Obituary of Mathew W. Connor
Matthew W. Connor, age 88, passed away peacefully at his home in Joliet, on Wednesday, November 17, 2021, surrounded by the love of his family. Matthew was born on January 11, 1933, the son of the late Paul and Mary (nee Delaney) Connor. Born and raised in Joliet, he was a graduate of Joliet Catholic High School, received his Bachelor's Degree from Lewis College, and his Masters's Degree from Roosevelt University in Chicago. Matt was a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps.
Matt shaped the lives of numerous teenagers during his 35 years as both a teacher and coach. He retired in 1992 after 30 years at Lemont High School, where he also coached football and track. Always a proud Marine, Matt volunteered at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery on their Monday Memorial Squad for 13 years. He was a former Deputy Liquor Commissioner in Joliet for 12 years and was an active parishioner at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Joliet. He enjoyed anything sports-related; he loved playing in the retired golf league at Inwood Golf Course with his friends and was always supportive of anything his grandkids were involved in. Family was always the most important piece of his life. He will be missed by all who loved him.
Matthew is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Josephine (nee Giacchino ) Connor; his children, Mary (John) LeGrand, the late Patricia Connor, Paul (Lori) Connor, and Tom (Debra) Connor; grandchildren, Elizabeth (Eric Reynolds) Connor, Emily (Jeff) LaRocque, the late Matthew Chouinard, Tim (Ashley) Connor, Joseph (Susan) LeGrand, Katherine (Kyle) Kusch, Robert LeGrand, Tom (Emily Smith) LeGrand, Noah (Elisabeth) Connor, Adam Connor, and Alexis Connor; great-grandchildren, Oliver, Josephine, Eliza, Rosalie, Ramona, Nora, Fiona, and one on the way; and his sisters-in-law, Mary Crosetto, Jean Giacchino, and Rosalie Giacchino-Baker. Many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends also survive.
He is preceded by his parents; one son in infancy, Joseph Connor; siblings, Patrick (Betty) Connor, Mary Jane Olivetti, Paula (John) Springer, and Kathleen (Jim) Bibb; his wife’s parents, Carmelo and Rosaria Giacchino; and his brothers-in-law, John Crosetto and Fred Baker.
The family would like to thank Matt’s special niece and caregiver, Mary Beth Czuba, for the exceptional care, love, and companionship she gave.
Funeral Services for Matthew W. Connor will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, November 22, 2021, from the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd., (at Essington Rd.), Joliet, IL to St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 18 Woodlawn Ave., Joliet, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Sunday from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name to St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 18 Woodlawn Ave., Joliet, IL 60435, Light Ways Hospice, 250 Water Stone Circle, Joliet, IL 60431, or Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery Memorial Squad, 20953 W. Hoff Rd., Elwood, IL 60421 would be appreciated.
For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.
