Jonathan M. "J.C." Connors

Jonathan M. "J.C." Connors

Jonathan Connors Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Sep. 17, 2001.
A 'Tip Top' Life
His license plate was "Tip Top," which was also one of his nicknames and his reflexive response to "How ya doing?" His other nickname ‹ having at least one is practically a prerequisite on Wall Street ‹ was "J.C.," short for Jonathan Connors, a 55-year-old senior vice president of Cantor Fitzgerald who loved to make money, wear Armani, dance the Lindy, dine at Nobu and, whenever possible, be surrounded by strong, independent, beautiful women.

His wife, Susan Connors, said he greeted her not with a peck but with a full-blown kiss. He liked to hold her hand tightly. When she was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, the two dug in together to fight off the effects. "Whatever he did," she said, "it turned to gold, never silver."

Soon after the World Trade Center bombing in 1993, Mr. Connors constructed a diorama of his brush with terrorism. In a red- framed box, he displayed mementos of that day ‹ the soot-covered shirt and tie he wore, the cashmere scarf he used as a mask, his train ticket, the next day's front page. He mounted the box on a wall in his house. It was, his wife said, an act of catharsis, remembrance and defiance all at once.

Mrs. Connors recently took it down. "I couldn't stand to look at it," she said.

Profile published in THE NEW YORK TIMES on October 19, 2001.


CONNORS-Jonathan M. Senior Vice President of Cantor Fitzgerald, died September 11, 2001, in the World Trade Center disaster. He was 55 years old. He is survived by his beloved wife Susan and two sons, Jonathan and James; also by his mother Frances, his brothers Neil and James, and his sister Judy. A memorial service in the thanksgiving and celebration for the life of JC will take place at the St. Johns Church in Cold Spring Harbor, NY, on Route 25A, behind the fish hatchery, at 9 AM, Saturday, September 22, 2001; 516692-6368. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Disease. To donate, call 1-800708-7644 or send to Michael J. Fox Foundation, Grand Central Station, PO Box 4777, New York, NY 10163.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Jonathan Connors's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

September 4, 2021

Cindy Roe posted to the memorial.

April 3, 2021

Del Newberry posted to the memorial.

September 2, 2018

Brittany S posted to the memorial.

Cindy Roe

September 4, 2021

Remembering Jonathan on the 20th anniversary of 9/11....

Del Newberry

April 3, 2021

What a tragedy we will never forget. Much love to JC's family.

Brittany S

September 2, 2018

I was very young when 9/11 occurred but I, like many others I've seen here, received his name through a high school remembrance. I kept the sticker among my sticker collection on my laptop for the past 4 years and when I went to New York and visited the memorial his name was the first one I saw. Although I never met him, I have felt a strong connection to who he was and he has inspired me from afar for quite some time. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones every year and every time I open my laptop. He lives on in the hearts of many

Grace C.

September 12, 2016

To the Connors family,
When this tragic event happened, I was not born yet, so I had no idea what had happened until I was educated about it in school. I am now in high school, and my school's tradition for every year has been writing the names of a victim from the 9/11 attacks and putting them on our shirts to be able to pay our respects. I am truly deeply sorry for your loss. I cannot imagine how difficult it must have been to deal with the grief and pain. Jonathan M. Connors will be in my thoughts and prayers. I'm sure that he was a great man and has brought many smiles to you. He is truly missed by many.
Never forget, and God bless you.

Marty Holder Jr

September 7, 2016

09/07/2016.Tip Top made the BEST Whiskey Sour in the parking lot of Shea Stadium at a pregame Jet tailgate.I was honored to know him from his time at OPCO.He also was a Tip Top Fashion Plate.I truly miss him.I will say a prayer for him at the Jet game Sunday Sept 11 2016.I will raise my glass and toast him at my pregame Jet tailgate that day.He was THE BEST.

