Wayne Gene Conners

Wayne was a lifelong craftsman who took pride in working with his hands. He worked as a repair technician at Montgomery Ward where he realized his skill for repairing household items. He also worked for Western Publishing, where he took pride in the fact that he read the entire Bible numerous times during his career there. Wayne worked for IBM for 24 years in New York and North Carolina. A talented woodworker, he later founded Conners Construction Company and retired in 2015.

Wayne married Dorothy on July 5, 1979, in Littleton, CO. Together they raised three children and enjoyed family trips throughout New England. Becoming a grandfather to Maddi, Alayna and Killian was one of his greatest joys.

Wayne was dedicated to serving others. In his younger years, he was a volunteer EMT with Fire/Rescue. He often told stories about being an EMT and the difference he made in the lives of those he cared for. He was active in his children’s schools, his local communities, and churches.

Left to cherish Wayne’s memory are his wife of 45 years, Dorothy Conners; his children Kevin Conners and daughter-in-law, Dana; Christopher Conners and daughter-in-law, Caitlyn; Jenny Middleswarth and son-in-law, Rob; his grandchildren Maddi and Alayna Middleswarth, and Killian Conners.

Wayne’s family extends heartfelt thanks to Shannon May for her love and care for Wayne over the last six months. The family would also like to thank Melissa, Kacynthia, and Kaitlyn of Gentiva Hospice; the staff of Gardens of Trent Memory Care facility; as well as the staff of CarolinaEast Medical Center for caring for Wayne (Summer S., Sarah I., Allison, Clair, Brittney T., and Dr. Frederick). With special thanks to Tracy Waters, RN, who ensured Wayne’s comfort while keeping a watchful eye over him, Dorothy, and Jenny in Wayne’s final days. Your love and kindness will never be forgotten.

To honor Wayne’s life of service, he would delight in his friends and family choosing to help others. Whether it is donating your time, talents, or finances, in whichever way you choose, please do so in honor of Wayne. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donating to the Alzheimer’s Association, www.ALZ.org, to help stop Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

Wayne will be inurned at Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery Mausoleum, 342 South Avenue, Poughkeepsie, NY, on Saturday, June 21st. Please meet at the entrance of the cemetery by 10:00 am.

An additional memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 12th at 11:00 am at Resurrection Lutheran Church, 100 West Lochmere Drive, Cary, NC. Please join the family for refreshments and a light meal in the Fellowship Hall of the church after the memorial service.