Philip Irving Connors

PRINCETON - Philip Irving Connors, 70, of Princeton, Massachusetts died Thursday, May 15, 2008 following a car accident.

Phil was born October 7, 1937 in Norfolk, VA to the late John Francis and Blanche Owens Connors. He graduated from St. Cecilia High School in Englewood, NJ. In 1959 he received a BS in Physics from the University of Notre Dame, and received his MS and Ph.D. in Nuclear Physics from Penn State University. He began as an associate professor at University of Maryland in the Physics and Astronomy Department in 1965; here he received the AAAS Excellence in Teaching Award. From 1975-77 he chaired the Science Department at Northern Virginia Community college after which he was Dean of Student and Academic Affairs at Central New England College. In 1979 he began his position as professor in the Electrical Engineering Department of Massachusetts Maritime Academy from which he retired 4 years ago. He also taught evening courses at WPI, Worcester State and Quinsigamond College. He was active in many volunteer positions serving as President of the Senior Citizens Club and board member of the Council on Aging in Princeton as well as the board of Montachusett Home Health Care. Phil served on the University of Notre Dame Alumni Association board of directors, New England Region, since 2005.

Phil leaves his wife of 48 years, Carol Anne (McKeon) Connors; a son, Philip Mark and his wife Janet of Princeton; two daughters, Mary Ann and husband Peter Schunemann of Hollis, NH and Christine and husband William Whearty of Hampstead, NH; nine grandchildren, Tracy and Thomas Connors, David, Amy, Stephen and Joseph Schunemann, and Connor, Patrick, and Caitlyn Whearty; his brother John Connors of Merion, PA; and many nieces and nephews. The family is grateful for the support they have received from family and friends and the Notre Dame alumni community during this time.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours from 4 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, May 21st, in the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street (Rte. 122A), Holden. The funeral for Phil will be held on Thursday, May 22nd, from the funeral home with a Mass at 10 a.m. in Prince of Peace Parish, 5 Worcester Road, Princeton. Burial will be private in Woodlawn Cemetery, Princeton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Notre Dame Club of Worcester County to establish a scholarship in his memory, c/o Kevin Kearney, 24 Howland Terrace, Worcester, MA 01602.

Website & Guest book: www.milesfuneralhome.com