Connor Joseph Sellars

Connor J. Sellars, 26, of Owego, NY, passed away Friday, June 6, 2025, due to a tragic accident. Connor was predeceased by his mother, Colleen (Hill) Sellars; maternal grandparents, David and Regina (Jastremsky) Hill; paternal grandfather's life companion, Lola Walker; two uncles, David Hill, Harry Miller; cousin, Olivia Hill; his racing brother, DJ Forbes. Connor is survived by his father, Charles "Joe" Sellars; sister, Chelsea Sellars; maternal grandmother, Darcy Sellars "Mimi"; paternal grandfather, Charles R. "Charlie" Sellars; his girlfriend, Annika Rinehart, several aunts and uncles, Lisa Sellars, Kelly Cella; Mike (Debbie) Hill; Chuck (Mary) Hill, Beth (Mark) Johnson, Valerie Miller, Chris Hill; his God father, Sean Vallenti; numerous cousins, "The Gang", along with numerous friends.
Connor was born in Sayre, PA and raised in Owego, NY, where he graduated from Owego Free Academy, Class of 2017. He went on to earn an associate degree from SUNY Broome in Liberal Arts and Sciences. From his early days valeting cars to building homes as a skilled carpenter, and eventually becoming a CDL driver at Taylor Garbage/Casella, Connor's work ethic never wavered. He was truly a jack of all trades-adaptable, determined, and driven. No matter the job, Connor gave it his all, excelling through sheer dedication and an unshakable commitment to doing every task with pride and purpose.
Connor's racing journey began at just 5 years old with the Southern Tier Microd Club, where he not only discovered his love for the sport but also formed lasting friendships that would follow him through life. Throughout his years of microd racing, he excelled, racking up over 300 wins and securing almost 30 NYSMA championships. As his skills and determination grew, so did his ambition. Leading him to compete in the NASCAR Sunoco Modifieds at just 15 years old. In 2018, Connor triumphed in the points battle at Chemung Speedrome, earning the prestigious title of NASCAR Whelen Track Champion. His hard work and dedication took him all the way to Charlotte, North Carolina, where he proudly attended the NASCAR banquet, celebrating his achievements alongside some of the sport's most respected icons. After establishing himself as a force on asphalt, Connor took on a new challenge: dirt racing. What began as a shift quickly became his greatest passion. He started out in a Crate Sportsman before advancing to the 358 Modified class, competing at numerous tracks across the region. Among them, Orange County Speedway stood out as one of his all-time favorites. No matter the surface beneath his tires, Connor raced with heart, precision, and a relentless drive that defined who he was on and off the track.
Connor had a passion for anything with a motor, he lived for speed, thrived on adrenaline, and was never afraid to push limits or defy expectations. Whether he was tearing it up with his boys on his four-wheeler or dirt bike, carving down mountains on his snowboard, launching across the water on his jet ski, or ripping through fresh powder on his snowmobile, Connor was always chasing the thrill - fearless, free, and full of life. He reminded us to live life, as he did, with passion, courage, and a fearless heart that never settled for anything less than full throttle.
Outside of motorsports, Connor had a personality full of passions and quirks that made him unforgettable. He loved his ever-growing shoe collection, had a soft spot for documentaries, working out, golfing, tinkering with his stocks in Bitcoin and enjoyed running his RC cars/planes. He played lacrosse growing up and never lost that competitive edge. He took pride in his Camaro and his truck, both of which reflected his style and love for anything fast. Connor was also the life of the party, never shy about hitting the dance floor and he never turned down a trip for ice cream on a Sunday. Music was always playing in the background of his life, a constant companion through every adventure.
Connor's life was deeply enriched by the friendships he built along the way. The memories made with his friends were some of his most cherished. Whether they were going out for a night of fun, sitting around a fire sharing stories, late night food runs at the Dandy or just enjoying each other's company. He loved being outdoors, doing anything from having airsoft battles to organizing a good round of manhunt. Connor was the core of his friend group. The one everyone could count on, the one who brought people together, and the one who made every moment more meaningful just by being there. His friendships were full of loyalty, adventure, and joy-just like him.
To know Connor was to admire the man, not just for his unmatched work ethic or the countless things he seemed to excel at, but for the size and sincerity of his heart. He carried a quiet strength, always showing up for the people he loved. To be under his wing was to feel truly protected like nothing in the world could touch you as long as he was around. His heart was one of a kind, pure, generous, and deeply rooted in love. Connor didn't just care, he showed it. In the way he listened, the way he gave, and the way he always put others before himself. He was a man of few words, rarely speaking his emotions out loud, but you always felt them. In his actions, in his loyalty, and in the quiet ways he showed up when it mattered most.
The checkered flag may have fallen, but Connor's impact remains in the stories we hold close. Always remembered, #00.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 13, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at the First Church of the Nazarene, 3732 Waverly Road, Owego, NY with the Pastor, Jay Geistdorfer, officiating. Burial will follow in St. Patrick's Cemetery, Owego, NY. The family will receive friends Thursday, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Estey, Munroe & Fahey Funeral Home, 15 Park St., Owego, NY. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Connor J. Sellars' memory to the Owego Emergency Squad, P.O. Box 22, Owego, NY 13827