John V. Connor

John Connor was an amazing man, whose love of his family, the ocean and reading provided him happiness throughout his life. Also known as Captain John, he served as a Merchant Marine for over 50 years.

John Vincent Connor was born September 12, 1931 in Belmont a son of the late Michael and Mary (Bishop) Connor. A graduate of Belmont High School with the class of 1949 he then honorably served in the Korean War with the United States Army stationed in Greenland. In the Persian Gulf War as a Merchant Marine, his ships were responsible for bringing cargo and fuel to Arabian ports. He was active in the Allied Veterans Association, served as Chaplain for the American Legion Post 156 in Waltham and was a member of several Veterans organizations.

He traveled the world as part of his work, always sending cards and local gifts home to his three daughters, Cathi, Peggy and Caroline.

In September of this year he took great pleasure in the love and fun of family and friends as they celebrated his 90 years of life at a birthday party in his honor. It was a magnificent day.

John died Sunday, November 28, 2021 in Lahey Clinic after being stricken ill last week. He was 90.

John was owner and Captain of the 'Totem Pole', a thirty-passenger tour boat which he navigated along the upper-lakes region of the Charles River. John ran regular tours as well as charters and private parties for 20 years. He loved nature and kept active daily with walks in places both familiar and new. John loved all types of music and was a familiar face on many dance floors including the Waltham Senior Center. He also accepted the familiar and treasured words of The Serenity Prayer.

Husband of Patricia E. ( Schwelm) Connor; father of Catherine M. Donegan (Andy) of Peabody, Marguerite N. 'Peggy' Connor (Barbara Lewis) of Lewes,
DE and Caroline L. Connor (Lou Cintolo) of Sudbury; grandfather of Jillian Hinkston (Jeremy), Tara Donegan, Jessica MacDonald (Kevin), Daniel Donegan
(Nicole), Christine Noel (Warren), Molly D'Ambrosio (Cody), and Jack Cusano; great-grandfather of Scarlett and Liam MacDonald, Maeve Donegan and
Antonetta D'Ambrosio; his late wife Marguerite O'Callaghan; brother Edward Connor (Marilyn) of Longmeadow and the late Imelda Connor; also survived by
nieces & nephews.

Family and friends will honor and remember John's life by gathering for a calling hour in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Saturday, December 4th from 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. before leaving in procession to Our Lady Comforter of the Afflicted Church, 880 Trapelo Road, Waltham where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Burial with military honors will follow in Mount Feake Cemetery, Waltham.

Masks politely required per family request. Those wishing to view his funeral Mass may do so via this link: https://my.gather.app/remember/john-connor.

Memorial donations in his name may be made to the New England Center and Home for Veterans, 17 Court St., Unit 2601, Boston, MA 02108.