Thomas A. Conners, Jr., a lifelong resident of East Rochester, NY, passed away peacefully in his home on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at the age of 99. Born on September 20, 1926, at the East Rochester Community Hospital, Tom had a remarkable life - the center of which was his wife of 48 years, Mary Whitley Conners. Together they raised seven children and proudly led the family as it grew - along with their huge circle of friends. 

Tom liked to have fun, and to recall stories of fun times. He loved being with his family and friends, engaged in a range of activities including sports (especially golf), music, and travel. He held close to his heart the communities of the Church of St. Jerome, American Legion Post 1917, the East Rochester Rotary Club, and his Tuesday night poker gang. Tom had encyclopedic knowledge, a detailed memory, loved to sing and dance, and hosted legendary parties. He educated and amused us with his direct manner of speaking, insightful stories, and precise one-liners. 

A 1944 Graduate of East Rochester High School, Tom served in the United States Army in the Pacific Theater of World War II, in the 17th Infantry Regiment. A 1951 graduate of the SUNY Teachers College at Geneseo, Tom also earned a master’s degree in education before teaching history in the ER School District for more than 30 years. 

Over time he served his beloved ER as a volunteer firefighter, Vice Mayor, Village Historian, Village Trustee, and the voice of ER Football, among many other activities. He was proud to be recognized as a member of the ER Schools Alumni Hall of Fame, Past Commander of his American Legion post, a Paul Harris Fellow by The Rotary Foundation, Citizen of the Year by ER Rotary, and Man of the Year by the Saint Nicholas Society. Together with Mary in 1977, the couple received the East Rochester Rotary Club’s Civic Award in recognition of their service to the community. 

In addition to Mary, Tom was predeceased by his parents Edna (Mickey) and Thomas A. Conners, his brother Ron Conners (Lee Ann), and daughter-in-law Donna Conners. He is survived by his children Tom (Michele), Jack (Gayle), Doug (Laurie), Jamie, Kevin (Rebeca), Ted, and Katie (Dave) DeVito, his sister Shirley Belt (Robert); and sister-in-law, Sr. Nancy Whitley, RSM; as well as ten grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, one niece, four nephews, and many special friends including life-long friend Nick Verzella. 

Calling hours will be at Harloff Funeral Home, 803 S. Washington Street, from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Monday, February 16, 2026. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Church of St. Jerome, 207 Garfield Street, at 11:00 AM, on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.  If you would like to watch the mass via livestreaming, please click on this link.  https://stjeromerochester.org/live-streaming-1

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the East Rochester Fire Department, or the Church of St. Jerome.