Andrew Blackmore Connor, 96, was born to Ethelbert “Bill” Norris Connor and Marion Purnell Connor on April 18,1929 in Camden, NJ. He passed away in Newport News, VA on June 19, 2025 from aspiration pneumonia.
Andy was the second oldest of eight siblings. He graduated from Glassboro High School in 1947 and immediately enlisted in the US Army until 1952. He was initially stationed at Fort Bragg and then served in the efforts to rebuild communications in Japan during the Korean War. His father, Bill, was his best friend and mentor growing up. After his time in the Army, he graduated from Guilford College in 1956 with a Bachelor of Science in Physics. It is there he met his college sweetheart and future wife of 68 years. He later obtained an MBA from Old Dominion University, attending evening classes.
In 1955 he married, Ruby Jacqueline Sharp, in Madison, NC, and the following year they moved to Newport News, VA, where he began working at Langley Research Center – NASA (then known as NACA) as an aeronautical research engineer, specializing in helicopters. In 1986, he retired after 30 years as Branch Head.
Andy enjoyed spending time with his grandkids as they grew up, reading, woodworking, gardening, singing in the church choir, and traveling with his wife.
In addition to his wife and parents, he is preceded in death by brothers Alan Connor, Anthony Connor (Madge), David Connor; and sister Patricia Antonevitch. He is survived by son, Christopher Andrew Connor; daughter, Kathleen Jerrils (Kevin), granddaughters, Jessica Kathleen Messai (Salah) and Leah Christine Jerrils, great granddaughter, Zahra Kathleen Messai; siblings Douglas Connor (Marjorie), Dennis Connor (Gail), and Judith Smith (William); and sister-in-law, Polly Connor (Alan).
The family is so very grateful to his Hilton Presbyterian Church family for their love, friendship and support throughout his 68-year membership there. Both Andy and Jackie were very active in their church, making many cherished, lifelong friends over the years.
Visitation will be on Monday, June 23, 2025, from 6-7pm at Peninsula Funeral Home in Newport News, VA. The following day, on Tuesday, June 24 at 1pm, a brief graveside service will be held at Peninsula Memorial Park, followed by a celebration of life service and reception at Hilton Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hilton Presbyterian Church, 34 Main Street, Newport News, VA 23601, or the charity of your choice.
6 Comments
I remember Andy as being a kind jovial person. I am blessed to have known him. Know that he will be missed by many. 🙏
I am so sorry for your loss, Kathy. My goodness, do I have memories of riding my bike over to your house and it always busy with you mom in the kitchen and you dad puttering about in the back yard. Chris in his bedroom telling us not to bother him! I know this is a hard time and I pray that God is with you and the family.~
I’ve never known anyone longer than I have Andy. He was a great friend of my parents when I was born 71 years ago. So many memories of visits to Newport News.
Chris and Kathy I mourn your lose of this good man. And era of my life has come to an end. Andy was a good part of that era.
We’re thinking of you all today. I am remembering Aunt Jackie and Uncle Andy Chris & Kathy pulling in to the pecan grove in the coolest Airstream ever and good times piling in for Camper Sleepovers! I know you guys miss him already. Rest well, Uncle Andy.
We’re thinking of you all today. I am remembering Aunt Jackie and Uncle Andy Chris & Kathy pulling in to the pecan grove in the coolest Airstream ever and good times piling in for Camper Sleepovers! I know you guys miss him already. Rest well, Uncle Andy.
Virgil and I are so sorry to hear about your Dad’s passing. We have seen your Mom & Dad at the Symphony for many years and Virgil was a student at Guilford College when Andy and Jackie were there. Somehow we missed that your Mom had passed. They were two great people and the church and community will miss their smiling faces and their many contributions.