Obituary of Ray Connors

Raymond J. Connors, Jr., 93, of Niles, passed away at West Woods of Niles on Monday, April 24, 2023, following a brief illness.

He was born on September 26, 1929 in Hubbell, Michigan in Houghton County to the late Raymond J. Sr. and Mary (Gleeson) Connors.

On October 8, 1949, Ray wed the love of his life, Evelyn Poznanski at a ceremony at St. Mary Catholic Church in Niles. The couple celebrated sixty-four years together prior to her passing on August 22, 2014.

Ray worked for Exner Dairy, United Dairies, and owned and operated Connors Milk for many years in the Niles community. He worked at Bendix Corporation, was a driver for Blossomland Learning Center and worked in sales at Pat Abiney Dodge-Chrysler Dealers.  He also worked as the groundskeeper for the Howard Township Parks and Grounds Maintenance.

He was known for being a sports enthusiast, especially Niles Football and Basketball. Ray and his wife, Evelyn, along with Joe & Geri Crocker and Bill and Margaret Hoese were considered Niles Vikings Superfans. They held season tickets for many years and were given their titles and honored by the Niles Athletic Department. Some remember all of them traveling to a basketball game in Kalamazoo in horrible winter weather; upon arrival they found out the game had been canceled, they got something to eat and came back home.

Ray was a John Wayne fan and had a large painting of him. Many would visit Ray at the Plaza Restaurant where he was an icon, sitting in “his booth” visiting with folks for several hours every day. Ray was the self-proclaimed mayor of Hatcherville and the West Woods of Niles. He welcomed everyone coming in and out of the nursing home and always willing to help new residents get settled in. He enjoyed playing BINGO and was the resident puzzle master, often gluing them together and placing on cardboard. In the fall, West Woods had a craft show and Ray raised $400 which was donated to the activities fund.

Ray was a founding member of St. Mark Catholic Church, a devoted Christian and served as a deacon for a number of years. He enjoyed gathering with his family and friends at the church for a 90^th birthday celebration.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Evelyn; a son, Dennis J. Connors; his siblings, Connie Leinonen, Kay Payne, Ruth Wisler, Anna Delf, Doris Hemphill, Mary Lou Hunt, Beverly Wruck, John Connors and William “Bill” Connors.

Ray is survived by his only sibling, Judy (Dick) Parker of Niles; his children, Deborah Connors, Elaine (Terry) Miller, William “Bill” (Diane) Connors, Cheryl (Kerry) Dubie, Kevin (Betsy) Connors and Alan (Julie) Connors; a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, great-great-great grandchildren and hundreds of nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 27, 2023 from 4pm-7pm at St. Mark Catholic Church at 3 N. 19^th Street in Niles with a recitation of The Rosary at 7pm.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, April 28, 2023 at 11:00am at St. Mark Catholic Church with Father Peter Rocca, C.S.C. and Brother Dennis Meyers, C.S.C. officiating. An interment will follow at Mission Hills Memorial Gardens.

Memorial contributions may be made in Ray’s memory to the Brian Parker Foundation at 2469 Lone Elm, Niles, Michigan 49120 or Caring Circle Hospice at 4025 Health Park Lane, St. Joseph, Michigan 49085.

Memories of Ray may be shared with his family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Niles.