Dennis Connors

Dennis Bernier Connors passed away on September 06, 2023, in Tucson, Arizona at the age of 55. He was born in Alexandria, Virginia on January 26, 1968, the fourth of six children of parents Richard Xavier Connors and Elizabeth Irene Bernier. He grew up in Scituate, Massachusetts, south of Boston, amidst legendary sports teams and rich political history, which nurtured two of his life’s major passions.

Neighborhood ball was a favorite childhood pastime. Dennis was a true fan of his beloved Red Sox and could recite every player’s batting average and home run stats. The accuracy of his encyclopedic knowledge was constantly tested by his neighborhood friends on the way to school. Dennis backed two teams: The Sox; and anyone playing the team located in the Bronx (whose name shall not be spoken).

He learned a hard work ethic that started in elementary school as a paper carrier for the Boston Herald and then the Boston Globe. In high school, he worked at a local restaurant, The Golden Rooster, as a dishwasher and then a line cook (undoubtedly, he was one of Louis’ best kids). Dennis was a Scituate High School graduate and a member of the class of 1986. He followed his older sister, Mary, to the desert earning a Bachelor of Arts in political science at Arizona State University. He was a member of Beta-Theta-Pi fraternity. Dennis’ hard work allowed him to support himself in his early adult life. He paid his own way through college with his cooking skills. By the end of his undergraduate career, he had achieved “Egg Master” status (a self-proclaimed title) working as a short order cook for a home-style breakfast chain. For the rest of his days, his family delighted in his talents, especially his signature breakfast burritos which were eagerly requested by visiting family and friends.

Dennis embraced life in the southwest desert and became a fluent Spanish speaker.

He met his wife Deborah Mitchell at ASU. They married on September 27, 1997, and settled in Mesa, Arizona where they raised their twins Matthew and Dahna. Being a father to twins doubled his pride as a parent. The love he had for his children fed his soul and filled his heart. This past year his joy expanded with the arrival of his grandbaby Briar. Dennis was head over heels becoming a “G-Pop”.

Dennis had a career in the insurance industry. He was an expert adjuster with a comprehensive grasp of his chosen occupation. In his retirement, he continued as a trustworthy advisor to friends and family on insurance issues.

Dennis was a staunch supporter of the Democratic Party with an unrelenting and unfiltered voice for Democracy. He dedicated his social media platform to advocating for truth and justice during a tumultuous political period. His frequent Facebook posts were prefaced with beautifully written “essays” that provided informed historical context to current events that substantiated his political opinions. Dennis was a voracious newspaper reader his entire life. Current events, the editorial page, and sports columns were consumed daily with equal attention. He was a loyal Boston Globe subscriber even while living in Arizona.

Dennis was an avid lifelong collector of several items: Lincoln pennies; state quarters; beer steins, and collegiate and course golf balls. Of his various collectibles, his beer can assemblage was his greatest treasure. He always asked traveling friends and family to “bring me back a can”.

A lifelong medical condition forced Dennis into an “early retirement”. He was fortunate to have the wisdom to embrace the day. In his last few years, he endeavored to worry less, live more and feel more joy. He pursued happiness golfing in Arizona, attending concerts, road tripping with his family to watch his beloved Red Sox and hosting “Masshole” sports viewing parties at his home in Tucson for displaced New England and Boston fans. Dennis was an uncle who loved to show up for the important milestones in life. He traveled the country attending his nieces’ and nephews’ high school and college graduations, and was present for his niece’s wedding last year. This past summer he made his first trip abroad to Ireland on what was a highlight of his adventures.

Dennis was always available to help the community. He saved a dear friend administering CPR until he delivered him safely to the hospital. He taught Sunday school with his wife Deborah at Hosanna Lutheran Church and Little Palms School and coached youth sports. He walked elderly neighbors’ pets, gifted needy families at holidays, volunteered at a local school, and adopted elderly “rescue” dogs. Dennis was a Red Cross blood donor his entire life, and upon his passing was an organ donor.

Dennis is survived by two adult children, Matthew Connors of Mesa, Arizona, Dahna Connors (Brendan Akin) and his grandson Briar Akin of Mesa, Arizona, his former wife Deborah Mitchell Connors, his father Richard Connors of Tucson, Arizona, his mother-in-law Glenda Mitchell of Queen Creek, Arizona, his sister Julia Connors of Tucson Arizona, his brother Brian Connors (Marcia Keeler) of Rolling Meadows, Illinois, his sister Mary (Chris) Quarton of Denver, Colorado, his brother Patrick (Kathy) Connors of Barrington, Rhode Island, his sister Margaret Connors of Tucson, Arizona, his sisters-in-law Kay Mitchell (Thai Huynh) of Orting, Washington, and Kristi Smith of Queen Creek, Arizona. He is also survived by several nephews and nieces, Ashley Huynh (Levi Bale), Austin Smith, Nathan Quarton, Nicole Connors, Hannah Huynh, Zachary Smith, Deven Connors, Noah Quarton, Emily Connors, and Emma Huynh. He was preceded in death by his mother Elizabeth Bernier and his stepmother Margaret Falvey Connors.

Dennis wished to be cremated. His ashes will be honored privately by family. A service for Dennis is planned in Mesa, Arizona on October 21st, 2023, at Hosanna Lutheran Church 9601 East Brown Road from 1:00 -2:00 pm. A greeting will commence at 11:00 am ahead of the services, which will be live streamed on Facebook. The link can be found on the church website: www.hosanna-lcms.com

In lieu of flowers, consider making a donation to the Hydrocephalus Association.