John William Conness

on August 30, 2023, surrounded by those who loved him most.

John’s life journey began on May 27, 1943, in Streater, IL where he was born to Maxine and

Robert Conness, sharing his childhood with his older brother, Robert. The family relocated to

Fort Lauderdale in 1955, during his middle school years.

As a graduate of Fort Lauderdale High School (Class of 1961), John attended the University of

Florida where he earned his bachelor's degree in psychology and was a proud member of the

Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. From University of Florida, John went to Florida State University

where he earned his law degree in 1969. Despite his time at FSU, John remained steadfast and

true to the Florida Gators.

Professionally, John served as a City Judge in Fort Lauderdale and went on to practice law for

over four decades. He was extremely proud of his time as a certified trial lawyer.

John met the love of his life, Sybil, and they were married in Fort Lauderdale at their home in

Coral Ridge. Through the years, John and Sybil would find a deep passion for being on the

water, which would eventually lead them to their cherished boat, Sea Note. They shared some

of their favorite memories on Sea Note, and the many Bahamian islands they visited.

Even though their travels took them out of town often, they always came home to find

enjoyment in the Lauderdale Yacht Club, where John was a member for 45 years.

John and Sybil loved their part in raising John’s boys, Grant and Patrick. John would pass on his

love of the Florida Gators to Grant and Patrick, and over the years, the three of them would

enjoy many games at The Swamp. John also treasured their exciting trips to Costa Rica, the

Bahamas and Colorado, where they all have some of the fondest memories together. Aside

from the Gators and their travels, the only thing John and his boys loved more was listening to

good music together.

Later in life, John and Sybil moved to Gainesville for several years. They found new friends and

enjoyed many fun nights out with good food and drinks – a good rib-eye and strong martini for

John. Always shaken, of course.

After five years in Gainesville, they settled back in Fort Lauderdale to be around their beloved

family and old friends, where John would live out the remainder of his life.

John is survived by his wife, Sybil, his sons Grant (spouse Jessica and their children Kirra,

Cody, Kylie and Kinley) and Patrick Conness (spouse Shannon and their children Sean and

Cameron), his stepdaughter, Kim Holt (spouse Jeff and their children Stephanie, Murphy and

Charlie) and his stepson, Ron Carroll (son Ronnie).

John is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Maxine, and his brother, Robert.

A funeral service for John will be held at Church by the Sea on September 23, 2023, at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to UF Health Cancer Center by click on the following link. UF Health Cancer Center Donation Link