Christopher John Connor

Christopher John Connor, 75, of Bridport, Vermont, passed away peacefully on February 7, 2026, from natural causes after a long illness. Born on January 1, 1951, in Providence, Rhode Island, Christopher-known simply as Chris to most and Chrissy to his doting siblings-lived a life filled with humor, hard work, generosity, and a genuine appreciation for nature and the simple joys that make life rich.

Chris was the son of the late Leo Sr. and Barbara Connor. He is survived by his sons, Kelley and Kirk Connor; his siblings Leo Jr. ("Jerry") Connor, William ("Billy") Connor, Paul Connor, Barbara ("Bobbie") Caldwell, Linda Heitkamp, Elizabeth ("Beth") Connor, Mary Pratt, Caroline Martone, Peter Connor and Jonathan Connor; his five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Barbara and brothers Michael ("Mikey") and Joseph Connor, who no doubt welcomed him home with open arms.

Raised in a large lrish Catholic family, Chris grew up with 11 brothers and sisters, forming bonds that carried throughout their lives. Chris moved with the family to a beautiful farm in Bridport when he was still a young boy. Chris thrived on the farm with its many wooded areas and pastures, perfect for spending his days in nature with the birds and animals that he cherished so much.

A proud graduate of Middlebury Union High School, Chris married his highschool sweetheart, Kathy Cooke, whom he married in November 1968. While the marriage ended in divorce after more than 30 years, the love that brought them together in marriage brought them back together later in life as close friends and mutual supporters.

Chris was never one to sit still for long. He took on many roles over the course of his life, from self-appointed foreman at Connor Homes to gourmet chef at the Blue Hen, where his cooking and unique customer service style became something of local legend. As a successful dairy farmer for over 25 years, he honored the rhythm of the land and the animals that sustained his livelihood. Later in life, he earned both his real estate license and his commercial driver's license, driving delivery trucks for Connor Homes. He also learned how to ski with his younger brothers, Peter and Jon at the age of 37 and while no one ever accused Chris of being a swimmer, he did buy a pool and learned how to not drown when he was in his 40s, saying he needed to be able to save his grandchildren and his dog if they ever fell in the pool. At the age of 52, Chris decided to go skydiving with his sons, a decision he regretted all the way to the ground, but further proof that he never stopped learning or exploring new paths.

Athletic, competitive, and always ready to laugh, Chris found joy in sports. He was an accomplished bowler, a hilarious golfer, and a Hall-of-Fame-worthy right fielder on the Morgan Hill Farms softball team, where he played with his brothers and sons over the course of three decades and earned the nickname "Buzzard". For Chris, sports were never just about winning-they were about camaraderie, laughter, and the joy of spending time with family and friends and of course... winning!

Chris had a natural wit and a sharp tongue that could bring levity to any situation. Known for his creative use of profanity, perfectly timed one-liners, and storytelling skills, Chris never had a boring conversation with anyone he met. Beneath his humor was a deep well of kindness- his sometimes colorful language and gruff tone could not hide his tender heart. He was well known for incredible acts of service for family and friends in their darkest hours, and was always ready to share a pot of coffee, whether with family, friends, salesmen and even the occasional bill collector.

He loved nature and knew it intimately-able to name nearly every bird, tree, or wild animal on sight. His days were best spent outdoors or with friends, golfing, bowling, hunting, strumming his guitar, watching the Red Sox and Patriots, or sipping coffee at the Mobil Station while teasing the cashiers who'd long since grown fond of his playful flirting.

Those lucky enough to have known Chris will remember him most for his warmth, his laughter, and his gentle heart. He leaves behind a legacy of humor, hard work, and love that will live on through his family and friends forever.

A memorial reception/wake will be held for Chris at Sanderson's Funeral Home, 117 South Main Street in Middlebury, VT on Sunday, February 22 from 2:00 to 4;00 P.M..

A funeral service will be held on Monday February 23, at Noon in St Bernadette's Catholic Church in Bridport VT, immediately followed by a memorial luncheon at the Masonic Hall across the road at 52 Crown Point Road from 1:00 to 3:00 P.M.

In lieu of flowers the family has set up a go fund me page to establish a burial site, memorial path and wildlife sanctuary on the family farm to honor his memory and love of nature. https://gofund.me/0f00976a6