Gerald (Jerry) M Connors, age 77, of Chenango Bridge, NY, passed on to Eternal Peace after a massive heart attack and complications from stroke in the ICU at UHS Wilson Hospital, Johnson City, NY, on Monday, April 5, 2021. He was predeceased by his parents, Marion and Francis Connors, his in-laws, Louise and Harold Shakelton, his former brother-in-law, Philip Dalton, beloved aunts, several dear friends, and furry friends, Zeke, Bow, Daisy, and Bowzer. He will be forever loved and greatly missed by his wife of 36 years, Mary, and his sons, Cullen of South Lake Tahoe, CA, Brennan of Warren, VT, and Gannon of Rochester, NY. He is also survived by his sisters, Mary Dalton of Wellesley, MA, and Ann (John) Tuck of Burlington, VT; his brother-in-law, Harold G. (Vicky) Shakelton of Starlight, PA; his nephews and nieces, H. George (Tammy) Shakelton, Elisa (Jim) Passetti, Wendy (Jim) Hunter, Fred (Kim) Shakelton, Maura (Chris) Calsyn, Alanna (Warren) White, Claire (Pete Sikora) Tuck, and Jake Tuck; 7 grand-nephews, 8 grand-nieces, 29+ great-grand nieces and nephews; many past and present neighbors in particular George and Janet, Rob and Kathy, and Tom and Ivette; dear friends, especially the DeLucia, Mech, Swartz, Turner, and Boyko, families; and his 2 furry Doppelgangers, Otto and Bart, who will always be waiting at the door for him to return and let them take him for a walk "around the woods". Jerry was born in Schenectady, NY, on May 2, 1943. He graduated from Linton High School and received his BA and MA degrees in History from Saint Michael's College in Winooski, VT. In August of 1966, he was drafted by the US Army. Upon graduation from OCS at Fort Benning, GA, in a moment of epiphany and much to the displeasure of his commanding officer, he declined an officer's commission and left his military fate to the computer's sorting algorithm. As luck would have it, he was stationed for the next 2 years near Heilbronn, Germany, protecting NATO allies as an Atomic Munitions Demolitions Specialist. Upon his discharge in August of 1968, he secured the last remaining Social Studies teaching position in NY state. Having to purchase a map to find out where he was going for the interview, he entered the West end of the village of Hancock and exited the East end without seeing any sign of a school. Turning around, he found the 'big school' building and began his 37 year teaching career a few days later. He never expected to remain there for his entire career, but his connections to staff, students, and community gave him no reason to look elsewhere for another position. He enjoyed his spring break golfing trips to Hershey or Myrtle Beach with Ed, Gene, Henry, Ron, Russ, Don, and whoever else dared to join them, the school night road trips to Yankee Stadium with Karol, Don, and Henry and anyone else he could fit into his VW Beetle, and numerous nights with his penny poker playing pals. He was an engaging and demanding teacher who set the bar high. He had an outstanding record of students passing the Regents, and he found ways to ensure students passed his classes if the only obstacle to success was lack of ability. However, there was little leniency for laziness or lack of effort. You know who you are. He served tirelessly for many years on successful contract negotiation committees for all members of the union and was never intimidated by a fierce debate or complicated counter offers. After retirement, he worked as a substitute teacher for many years at Chenango Valley, as well as Chenango Forks, and Harpursville schools. Though a teacher by career, he was a life-long student of history, sports, politics, and current events tomorrow's history lesson. He was the perfect tour guide to bring to life the events at any historical site, and a better analyst and commentator at any baseball game than those who were paid to do so. He liked nothing better than browsing a bookstore or spending an afternoon or evening at a Binghamton Mets (Rumble Ponies) game. He enjoyed the years when his boys were members of Buddy's Knothole Gang. He was an avid reader and collector of non-fiction books, always searching for those elusive, out-of-print books (hardcover with dust jacket preferred) to complete his ever increasing collection. Books continued to arrive from internet searches long after he ran out of bookshelves. He always had a book with him, and even a reading corner dedicated to him at the CNC Irish Dance Studio, a place where he made many lasting friendships that continued long after the dancing ended. Despite years of intense lessons in Latin and a rigorous schedule as an Altar boy for his Catholic parish in Schenectady, he remained Catholic in spirit although he faithfully attended the Chenango Bridge First United Methodist Church with his family and served as Head Usher for the early service for many years and Chairman of the Administrative Council for several years. He was most proud of his 3 sons and their unique personalities and individual accomplishments. He supported all their goals and endeavors no matter what they were or where they took them. He attended all their school, sporting, musical, and dance events. He served as volunteer umpire for many CBCA Farm level baseball seasons, even before his sons were old enough to play (thanks, George). He was a willing chauffeur to many indoor soccer tournaments, Greek Peak ski trips, piano lessons, Irish dance practices, and college transitions. Some of his fondest memories were of many annual vacations in Ocean City, MD, and weekends at the Tuck camp at Sixth Lake. Jerry always had a story to tell (or re-tell even if you protested that you had already heard that one). He most enjoyed any time spent with family and friends. He was a fountain of interesting facts and information. He was a astute thinker with a broad base of knowledge who could carry on an informed conversation on almost any topic. He had a great sense of humor and a witty response to any situation which was sometimes annoying, but always amusing. To spend time with Jerry was to learn something you didn't know before and to laugh a lot. He teased the most, the people he liked the most. He enjoyed traveling across the country and abroad for many Irish dance events, especially one of the trips to Northern Ireland with his 2 sisters. He enjoyed his trips to visit Cullen, wherever he was living at the time, from Whistler to Vancouver, BC, London or Lake Tahoe, and he always enjoyed relaxing in Vermont with Brennan, especially at his condo at Sugarbush. Although he didn't like water and he was never a swimmer, he enjoyed the excitement of Gannon's swim meets and the friends he made there. He was the strength and support that ensured Mary was able to complete her breast cancer treatments, and always willing to do his part, he took on most of the household responsibilities during retirement. Life will not seem the same for us without him, his wisdom and his informed perspectives on life. The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at UHS Wilson ICU for their compassionate and professional care. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, August 21, 2021 at 11:30AM in Riverview Cemetery, Hancock, NY. Arrangements are with the Henderson-Biedekapp Funeral Chapel, Hancock, NY. In lieu of flowers, to express your condolences, memorial donations may be made to the Hancock Community Education Foundation, PO Box 819, Hancock, NY, 13783, or a cause or charity that is important to you. SERVICES Graveside Saturday, August 21, 2021 11:30 AM Riverview Cemetery Hancock, NY