Donna Kinghorn

August 26, 2015

To the Connors family,
The two years I spent caring for young Jonathan were the happiest of my teenage years. You were always so generous & kind and I came to love you all so much!! I had no words then, I have no words now. But every year on the anniversary of this day I have dedicated myself to a service project in the honor and memory of your beloved husband and father. You will all be forever in my prayers. With so much love and gratitude, Donna (Rini) Kinghorn

Lisa Locher

September 11, 2014

Susan, I had the pleasure of speaking to JC every morning while he covered me from OPCO. Every day, tip top... Always brought a smile to my face. He spoke of his family always, and he was indeed a tip top human! Always an open invitation to Sign of the Dove whenever I made it to NYC from DC. He is missed by many.

August 2, 2013

It has been a long time since Jonathan and I used to spend idle weekend afternoons in the winter in Manhattan listening to "The Who" or just having fun at the Blazer Pub on Second Ave. In fact it was the middle 1970's and Jonathan and I were close "buds" during those years, and my life and all those who know him well were certainly enriched by his friendship.
Gerry Simmons
Dawsonville, GA

Jazzy

September 29, 2011

I was young when 9-11 happened, so I don't remember the events of the crisis. Now that I am older, and have been educated on this matter, I do grieve for those who suffered a loss. I know how hard it is to lose someone you really care about. In loving memory of Jonathan M. Connors, I am truly sorry to his family and friends for your grief. This man seemed a joy to be around, and his passing is tragic. I will remember this victim in the future. When I want to complain about something, I will think of Jonathan. A man who didn't complain about a thing, and who's life was taken from all the ones who loved him. I will always remember the victims of 9-11, but most of all I will remember the brave soul of Jonathan M. Connors.

Edward McManus

September 11, 2011

When I think of my cousin John, and I do so more than occasionally as our roots are special ones. I picture, feel, and hear a man who had style, class, heart, and most of all a great love for his mother, and my late aunt, Frances McManus Connors. Your spirit was "Tip Top", and your love of people even more so. You will be remembered always by us all.

Keri D.

September 10, 2011

I never knew you and doubt our paths would have ever crossed, but I just did a 10th Anniversary 9/11 Rememberance Run and you were the name attached to my bib number to run in your honor and memory. Sending prayers to your family and may you rest in peace. We will never forget.

Doug Abraham

February 24, 2009

In My Pocket

I have memories in my pocket.
They rattle among the change.

My memories of you are treasures I carry wherever I go.

They are stored in bits and pieces, parts of a beautiful whole
They give me comfort when I think I am alone.

Yes, I have memories in my pocket, like so much other stuff I keep there.

But of all the treasures I have, it’s the memories of you that are the most precious.

Kristine

October 30, 2006

As I cross-stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.

P Tabbernor

September 14, 2006

In memory....

Jamie Connors

March 30, 2005

May the road rise up to meet you,

May the wind be always at your back,

And until we meet again,

May God hold you

In the palm of His hand.

(Irish Blessing)

We will always remember.

I never knew TIP-TOP, but noticed he left behind a son with the same name as my own .(James Connors)

My deepest condolences.

Liz

September 17, 2003

Today, Tomorrow and always you are in my prayers.

Liz

KIM ANDERSON

September 11, 2003

I had the pleasure of rooming with his son John at Salisbury. I knew I could always count on J.C. for a good laugh and a good cheering up. When ever that white Jeep came rolling up the hilltop, I knew that I was in the company of a truly blessed soul. We miss ya J.C., and one day we can get together for that lunch that we were never able to have. God bless you and your family.

Lindsey Doerge Barnett

September 11, 2003

To the Connors family,



We think of all of you often and want you to know that you are in our hearts and prayers every day.



Lots of love The Doerge family

brook mcnight

February 27, 2003

I knew J.C. for 6 years. Six years too short. He was a dear and truly good person. I will miss him always. He was my friend.

He loved his family deeply and my prayers are with you all ,now and forever.

