Ret. Col. Richard "Dick" M. Connor Sr.

Ret. Col. Richard M. Connor, Sr., 93, of New Bern, NC and Willsboro, NY, passed away on Sunday, August 8, 2021. Richard (Dick) was born September 16, 1927 in Plattsburgh, NY to Mable Olcott Connor and John Connor. When he was born he lived in a cabin on Sugarloaf Mountain with no running water and no electricity. They had no car, instead, a horse, sleigh and a wagon. They later moved to the Middle Road in Willsboro, NY.

Richard was in the Air Force for 26 years and also served 2 years in the Navy near the close of World War II. He was so intelligent he graduated from Willsboro High School at the age of 15. He was a pilot and loved his job. He retired as a "Full Bird" Colonel at the age of 46 and settled in his wife's hometown of New Bern, NC. It was there that he finally put down roots with his wife, Joyce Downing Connor and his 2 youngest children, Wendy and Rick. He also had a summer home on Willsboro Point on Lake Champlain in the Adirondack Mountains of NY where spent most every summer with his family and loved ones.

He was an amazing, honest, caring and loving man. He was a Master Gardener and kept a garden up until his death. He was famous for his homemade strawberry jam that he grew the berries for and canned himself. It is a most treasured and priceless treat to our family. He enjoyed arrowhead collecting, many of which he found himself in the desert when he was stationed in Texas as a flight instructor for the Air Force. He was an avid hunter and participated in the sport until he was no longer able to, then he just carried an apple and a diet Pepsi in the woods to his tree stand and would simple enjoy watching the deer and wildlife.

He was a proud member of the Rhems Fire Department and their oldest member. He was a member of the civilian club for many years and enjoyed the meetings and the people.

He is survived by his 5 children, JoAnn Daniels of Davis, NC, Emily Dale of Corpus Christi, TX, JB and wife Lisa Dale of Beeville, TX, Wendy Burt of Willsboro, NY, and Rick Connor of James City, NC, his grandchildren; Daryl Fairchild of Binghamton, NY, Sara Connor of Greenville, NC, and many more grandchildren and great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents he is predeceased by his wife, Joyce Downing Connor, sister Sylvia Connor, and brother, Wendell Connor.

In lieu of flowers he requested that donations be made in his honor to Rhems Fire Department: PO Box 13010, New Bern, NC 28561.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Rhems Fire Department on August 14, 2021 at 2pm.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cottenfuneralhome.com for the Connor family.