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BORN
1936
DIED
2013
Joseph Connors Obituary
Formerly of East Norwich, Albany and Troy, N.Y., Joe was a self-proclaimed "accidental chime historian." He rang the bells at St. Patrick's in Troy until the last Mass was said there in 2010.
Joe was also known for the post card business he carried on from his father, and his post cards can be found in numerous shops in the Tri-city area.
For many years, Joe was a volunteer firefighter with the East Norwich Volunteer Fire Department. He served in U.S. Army and played trumpet in the Army Band.
He was born to the late Arthea Davis and Joseph F. Connors on April 10, 1936, in Averill Park, N.Y.
Joe is survived by his loving companion, Gayle Q. Walrath; six children, Michael Connors (Michelle) of Newburgh, N.Y., Lisa Canale (Donald) of Syosset, N.Y., Steven Connors (Karen) of Leesburg, Va., Julie Hochman (Neil) of Syosset, N.Y., Joseph C. Connors (Jennifer) of East Northport, N.Y., Michelle Giannotti (John) of Greenlawn, N.Y.; and beloved grandfather to 13 grandchildren.
A funeral service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday from Gardner Earl Chapel in Oakwood Cemetery on Oakwood Avenue in Troy, where the Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend and may also call from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at Riverview Funeral Home Inc., 218 2nd Avenue (corner of 104th Street), Troy, NY 12180. Interment will take place immediately following the service in Oakwood Cemetery.
For further information and online condolences, go to TheRiverviewFuneralHome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Connors
Larry Van Heusen
November 20, 2024
Joe constructed a belfry under my cousin Gayles house and let me play PUT ANOTHER NICKEL IN with him on the bells 2011.
Tina Urzan
April 8, 2014
I just "today" received an email from Gayle of Joe's passing. I am so sorry I didn't know then. My best memory of him was when he took me way up into the Bell Tower of St. Patricks to show me all the Bells and let me ring them as I had so many times heard them through North Central. I am sure his Spirit is there to guard them. He will be so missed.
Russell Davis
November 28, 2013
I just learned of Joe's passing and am saddened for his family and friends. Although I have not seen Joe in many years, I will never forget him. He was always very kind to me when I was a child. Whether it was teaching me to ski or shift his old postcard delivery van, Joe was a great instructor. I will never forget him or his generosity.
George Matthew Jr.
November 26, 2013
Joe brought chimes, all 800 of them, to the forefront as American instruments. His license plate even read CHIMER. We were privileged to know a great person.
Some bells in the tower of St. Anne's Church, Lowell, Mass., where Joe and Gayle took me.
Carolyn Whitlock
November 26, 2013
What a devastating loss! Joe and Gayle invited me to accompany them on a "Chime Climb" in Lowell, Mass. a couple of years ago. It was a fascinating experience! Joe made a huge contribution to the knowledge of bells via his website, allchimes.org. He was a member of the American Bell Association.
May wonderful memories of Joe help Gayle and his family at this time. His spirit will always be with you.
Carmella Mantello
November 25, 2013
I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of Joe. Joe loved Troy and will forever be remembered. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Phil
November 25, 2013
With deepest sympathy to the family during your time of grief...God is for you a refuge and strength, A help that is there to be found during difficult times...May God provide you with peace and comfort to endure the days ahead.
November 25, 2013
Thinking of you Michael and the extended Connors family, I am so very sorry to learn of Joe's passing. Your father was an absolute delight of a man, always full of life. My deepest condolences to all of you, may happy memories help keep your Dad close in your heart and soul always.
Hugs,
Michele (Rivers) Baynes
McAleer Family
November 24, 2013
Older and wiser God Bless you.
Meneely chime stand
Andrew S Mace
November 24, 2013
RIP, my friend. Bells and chimes in this area and beyond ring out for you. Thank you!
November 24, 2013
Joe was very generous with his time and talents and shared several items in his postcard collection for my book on Troy's Little Italy. Rest in Peace, Joe. My condolences to his family and friends.
A survivor 1894 CHMBC Troy NY.While I never met Joe, I knew of him as an authority on Troy bells. "You don't know what you've got till it's gone'
David Travis
November 24, 2013
Judy Ogden
November 24, 2013
It was a pleasure meeting Joe and sharing his interest in chimes around the country. We especially enjoyed his visit to the Cornell Chimes. He will be missed.
kyle bryce
November 24, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss. What a blessing to all Joe was.. and how blessed he must have been by the love and compassion you share with all.
Lawrence Van Heusen
November 24, 2013
So glad you and Gayle had a chance to go to England for another great Bell tour before leaving us. Your enthusiasm still reverberates.
Dennis Mallory
November 24, 2013
I knew Joe since 1975 and will miss his positive attitude through all the challenges of life.
Ellen Harris
November 24, 2013
I am sorry for your lose. Joe was a great man and friend. He will be missed. May his family know that God is with the in their time of need
November 24, 2013
I am very sorry for your loss John, and that of your family.
Jane Smith
November 24, 2013
Joe, You will be missed. You did so much to keep the bells ringing, everywhere. Janie
November 24, 2013
My sincerest condolences to Mike and the Connors family.
Linda Paul
Ron Bagley
November 24, 2013
God bless all of you at this sad time. with my sympathy, Ron Bagley
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