IL Man Celebrates 107th Birthday

SYCAMORE, IL — A World War II veteran and Illinois resident is celebrating his 107th birthday this month.

Illinois Senate Minority Deputy Leader Sue Rezin, R-Morris, recently visited Grand Victorian of Sycamore, where she presented a Senate certificate honoring Jack Connerton in celebration of his milestone birthday.

"As a World War II veteran and someone who has spent more than a century making a positive impact on those around him, Mr. Connerton represents the very best of our Greatest Generation,” Rezin said in a news release. “I wish him a very happy 107th birthday and thank him for his many contributions."

Born July 25, 1919, in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Connerton served in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II and was stationed in Bedford, England, according to a news release from Rezin’s office.

Following his military service, he married his wife, Marie "Mickey" Connerton, and later moved his family to Sycamore, where he worked as corporate purchasing director for Duplex Products, the news release said. After retiring from the company, he launched a second career in real estate and remained active in the profession until 2024, retiring at the age of 104.

He is the proud grandfather of five and great-grandfather of five.