In love and in sorrow, we mourn the loss of Judge John G. Connor of Hudson, New York, who passed away peacefully on October 4, 2021, at the age of 90.
Born June 24, 1931, in Albany, John was a devoted and loving family man, a gifted attorney, and a justice who dutifully served for more than two decades on New York State’s Supreme Court.
A graduate of Philmont High School, he pitched a no-hitter for the baseball team his senior year and graduated in the top eleven of his class. John attended St. Michael’s College and served two years in the U.S. Army before graduating from Albany Law School in 1957. Upon passing the Bar, he formed the legal firm Connor, Millman & Connor with his father, which later became Connor, Curran, Connor, Flint & Schram.
Prior to his tenure on the bench for the State of New York, highlights to John’s early legal career include being the first Democrat elected District Attorney in Columbia County in over a century and serving as the Village Attorney for the Village of Philmont for many years. He was President of the Columbia County Bar Association from 1980 to 1983, a member of the Board of Trustees of Columbia-Greene Community College from 1980 to 1986, and a member of the Knights of Columbus, the American Legion, and the Hudson Elks Club.
Professionally, John was best known for serving as a Supreme Court Justice for New York’s 3rd District following his election in 1982 and reelection in 1996. He served with consistency and with compassion for 24 years until his retirement in 2006. Following his retirement from the bench, he practiced law with his son, John Jr., at the firm Connor & Connor. John spent much of his legal career as an advocate for the downtrodden and the underdogs.
Known for his infectious laugh and sense of humor, John was beloved in the community. He was a skilled pianist, an ardent Democrat, a diehard fan of the Boston Red Sox, and a lifelong learner who never ceased to be determined to take on new hobbies, learn new instruments, or master the newest Apple products. He loved politics, investing, and traveling the world with Joan, his travel partner of more than 70 years.
John is predeceased by his parents, Judge William E.J. and Mildred Connor, and sisters, Patricia Murphy and Eileen Clark.
He is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 64 years, Joan Connor, as well as his children, John “Jack” (Anne) Connor Jr., James “Jimmy” (Darcy) Connor, and Jennifer (Tim) Shumsky; his grandchildren, Emily Connor, Allison (Mike) Konderwich, Brendan Connor, Caroline Connor, TJ Shumsky, Jameson Connor, and Lexi Shumsky; and his great-granddaughter Ella Konderwich. He is also survived by his siblings, William Connor and Marylou (John) McCall, and several nieces, nephews, and dear friends, including Cleveland Samuels.
Visitation hours will be held at Bates & Anderson-Redmond & Keeler Funeral Home (Green Street, Hudson) on Thursday, October 7 from 5 to 7 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated from St. Mary’s Church at 10:30 am on Friday, October 8. Masks and vaccines are required for both events. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Salvation Army of Hudson (PO Box 746 Hudson, NY 12534), a charity near to John’s heart.