Edwin Arthur Connor

Edwin Arthur Connor (aka "Doc Connor", Ed, "Pop Pop"), 98, of Rehoboth Beach, DE, passed away peacefully in his "little slice of paradise" on March 17, 2026. Born April 21, 1927, at home in Kennett Square, PA, he was the youngest son of Joseph Vincent Connor and Elizabeth Walters Connor and beloved brother to the late Constance Connor, Rita Connor Ekhaml, and William Connor.

Ed graduated from Kennett Square High School in 1945, where he played baseball, track, basketball, and soccer. His favorite song was "Begin the Beguine," which he looked forward to hearing at the local dances every Saturday night. He was one of the few teenagers in town who got a car for his 16th birthday, a 1940 Plymouth Coop that cost $250.

A few weeks before his graduation, Ed heard an advertisement on the radio, prompting young men to enlist in the Army Air Corp. He drove to Philadelphia the next day and enlisted. Before he began his service, the program was canceled, so Ed transferred his enlistment to the Navy. He graduated from Kennett High School on June 15, 1945, and promptly left for the Navy the next day. He was stationed at the US Naval Training Center (USNTC), Bainbridge, MD for the duration of WWII and his military service.

He was Honorably discharged and used the GI bill to attend Philadelphia College of Pharmacy & Science, graduating in 1952. He expected to join his father and uncles in the "family business"- Connor's Pharmacy, which began in Kennett Square in the early 1920's.

Two events changed the course of Ed's life. A fire torched the Kennett store and Ed was left unemployed. His brother found a pharmacy for sale in Laurel, DE, and on May 23, 1952, Ed opened Connor's Pharmacy, which would remain a pillar of the community until he sold it to Edgehill Pharmacy in 1986.

At Connor's Pharmacy, customers could enjoy a drink at the soda fountain, have their prescriptions filled while they waited (delivered for free), or browse the many convenience store products and gifts offered. Ed filled his last prescription and began his happy and long retirement in 1993.

He married his wife and life-long soul mate, Eileen Mary Dugan, on July 26, 1952, in Folcroft, PA. They were married for 68 years, until her passing in November 2020. Together, they raised four daughters while also managing rental properties, and a gift shop.

Outside of work, Ed had many hobbies, including O-gauge train collecting, wood duck carving, gardening, golfing, playing bridge, cheering on the Phillies, traveling, and visiting family. He enjoyed Big Band music, bridge clubs, nice meals, world travels, and countless other ventures. He was a devoted member of both Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Seaford, DE, and St. Edmonds Catholic Church in Rehoboth Beach, and served on the Knights of Columbus for many years.

In 2003, Ed and Eileen moved to the beach permanently, to a home they had purchased in 1963. Their house had an open door and a lively spirit, and at the heart of it all was Ed, who welcomed all to stop by and visit anytime.

It was clear to everyone that Ed found the most joy in his family. In his waning days, he thanked God for his wonderful wife, four daughters, two sons-in-law, and all his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Ed is survived by his daughters, Sandy Morris of Naples, FL; Karen McQueen of Rehoboth Beach, DE; Joy Shannahan (Joe) of Moneta, VA; and Wendy McPartland (Dan) of New London, PA; his 10 grandchildren; and his 16 great grandchildren.

Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 am, on Monday, April 20, at St. Edmond Catholic Church, 409 King Charles Ave, Rehoboth Beach, DE, where family and friends can visit from 10:00 am - 11:00 am. Interment to follow mass, at 1:00 pm, at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 26669 Patriots Way, Millsboro, DE.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Ed's memory to the Rehoboth Beach Fire Company, EMS Division, 219 Rehoboth Avenue, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971; or Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963, or https://www.DEhospice.org.

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