Obituary of Michael Connors

Michael Edward Connors, a business man, policeman, outdoorsman, and family man passed away after an extended illness on Wednesday morning with his wife and sons at his bedside. He was 77 years old. Mike was born in Woburn the son of Irish immigrants, the late Michael and Julia Connors. Mike was a lifelong Burlington resident. As a child, he attended St. Charles elementary school. Mike was a 1956 graduate of Burlington High School where he excelled in football, wrestling and basketball. He earned a wrestling scholarship to Ithaca College. After graduation, he returned to Burlington and joined the Burlington Police Department. Mike spent 8 years on the force and received a commendation for saving someone from drowning. In 1967, he started his own business, Burlington Loam, which installed underground utilities, performed excavation, and sold aggregate materials. He ran the business until 2009. Mike had an incredible work ethic and a kind heart. He believed that a firm handshake was honorable and lending a helping hand was expected. Many Burlington residents and local clubs knew they could turn to him for help with a variety of projects. He would never hesitate to bring his equipment over to move large planters for the Garden Club, move rocks, or even snow removal for the local churches. Mike was a bit of an extremist. He did everything Big! He was an avid outdoorsman, marksman, and fisherman. He traveled all over the world to hunt big game and his home is filled with his trophies. On a hunting trip in Alaska, his plane crash landed and he and his friend spent 11 days without provisions in the woods, hunting and foraging until they could finally signal a passing plane for help. For Mike, it was just another adventure shared with his friends and family. Mike was involved in many clubs and organizations. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, American Legion, Woburn Sportsman Club, Past President of the Minuteman Sportsman Club, Amateur Trapshooting Association, National Rifle Association, Vesper Country Club, Safari Club International. He competed in Active Pistol and Trapshooting competitions and won many trophies. He was an avid golfer, and one of the few who can say they shot a Hole-in-One twice in a lifetime. Whatever the sport, he was happy to share his passion for the game with his sons and many friends. Mike adored his family. He was a devoted husband to his wife Nancy of 50 years. They made a wonderful couple and he would do anything for his loving wife. Together, they traveled, golfed, raised their family, and were actively involved in their community. He was a proud father. When his sons were young, he would bring them to work and let them play on the equipment and in the dirt piles. Later, he had the opportunity to work side by side with them and share his values and strong work ethic. He cherished being a grandfather and enjoyed even simple things like picking up his grandchildren from school and stopping at the store for a treat on the ride home. Mike was a true friend. He had a diverse group of friends including high school classmates, business associates, and hunting, fishing and shooting buddies. Mike was a friend who could share his opinions, but respected yours even if he didn’t agree. Mike embraced life, and loved his family, and will always be remembered. Mike was the loving husband of Nancy (Nichols). Loving father of Michael P. & his wife Michelle of Cary, NC, and Sean & his wife Kelley of Burlington. Brother of Patricia Litchfield of Burlington, the late Julia Farrell, Veronica Eagan, Nancy Donahue, Mary Langone, Gerald, Donald, and John Connors. Proud grandfather of Michael R., Michaela, Liam, Aidan, and Caitlin Connors. Funeral from the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., Burlington (exit 34 off Rt. 128/95, Woburn side) on Saturday, Dec. 5 at 9 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Barbara’s Church, 138 Cambridge Road, Woburn at 10 a.m. Visiting hours Friday from 4-8 p.m. Interment in Chestnut Hill Cemetery, Burlington. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Mike’s name may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1893, Memphis, TN 38101-9950.