Hon. Charles P. Connor 1928-2019

Hon. Charles Patrick “Charlie” Connor, 90, died Sunday, Feb. 10, 2019.

He was born Dec. 14, 1928, in Joliet, to the late John F. and Anna Marie (nee McCauley) Connor. He was a proud graduate of St. Patrick's School and Joliet Catholic High School before studying engineering at Marquette University, and obtaining his law degree from the University of Chicago. Charles served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He practiced law at Grey, Thomas, Wallace & O'Brien before taking the bench in 1965, and became chief judge of the Twelfth Circuit in 1982. After leaving the bench in 1986, he was elected mayor of Joliet, serving from 1987 to 1991.

Most people recognize Charles from his jogging days in the 1980’s, when he ran all around Joliet. He participated in many local groups, including the Joliet Area Historical Society and as a founding member of the Will County Irish American Society.  

Charles was known for his depth of compassion, his zest for life, the strength of his integrity, and the force of his intellect. A loving and loyal husband and father, he was a stalwart friend.  

Charles is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Alice (nee Scriba) Connor; his children, Tracy Connor (Ron Golec), Darcy (Richard) Martin, Ted Connor (Michelle Snow), and John (Julie) Connor; six grandchildren, Rocky, Connor and Alec Martin, and Colin, Jack and Charlie Connor; and his sister, Margaret "Martha" (Jack) Peifer. 

He was preceded in death by his son, Matthew Connor.