W. Michael Connor

May 19, 2015 | Obituaries, Obituaries 2015 | 0 comments

William Michael Connor, 66, of Lenexa KS, formerly of Garden City NY, passed away peacefully on May 14, 2015. Diagnosed with cancer in 2014, he fought the disease with determination and courage. His battle was featured on an HBO “Vice” special.

Mike is survived by his devoted wife Charmaine and their beloved daughters, Porscha (23),
Morgan (19) and Priscilla (12.) He is also survived by brothers J. Christopher Connor of Cherry Hill NJ, John Patrick Connor of Overland Park KS, sister Pamela Jones of Marion KS, aunts Alice Campbell of Prairie Village KS and Ruth Scheier of Kansas City MO, mother in law Jane Bretz of Kansas City MO, sister in law Catherine Bretz-Aguirre of Ballston Spa NY, brother in law Thomas Bretz of New York City, 16 nieces and nephews and numerous cousins.

Born June 8, 1948 in Kansas City MO, Mike was the first of four children born to William and Helen Connor. He spent his early years in Prairie Village, attending St. Ann’s School and Rockhurst High School before moving to NY. He graduated from Garden City High School and received his bachelors and masters degrees from Adelphi University.

Mike was the Superintendent of Recreation in Garden City for many years. After his retirement, he was a regional manager, president and COO in the telecommunication field. Mike also took great pride in being an Eagle Scout, in his involvement in the Pan Am Games and his managing and coaching of the US Olympic Team Handball, which participated in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.

He will be remembered as a man who cherished and took great pride in his wife, daughters and foster children. He was an outstanding high school and college athlete and a passionate animal lover. His legion of friends across the country and large family will remember his positive attitude, fun loving nature and loyalty. Mike will be greatly missed.

A memorial mass will be held on Friday, May 22 at 10:30 am in the Chapel of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 9130 Pflumm Rd, Lenexa KS, 66215. A luncheon will follow the Mass at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Porscha, Morgan and Priscilla Connor Educational Fund c/o Quest Bank Credit Union, 8550 Quivera Rd., Lenexa KS 66215

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