Obituary of Joseph L. Connors

Joseph Leo Connors, 77, of Mayfield, NY passed away on November 21, 2013. Formerly of East Norwich, Albany & Troy NY, Joe was a self proclaimed "accidental Chime Historian". He had been in more than 300 bell towers in North Eastern America, Canada and Europe. He rang the bells at St Patrick's in Troy (as his father had before him) until the last Mass was said there in 2010. His passion was not just the research of bells. Joe worked hard at restoring the bells and their systems. In 2012 he did extensive work to restore the ability to ring the bells at The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany. Joe was also involved with local groups to find new homes for chimes that were in buildings that were to be demolished. He recently donated and helped install a set of chimes at the Waterford Historical Society. Joe was well known locally not just for his bell activities but also for the post card business he carried on from his father. He photographed local scenes of importance and his post cards can be found in numerous shops in the Tri-city area. For many years Joe was a volunteer firefighter with the East Norwich Volunteer Fire Department. Joe served in The United States Army and played trumpet in the Army Band. He was outgoing, had a generous nature and was well liked and respected by all that knew him. He was born to the late Arthea Davis and Joseph F. Connors on April 10, 1936 in Averill Park, NY. Joe is survived by his loving companion, Gayle Q. Walrath, six children: Michael Connors (Michelle) of Newburgh, NY, Lisa Canale (Donald) of Syosset, NY, Steven Connors (Karen) of Leesburg, VA, Julie Hochman (Neil) of Syosset, NY, Joseph C. Connors (Jennifer) of East Northport, NY, Michelle Giannotti (John) of Greenlawn, NY and beloved grandfather to thirteen grandchildren: Jaclyn Hall (Brandon), Kelly Connors, Rachel Connors, Steven Connors, Michael Canale, Andrew Connors, Julia Connors, Valerie Giannotti, Joseph M. Connors, Isabella Giannotti, Miles Hochman, Jessica Connors & Natalie Giannotti. Funeral Tuesday afternoon at 1:30 PM from the Gardner Earl Chapel in Oakwood Cemetery, Oakwood Avenue, Troy, where the Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Relatives and friends are invited to attend and may also call at the Riverview Funeral Home, Inc., 218 2nd Avenue (corner of 104th Street), Troy, NY 12180 on Monday evening from 6 to 8 PM. Interment will take place immediately following the service in Oakwood Cemetery.