John J. Conners

John J. Conners Jr., 77, a lifelong Roman, passed away on February 25, 2026, peacefully surrounded by his loving family at Rome Health, after a short but courageous two-month battle with cancer related to Agent Orange exposure. John fought a good fight of faith throughout his illness, remaining strong and determined with an unwavering will to live. On February 25th, God called him home, and John entered eternal life with Jesus, leaving behind a legacy of faith, courage, and love.

John was born on May 20, 1948, in Rome, New York, the son of John and Mary (Quinn) Conners. He graduated from Rome Free Academy in 1968 and was later drafted into the United States Army Infantry, serving as a Specialist Four (SP4) and combat medic during the Vietnam War. Wounded in combat, John was awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star Medal for his bravery and service. In 2023, he proudly participated in the Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., an experience that deeply moved him and remained one of his proudest moments as he was honored alongside fellow veterans.

On August 17, 1974, John married the love of his life, MaryLou Swiecki , and together they celebrated 51 years of marriage, building a life rooted in devotion, faith, and family.

John dedicated his professional career to public service as a Supervisor with New York State DDSO, beginning in 1973 and continuing until his retirement.

John was deeply committed to his community and faith. He was a longtime member of Redeemer Church in Rome, served as President of the Rome Polish Home, where through strong leadership and dedication he helped pull the organization out of debt which allowed it to thrive today as a vital part of the Rome community. He also served as Commander of the American Legion Henry P. Smith Post 24 and was also a member of the Henry P. Smith Post Color Guard, was a Board Member of VFW Post 2246, and was actively involved in the Memorial Day/Veterans Day Committee, honoring fallen service members year after year.

John lived life with humor, passion and joy. He was an avid golfer, proudly achieving an Eagle, an enthusiastic bowler who celebrated a perfect 300 game, a devoted New York Yankees fan who attended many games over the years, and a dedicated U.S. Mint coin collector. He will be fondly remembered for his sense of humor, which never left him - even during his illness. One of his favorite sayings throughout his courageous battle was, "I'm finer than frog's hair."

John is survived by his beloved wife, MaryLou Conners; his children, Kelly Kulpa of Westmoreland, Sean Conners of Rome, and Shannon (Standford) Miller of West Hartford, CT; his cherished grandchildren, Alina Kulpa, Sophie Miller, Landon Miller, and Stella Miller; his sister Judith (Keith) Snyder of Mocksville, NC; sister-in-law Judy Conners of Rome; brothers- and sisters-in-law Dr. Timothy and Marilyn Swiecki of Stevens Point, WI, and David and Joy Swiecki of Lincolnton, GA; along with several loving nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, John and Mary Conners, and his brother, Jim Conners.

John will be remembered for his unwavering faith, strength, service to others, infectious humor, and deep love for his family, community, and country. His legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched.

John's family wishes to express their gratitude to the Dr. Jacobs, Dr. Goldberg, the staff of Rome Health Emergency Room Dept and ICU Dept. for the kindness and compassion shown to him.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 2, 2026, at 5:00 PM at the Nunn and Harper Funeral Home, Inc. 418 N. George St., Rome. Interment with Military Honors will take place in St. Mary's Cemetery in the spring. Family and friend are invited and may call on Monday prior to the service from 2:00 to 5:00 PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John's memory to the Henry P. Smith Post, Rome Polish Home, or Disabled American Veterans (DAV). You may view his obituary and send his family a message of sympathy at www.nunnandharper.com.