John Patrick Connors was a Massachusetts native and Navy SEAL who lost his life in Panama during OPERATION JUST CAUSE on December 20, 1989. John joined the US Navy as a SEAL officer following graduation from Worcester Polytechnic Institute. After completing Basic Underwater Demolition / SEAL training in Coronado, CA, John was assigned to SEAL TEAM 4 in Little Creek, VA.
John volunteered to lead his SEAL team in the assault on Paitilla Airfield in Panama. John was 25 years old when he was killed in action. He gave his life while protecting his fellow SEALS who were trapped by heavy enemy fire. We honor John’s service to his teammates, the US Navy, and our nation.
John Connors grew up in Scituate, Massachusetts with his parents Joe and Joan Connors and four siblings: Joan Marie, Joe Jr., Robert, and Julie.
The Connors family moved to Scituate in 1963. John was born on March 28, 1964. The Connors family lived on Pennfield Road with many other young families. The five Connors children attended Central School and Gates Junior High. Thereafter John attended Boston College High School.
The Connors family were regulars at Peggotty Beach. John played in Scituate town sports: football, soccer, hockey, and baseball. His love of soccer began in Scituate. His passion for learning and current events was instilled at Central School, especially with his 5th grade teacher Mr. Rinella.
He made many lifelong friends in his community. An alumnus of Boston College High School (1982) and Worcester Polytechnic Institute (1987), John was always on a great quest to learn, achieve, and serve.
The Memorial Fund to honor John is rooted in our desire to commemorate his work ethic, his drive to succeed, and his service to others. Whether John was in Scituate or the ranks of the US Navy as a SEAL Officer, he strove to be the best.
In 2023, we will install a larger than life statue of LTJG John P. Connors USN in Massachusetts to honor the service of all the graduates of BC High and WPI who have served our nation in a time of war and made the ultimate sacrifice. Through John’s story, we will tell a story of service to our community, alma mater, and our nation.
Service is elemental to our journey as Americans and friends of John. Members of our executive committee have all come to know John in different ways but his story of courage and love for his community unites us all. In honoring John Connors and all the men and women who have served our Nation, we want to hold high their legacy for generations to come.
Source (www.ameasureofaman.org)