John J. Connors

John J. Connors, 67, of New Brighton, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 29, 2023, at Good Samaritan Hospice in Beaver, PA. After a long battle, the angels called him home that sunny afternoon.

John and Cissy married on January 7, 1978. They met on a blind date arranged by friends. He asked her to marry him a month later and after eight engagement requests Cissy said yes. That was the beginning of 45 years of marriage. Through thick and thin, he was devoted to family life and doing all that he could to make others happy.

John taught his daughter, Sasha, everything; how to sew, catch and hit a softball, and Algebra to name a few. He loved music and a karaoke night was one of his favorite things to do. He taught her about rock and roll and not to bend who you are to fit into this world. He kept everyone laughing with his stories of the “Skook;” the place where he grew up.

Born October 31, 1955, in Pottsville, Pa., he is the son of the late William and Jean (Kellagher) Connors.  He came from a hard-working Irish family. There was never a day he did not tell stories about Baba and Pop Pop and the intricacies that built our family. He was adventurous and active all throughout his life. John achieved a remarkable milestone at the young age of 13 when he became an Eagle Scout.

John served in the United States Navy and retired from Armstrong Industries, where he was a tile fabricator. When he retired, he came to love the game of poker and earned trophies for his game play. He coached rec league slow pitch softball in New Brighton for many years and he was affectionately known as “Poppy” by his adoring grandchildren. His warmth, kindness, and the special bond he shared with his grandkids will forever be cherished in our hearts. John was forever grateful to his sister-in-law, Beth, for helping him when he got sick. To know him was to love him. If you knew him, he would consider you family.

A life that touches others goes on forever.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Shawn Connors-Bugdanavage and his grandson, Richard Reese III (Trey).

Surviving is his loving wife of 45 years, Cissy Connors; a daughter, Sasha (Richard) Reese, Pittsburgh, Pa.; three grandchildren, Roderick, Ayriella, and Xander Reese; sister, Sandy Rudy and her companion, Dennis Gallagher, Halifax, Pa.; a niece, Harley Mills, Pottsville, PA; great-niece, Gabbie Fees and great-nephew Mickie Reno; sister-in-law, Elizabeth Dahl; New Brighton, PA

Per John’s wishes, there will be no services at this time. A celebration of life is to be decided.

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