecracks. Above all, he cherished time with his family, especially his grandchildren, who affectionately called him “Papa.”  His endless series of thought-provoking papa jokes will most assuredly be missed.  

John is survived by his beloved wife of 34 years, Kathy Connor of Brownville, NY; three sons: Walter L. “Wally” and Shannon Parker of Dexter, NY, Bryon L. and Courtney Parker of Denver, CO, and Sean Patrick and Sara  Connor of Parish, NY; five cherished grandchildren: Emma Lee Parker, Ava Lynn Parker, Dahlia Mae Beirman, Cadence Nicole Connor, Cameron Patrick Connor, Kylie Rose Connor, and his beloved dog, Reagan. He was also survived by six sisters: Cathleen Heise of Dexter, NY; Mary J. and Richard Wilson of Brownville, NY; Ann M. and David Lomber of Adams, NY; Cecilia R. and Michael Madore of Brownville, NY; Teresa E. and Robert Cooper of Elizabethtown, Kentucky; Bridget and Pat Connor of Watertown, NY;  eight brothers: Michael J. Connor of Florida; Patrick C. Connor of Brownville, NY; Robert and Jan Connor of Delaware; Timothy M. and Cheri Connor of Brownville, NY; James S. and Marlene Connor of Pulaski, NY; Sean G. and Mary Connor of Chaumont, NY; Thomas A. and Brenda Connor of Florida; and Joseph L. Connor of Watertown, NY; and over 80 nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. 

John was predeceased by his parents, great-niece Madeline Musto and great-nephew Benson Kirkby.   

Message from John, “More than anything, the reality of my diagnosis of stage 4 esophageal cancer, catapulted me on a faith journey, not just a cancer journey. I know my Savior, I believe in my Salvation and am at peace as I transition to rest and be with Jesus and my family and friends that have gone before me.” 

A memorial service will be held at the Airport Christian Fellowship Church in Dexter, NY on May 5th at 11:00 am with a grave-side burial at Brownville Cemetery starting 1:00 pm. We are asking for all friends and family to join us at the Dexter Legion immediately following the burial for a celebration of life. John has requested for no one to wear black. 

Arrangements are with Johnson Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s memory may be made to The Maddie’s Mark Foundation c/o Erin Musto or to the Hospice of Jefferson County. Food donations can be made to the Dexter Legion.

Online condolences may be left at www.dexterfuneralhome.com. 

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