Rev. Martin P. Connor
Deceased: 2022-02-26
Diocese: BOSTON
CSM Graduation Year: 1977
ICTE Fall: 2004
Fr. Martin P. Connor passed peacefully on Feb. 26, 2022. Martin was born on August 25, 1935, in Fields Corner, Dorchester.
He was the son of the late Martin and Nora (Shea) Connor; both were Irish immigrants from Glenbeigh and Glencar, Co. Kerry, respectively. Martin graduated Magna Cum Laude from Boston College in 1958 and continued his theological studies at St. John’s Seminary until his graduation and ordination in 1964. After which, he ministered at St. Mary of the Sacred Heart church in Hanover, MA, followed by a brief residency at St. Charles in Woburn, MA, in 1970. He was chosen to continue his education at the Pontifical Academy in Vatican City in 1974 and returned to St. John’s Seminary in Brighton, offering 27 years of service as Spiritual Director. While in this role, he would also celebrate Mass on weekends at St. Johns in Quincy, Sacred Heart in Malden, and St. Mary’s in Hanover.
In retirement, he became a priest in residence at St. Mary’s, Hanover. Fr. Connor supported his spiritual community in various capacities. He was Chaplain for the Catholic Women’s League of Boston for 25 years, Chaplain for the Sisters of St. Joseph order in Brighton, and a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus (Hanover). Outside of the Boston archdiocese, Father facilitated the transition and testing of Episcopal priests into the Catholic faith at Catholic University in Washington, DC. He traveled the world, organizing spiritual retreats in Guam and South America, and brought local seminarians with him to Lima, Peru and Sucre, Bolivia. In his later years, Fr. transitioned to the Regina Cleri home for retired priests. In these final years, their staff offered Fr. Connor and his family, spiritual peace, human dignity, and endless support.
Fr. Connor was predeceased by both his oldest brother John and his wife Ellie (Hudson, MA) and is mourned by his beloved sister Joan and her husband Paul (Norwood, MA). Sharing this loss are his niece Beth Connor Duncan and her husband Paul Duncan of Shrewsbury, and nephews Sean Connor and his wife Pam of Milford, MA, Martin Connor and his wife Sarah of Dover, NH, Kevin Walsh of Provincetown, MA, Michael Walsh and his wife Jennifer of Mansfield, MA; as well as 9 grandnieces and 5 grandnephews. All will miss his kindness and will cherish many wonderful family moments together.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to Regina Cleri, 60 William Cardinal O’Connell Way, Boston, MA 02114. Visiting Hours will be held on Thursday, March 3rd from 2:00PM-4:00PM at the Regina Cleri Residence, 60 William Cardinal O’Connell Way, Boston, MA 02114. On Friday, March 4th at 10:00AM, Fr. Connor will lie in state at St. Mary’s Church, 392 Hanover Street, Hanover, MA 02339 and his mass will be celebrated starting at 11:00AM. Interment will be held privately.
