John A. Connor Sr.

John A. Connor Sr., 93 of Latham, passed away peacefully on October 19th, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born September 17, 1932 in Troy, the son of Harold G. Connor Sr. and Mary Murphy Connor. Shortly after graduating from Lansingburgh High School, John enlisted in the U.S. Air Force Academy and was stationed in Del Rio, Texas as a fighter mechanic. After service, John returned back to the Capital Region and worked a variety of customer service-facing jobs, including delivering bread through the streets and neighborhoods of Troy and Watervliet with his trusty equine partners, Chuck and Maude, on a horse-drawn wagon for the Freihofer Baking Company.
In September of 1954, John married his best friend, the late Joyce Ann Germain Connor of Troy. The two had met just before John left for the academy, but John's natural charm and persistence convinced Joyce to come with him to Texas as he served his country. The two returned to the Capital Region in 1956, living in Valley Falls where they would start a family and ultimately settle down in the longtime family home across from School 2 on 10th St in Troy.
John was the proud father of Mary Lou Baker (Daniel) of Clifton Park, and John A. Connor Jr of Troy. He was the grandfather of Timothy Ruffinen Jr (Audrey) of Niskayuna and great-grandfather to Ava and Ivy. John is also survived by his brother Robert Connor, his sister Patricia Prisk, and several nieces and nephews. He was the brother to the late Harold (Connor), Joan (Tine), Peter (Connor), and Anne (Passignano), as well as his cherished niece, Maureen Connor.
As a youth, John was a standout student athlete and valued member of the Lansingburgh community. In 1950, the Lansingburgh Boys' Club named him "Boy of the Year" for his citizenry and contributions to the community. His selflessness carried through his time in the Air Force, and continued in his post-military professional career. As John would travel across New York making deliveries for a variety of companies, he treated his customers along his route like they were extended family members, and they in turn would reciprocate. While John officially retired from the workforce in 1996, his true passion for life continued for the next three decades. During this time he held many roles: a devoted partner, a supportive best friend, a loving father, a loyal brother, a fun-loving uncle, an amazing grandfather and most recently, an adorable great-grandfather. John was the family chef, fixing meals for everyone around him before he would sit down himself. John would chauffeur Joyce around New York and its neighboring states, frequenting fairs and church suppers, making countless friends and acquaintances along the way. In his free time, John loved watching sports, doing the daily "jumble" in the newspaper, and frequenting the local shops in Troy. John cared deeply for his pets, especially ones who needed extra love and attention, and could often be seen taking his dogs for a walk around the block of their 10th St home. John was the type of neighbor who we all wish we could have, often striking up a chat or simply giving a friendly wave. While John lived a modest life, he was abundantly generous with his kindness and warmth to loved ones and strangers alike. John left an unforgettable mark on all he came in contact with and will be deeply missed.
The family would like to thank the caring and compassionate staff at Mountain Valley Hospice in Gloversville, the doctors and nurses at Samaritan Hospital in Troy, as well as the management and residents of the Cabrini Acres Senior Apartments in Latham. Thank you all for your love and support you have given to John and his family.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Whiskers Animal Benevolent League, PO Box 11190, Albany, NY 12211.
Funeral services will be held Monday October 27th at 11 a.m. in the Fitzgerald Funeral Home, 105 Vliet Blvd, Cohoes. Interment will follow at the Saratoga National Cemetery.
Relatives and family may visit the funeral home from 9am-11am prior to the funeral service.