Jeff Keswin

September 12, 2002

I will always remember the plant J.C. sent to me when I moved my firm, Greenlight, into new office space. I had met J.C. through Will Raub, one of his colleagues at Cantor. From time to time, I'd see J.C. when I was visiting Will. J.C. and I would invariably say hello to one another, chat about business and/or golf, chuckle, and return to whatever else we had on our respective plates. Each year, he'd kindly include me in his outing at The Creek. The plant really brought a smile to my face. My dear friend Will must've mentioned the new office space to J.C., and J.C. took it upon himself to send a gift. I was Will's client...so I expected the bottle of wine from him. I spoke to J.C. once or twice a year...so the plant was an unexpected, pleasant surprise. J.C. was just a nice guy. Yet another example of the character of all of the folks I met at Cantor through Will. Thanks, J.C.

Geoff Cornell

March 11, 2002

I met J.C., Susan, James and Jonathan at the Ranch in Wickenburg. I was instantly drawn to the entire family. Playing miniature golf, socializing in the saloon and talking about restaurants in NYC was fun. J.C. and Susan extended their hospitality to me with tickets to the 50th anniversary of the Nutcracker Suite in Lincoln Center and dinner at Shun Lee. I will NEVER forget him and his family.

I am saddened by your loss and may you always remember that your love is your strength. My thoughts are with you all.

Fondly,

Geoff Cornell

June Bremer

January 17, 2002

I always enjoyed Jonathan over the years though I wasn't a close friend. It's always upsetting not to know all the incredible details of his life until it's too late. He was lucky to have a wonderful talented wife, Susie, and family. W

Teresa Jahn

January 5, 2002

We are deeply sorry for your loss of J.C. May his strength, enjoyment for life and his love live on in those who love him. May you always feel the warmth of his love radiate into your hearts. Our hearts cry with you in your loss of a man who was Tip Top.

America Cries

We see your sorrow-

and our hearts cry....

We can not erase your pain

but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-

-the American people-

are beside you.

We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,

the strength that gives you courage,

and the words to lighten your spirits.

And when we are left speechless

may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts

to ease your sorrow.

May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-

-the American people-

face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn

Dixon, IL

December 31, 2001

MAY DEAR GOD BLESS YOU JONATHAN M.

JC CONNORS AND MAY YOU REST IN PEACE

WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS...GOD BLESS

YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS.GOD BLESS

AMERICA AND MAY WE NEVER FORGET

9/11/01

Tara Sullivan

November 16, 2001

J.C. I'll always remember your kindess. God Bless you. May you rest in peace.

Courtenay White

November 14, 2001

Dear Mrs. Connors and Jon,



My heart goes out to you both. You do not know me but I remember meeting Jon at our house, I am Justin White's older sister. I am writing on behalf of our family to let you know that we are praying for your family. Please accept our deepest condolences.



God bless,



Courtenay C. White & the entire White family

mark binning

November 8, 2001

J always lived life to it's fullest.He was Tip Top.... Always thinking of you J

Dianne Purdy

November 4, 2001

My Prayers continue for your family. My heart aches for your great loss.

leslie miller

October 22, 2001

Remember and celebrate this wonderful life! Our prayers are with you-- we will never forget you.

Barbara Bolin

September 23, 2001

My thoughts and prayers go out to you all.May God bless you all.

Jonathan may you rest in peace.

Walker Haigh

September 21, 2001

I met JC in Canada at Keewaydin. I've always remembered his Irish exuberance and wit. Deepest sympathy to his wife and sons.

Billy

September 20, 2001

Having worked with JC for 3 years, I'll always remember is exhuberance for life and those great ties. Prayers and peace to his family.

S Lowe

September 19, 2001

Our sympathy,thoughts,and prayers are with you. May God bless this brave soul.

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September 4, 2021

Cindy Roe posted to the memorial.

April 3, 2021

Del Newberry posted to the memorial.

September 2, 2018

Brittany S posted to the memorial.