Robert W. “Bob” Connor, Jr, 71, of Newtown, died peacefully October 1, surrounded by his family at home. He fought a courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Bridgeport, the son of the late Robert W. Connor, Sr, and Ethel Brauch Connor.

At the age of 8, he moved to Newtown and called it his home for the rest of his life. Mr Connor was very involved in the Newtown community, serving as Police Commissioner, a member of the Newtown Democratic Town Committee, and always supporting town events.

As a child, he was an altar boy at St Rose Catholic Church, a proud Eagle Scout, and he began his working career at eight years old as a paperboy.

Mr Connor was drafted into the Army and served during the years of 1968 to 1970, stationed at Walter Reed Hospital. He achieved the rank of Spec 5. After returning to civilian life, he worked at the Bridgeport Post until 1988. Once he left the corporate world, he decided to focus on his true love and passion: the circus and rock and roll. He was a circus promoter for many different circuses traveling about the country. He eventually found his true calling as the director of operations at the Ives Concert Park, Danbury, in 1998.

In 2002, he became the technical director of the Ridgefield Playhouse, where he enjoyed meeting and greeting some of the finest names in entertainment. He worked at his beloved Ridgefield Playhouse until his last days. He was able to remain at his home in Newtown, where he grew up, thanks to the care of his family, especially his daughter-in-law, Lisa Connor.

His son, Robert W. Connor III, and daughter-in-law, Lisa; his daughter, Shannon Connor Van Hoy; his grandchildren, Sean, Paige, Erin, Emilia, and Jack; his best friend and younger brother, Roger Connor, and his wife, Linda; his first wife and close friend, Carol Connor; his nieces and nephew; his friends, of which there are too many to mention; his Ridgefield Playhouse Family; his brothers and sisters of the Stagehand’s Union; and his friends in the Circus Fans of America survive him.

In addition to his parents, his brother, Raymond T. Connor, predeceased him.

Eccentric to the end, Mr Connor did not want a wake or funeral, but instead wanted everyone to celebrate his life with a party. The party will be announced at a later date and time.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to American Cancer Society at cancer.org and indicate patient support.

To leave an online condolence, visit pisteyfuneralhome.com.