Hugh Conners

Hugh James "Huey" Conners, 84, of the Military Turnpike, Plattsburgh, died accidently, Wednesday, May 15, 2024 in Plattsburgh.
He was born in Plattsburgh, January 13, 1940, the son of Ellis and Hazel (Deso) Conners. Hugh grew up in Plattsburgh and graduated from Mount Assumption Institute in 1957. He started work for the New York State Department of Transportation in August of that same year and worked there until he retired after 37 years of service in 1995.
Hugh worked his entire career in the DOT Highway Division. Starting as an Engineering Aide in 1957, later promoted to Engineering Technician and rising to be a Principal Engineering Technician ten years later. Hugh served as the Engineer in Charge of construction projects large and small for the rest of his long career in Region 7 in upstate New York. Even after retiring, his skills and experience were sought after, and he worked for several years as a NYS certified consultant engineer for a contractor laying fiber along the interstate successfully completing the project.
Hugh enlisted in the US Army Reserve in 1963 and served proudly in the Reserve until his honorable discharge in 1969. He was a "Tractor Operator" certified to drive heavy equipment and was awarded Sharpshooter and Expert Marksman with a rifle during his time in the Reserves.
Hugh devoted a lot of his free time to several groups and organizations that were his passions. Hugh served 30 years as a volunteer firefighter with South Plattsburgh Fire Department and rose to the rank of Assistant Chief. He also served on the Clinton County Fire Police Association. As a lifelong skilled scuba diver, he also assisted the Clinton County Sheriff's Dive Team in search, rescue, and recovery efforts.
Boating was a lifelong activity; after retirement, Hugh devoted a significant amount of time and energy to the local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. He loved being on the water and taught himself how to sail in retirement on vessels ranging from tiny 12 foot sunfish up to a 42 foot Hunter and several in between.
Travel was also something that he enjoyed. There were some favorite white sand places in Mexico and the Caribbean islands. He also like traveling to New Orleans for Mardi Gras or Rio de Janeiro for Carnival.
Hugh was for many years in retirement an active member and held several officer positions in the American Legion Post 20 in Plattsburgh.
One cannot talk about Hugh without mentioning one of his many "projects". He was handy, inventive, and creative with wood, metal, plastic, pretty much any material that he put his hands on. Hugh was not one to buy a complete solution when he could creatively craft a custom one of his own design reusing resources he usually already had. He was an amazing design and build team all in one, a self-taught and very talented engineer.
Left to cherish the memory of Huey are, his children, Pamela Conners, Kevin Conners, Steven (Lynn) Conners, and Patti Boudrieau; grandchildren, Cody (Steph) Boudrieau, Abbey Boudrieau, Micheal Conners, Megan Conners, Caitlin Conners, and Ryan Conners; great-grandchild, Ian Boudrieau; siblings, Leroy (Lynn) Conners, Thomas (Joyce) Conners, and Timothy Conners; and niece Kelle Conners Santa and nephew Larry MacArthur.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by older brother Patrick Conners.
Calling hours will be held Thursday, May 30, 2024, from 11 to 1 pm at the Hamilton Funeral Home, 294 Mannix Road, Peru. A funeral service will follow in the Hamilton Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Scott Seymour, officiating. Committal prayers, military honors, and burial will follow in St. Augustine's Cemetery in Peru.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the following organizations:
Clinton County Firefighters Association 16 Emergency Services Drive Plattsburgh, NY 12903 (EIN: 16-1379614)
American Legion Post 20 162 Quarry Rd Plattsburgh, NY 12901 (EIN: 14-1514851)
St Alexander Church 1 Church Street, Morrisonville, NY 12962
Arrangements are in the care of the Hamilton Funeral Home, 294 Mannix Road, Peru, 518-643-9055.