August 13, 2011

CLAYTON, N.Y.  —  Robert L. Connor, 82, Connor Drive, passed away Saturday morning, Aug. 13, at Samaritan Medical Center, Watertown, where he had been a patient since Aug. 2.

Public calling hours will be held 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Aug. 15, at Cummings Funeral Service, Inc., Clayton. 

The funeral and burial will be private at the convenience of the family.

Born Sept. 29, 1928, in Oswego, the son of Gordon V. and Kathleen Moore Connor, he graduated from Watertown High School and received a bachelor's of arts degree from Crane School of Music, Potsdam. His graduate work took place at St. Lawrence University, Potsdam State, and Albany State colleges. 

He married Mary Upton in 1954.

He started his career as a music teacher at Union Academy of Belleville Central School, then Hudson Falls Central School. In 1956, he began at T. I. Central School where he taught music and became Director of Music, retiring in 1984. He also served as a judge and officer of the NYS School Music Association. 

With his wife, Mary, he owned Roosevelt Trailer Park and Cottages in Clayton for 54 years.

He was a member of the Clayton United Methodist Church, and a former member of the Clayton Lions Club for many years. He was a member of MENC and the Jefferson-Lewis Music Teacher's Association, where he had served as an officer throughout the years. 

He enjoyed fishing, boating, reading, and woodworking.

Besides his wife, Mary, he is survived by a son and his wife, John and Patti Connor, Syracuse; a daughter and her husband, Jacquelyn and Richard Badour, Watertown; three grandchildren, Katie Connor, Burlington, Vt., Maresa Badour, Carthage, and Leah Connor, Albany; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes donations in his name be made to the local ambulance service, T. I. E. R. S., P.O. Box 524, the Clayton United Methodist Church, 324 John St., or to the Clayton Community Band, P.O. Box 236, all in Clayton, NY 13624.

Information provided by Cummings Funeral Service and Newzjunky.com, Watertown