Edward J. Connors, 81, of Worcester, died peacefully Monday, December 8th in St. Vincent Hospital after a long illness, surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Lorraine R. (LaRose) Connors; his three sons, Michael Connors and his wife, Susan of Worcester, Paul Connors and his wife, Kathy of Rutland and Robert Connors of Hampton, VA; two daughters, Christine Anderson and her husband, David of Connecticut, and Kelly Rowe and her husband, Joshua of Townsend; his brother Thomas Connors and his wife, Norma of Thompson, CT, six grandchildren, Jennifer, Melissa and Kevin Connors, James and Emily Anderson and Elijah Rowe; two great-grandchildren, Lillian and Nicholas Thomas; his sister-in-law Meris Connors of Shrewsbury and many nephews and nieces. His brother, James Connors and two sisters, Helen Brennan and Mary Cutting predeceased him.

He was born in Worcester, the son of James E. and Elizabeth (Bly) Connors. Mr. Connors was a Korean War era veteran serving in the United States Army. He had been employed as an assembler for Heald Machine retiring in 1992; he then owned and operated a painting and wallpaper company and last worked at St. Andrew the Apostle Church as a custodian. After retirement Mr. Connors then handcrafted miniature three deckers and walking canes, and called his company Ed’s Old Houses. Mr. Connors was a member of St. Andrew the Apostle Parish and once served as president of its Men’s Club. He also worked as a volunteer for St. Peter’s Church Food Pantry, sang in the Worcester County Light Opera and was involved in the Mohegan Council Boy Scouts, Troop 88 and was a former member of Main South Post 342.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to the nurses and staff at St. Vincent for their kind and compassionate care they provided during this most difficult time.

His funeral is Friday, December 12th from O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue with a Mass at 11:00 a.m. in St. Andrew the Apostle Church, 5 Spaulding Street. Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park. Calling hours are Thursday, December 11th from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers please make contributions to St. John’s Food for the Poor Program, 44 Temple Street, Worcester, MA 01604.