Rev. John M. Connor Of San Alfonso Retreat House Dies

Courtesy of Woolley-Boglioli Funeral Home

Rev. John M. Connor, C.Ss.R., of the Redemptorist Community of San Alfonso Retreat House in Long Branch died suddenly on April 11.

Born in Boston in 1939, the son of the late Michael and Hannah Connor, Fr. Connor's priestly ministry began in June 1965. His ministerial background included pastoral assignments to the Redemptorist foreign missions in Brazil and Paraguay; parochial ministry in Redemptorist parishes in Boston, Brooklyn, and Philadelphia; the preaching of parish missions and novena devotions to Our Lady of Perpetual Help; and retreat ministry for the last 14 years at San Alfonso. Fr. John was also a cherished celebrant, a gifted preacher, and a devoted friend to the Charismatic Community through his many years of ministry to God's people.

Fr. Connor is survived by his sisters, Mary Gillis of Roslindale (MA) and Elizabeth Hegarty of Marshfield (MA); his nieces, Anne Errasti of Duxbury (MA) and Donna Sullivan of Auburn (MA); his nephews, John Gillis of West Roxbury (MA), Paul Gillis of Walpole (MA), Michael Gillis of Roslindale; his 14 grandnieces and grandnephews; his many friends; and his confreres in the Redemptorist community.

All local services for Father Connor will take place at St. Michael's Church, 800 Ocean Avenue, Long Branch, NJ. Family and friends are invited to a viewing in the church from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.on Thursday, April 14, followed by a Vigil Prayer Service at 8 p.m. The Liturgy of Christian Burial will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Friday at St. Michael's Church. . Interment is planned for Monday, April 18, at the Redemptorist burial site in Boston following services at the Redemptorist parish of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Mission Church in Fr. John's hometown of "Mission Hill" in Roxbury (MA).

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Fr. John's memory to San Alfonso Retreat House at 755 Ocean Avenue, Long Branch, NJ 07740. Rest in peace Father John! To share a favorite memory of Fr. John or messages of condolence, please visit his Book of Memories at www.woolleyboglioli.com