Funeral mass was offered Jan. 25 at Our Lady of Czestochowa Church, Jersey City, for John F. Connors of Secaucus. John was born to John and Marie Connors. He graduated from St. Peter’s Prep in 1958 and later served in the U.S. Army. He received a bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University. He served as secretary and as Exalter Ruler of the Secaucus Meadowlands Elks Lodge and as Vice President of the Eastern District and New Jersey State Elks’ Association. John received numerous awards for his enthusiasm and commitment toward furthering Elkdom’s programs. One of John’s priorities was to help all children receive the opportunity for an education despite their economical means. It was to this avail that he dedicated much of his time as an Elks’ member. This same priority was so apparent when he took on the role of organizer and host at numerous high school reunions from St. Peter’s Prep. The class of 1958, under his direction, has contributed record amounts to the scholarship fund which in fact was begun by John and fellow classmates. One of many testaments he received was “For so many years, you have been the ultimate “can do” guy for us when it came to reunions, phonations, etc.” It was under John’s direction, while working as executive director of the Hudson County Department on Aging, that the Meals on Wheels Program was created. Before becoming ill, John was executive assistant to Hudson County Sheriff’s Department. John was an avid cook mostly because of the camaraderie it created. Tailgates at the annual Secaucus DooWops grew in attendance due to his specialty dishes. His sense of humor was second nature for John. One of his former employees noted that no matter how low she felt going to work she always ended up smiling after a visit with John. Others have commented, although his jokes were often corny and predictable, you just couldn’t help joining in the laughter that they created. Ultimately his love for his grandchildren was what defined him the most. He taught Jimmy to crab and Natalie how to plant flowers. Cenza got to play doctor and check Grandpa’s heart rate and Jeanelle proudly defended his humor. This love was mutual which became apparent when he received a poem written by Sofia and Gabby saying, “Roses are red, violets are blue, you are the best and we all love you..Your lizard impression is such a perfection.” He passed away Jan. 21. His final days were spent surrounded by family and friends some of whom included his wife Sylvia and two daughters Kimberly Lanflisi (James) of Long Island, New York and Jacqueline Connors Bruno (Gilbert) of Wood-Ridge, New Jersey. He will also be deeply missed by his step son, David Hanley of New York, six grandchildren, a brother, Dennis of Maryland, and a sister, Mary Connors Parker of Virginia. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Services arranged by the Mack Memorial Home, Secaucus.