PORTLAND and BANGOR – The Rev. James E. Connor passed away Sept. 18, 2010, at St. Joseph’s Rehabilitation and Residence, Portland. He was born May 31, 1934, in Bangor, son of James E Connor Sr. and M. Ethel (O’Connell) Connor. He was a graduate of St. John’s School and valedictorian of Class of 1952 at John Bapst High School, Bangor. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from College of the Holy Cross, Worcester, Mass. Father Connor prepared for the priesthood at St. Mary’s Theological Seminary, Baltimore, receiving a licentiate in sacred theology. He was ordained by Bishop Daniel J. Feeney, May 21, 1960. Throughout the course of the next two years, he served at Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Portland; St. Denis Parish, Fort Fairfield; and St. Joseph’s Parish, Portland. In September 1962, he was assigned to Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C., for advanced studies, where he obtained his doctorate of canon law. Upon his return to Portland in 1965, he was appointed vice chancellor for the diocese. Shortly thereafter, he became secretary to Bishop Peter Gerety, advocate of the diocesan tribunal and defender of the bond. In 1967 Father Connor was named chaplain and professor at St. Joseph’s College, Standish, for a period of four years. He then attended American College, Louvain, Belgium, for doctoral studies in theology. Upon his return and during the 1980s, his assignments included chaplain at Bowdoin College, Brunswick, and Bates College, Lewiston, and parttime professor at Bangor Theological Seminary. From 1987 until his retirement in 2005, Father Connor served as chaplain for Sister Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Good Shepherd Sisters, at Bay View Convent, Saco. For many years, he also served on Maine Council of Churches, where his guidance and participation was greatly appreciated. Father Connor’s hobbies included chess, tennis, billiards, bowling and classical music. He was a voracious reader of books covering any topic. His depth of knowledge on any subject was extraordinary and one of his greatest joys was discussing his most recently read book. He was predeceased by his parents and three infant siblings. He is survived by his cousins, Frank R. Birmingham Jr. of Venice Fla., Joanne O’Connell Quint of Auburn, Sara O’Connell Suelling of Sebastien, Fla., John C. Gaherty of Grantham, N.H., Mary K. Gaherty Lausier and Mary Elizabeth Connor of Bangor. The family acknowledges the staff at St. Joseph’s Rehabilitation and Residence for the excellent care that Father Connor received. Many thanks also to his personal physicians and numerous doctors and nurses at Mercy Hospital and Southern Maine Medical Center. Reception of the body will be 9-11 a.m. Tuesday at St. John’s Catholic Church, Bangor, where a Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 11 a.m. Tuesday with the Most Rev. Richard J. Malone, as principal celebrant. Interment will be after in the family lot at Mount Pleasant Cemetery. The family invites everyone to a reception after the service in the parish hall at St. John’s Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Joseph’s Rehabilitation and Residence, 1133 Washington Ave., Portland, ME 04101. Arrangements are under the direction of Greenlawn Funeral Directors, Bangor. Catholic funeral directors serving Catholic families.
REV. JAMES E. CONNOR
