Beloved Ridgefield Playhouse, Bob Connor of Newtown has Died

Robert W. Connor, Jr.

Robert "Bob" W. Connor Jr., age 71, passed away peacefully at home on October 1, 2018 surrounded by his family. He fought a courageous battle with cancer. 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. 

Bob was born in Bridgeport to the late Robert W. Connor Sr. And Ethel Brauch Connor. At the age of eight, he moved to Newtown and called it his home for the rest of his life. Bob was very involved in the Newtown community serving as Police Commissioner, a member of the Newtown Democratic Town Committee, and always supported town events. 

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

Bob was drafted into the Army and served during the years of 1968-1970 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 in Danbury, CT in 1998. Later he became the Technical Director of the Ridgefield Playhouse from 2002-present where he enjoyed meeting and greeting some of the finest names in entertainment.
He is predeceased by his parents and his brother, Raymond T. Connor. 

He is survived by his son, Robert W. Connor III, daughter-in-law Lisa Connor, their children Sean, Paige, and Erin; his daughter, Shannon Connor Van Hoy, her children Emilia and Jack; his best friend and younger brother, Roger Connor (Linda); His first wife and close friend, Carol Connor; 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.

Eccentric to the end, Bob didn't want a wake or funeral and wanted everyone to celebrate his life with a party. 

In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Bob's memory to American Cancer Society and please indicate patient support. Please visit www.pisteyfuneralhome.com to express condolences.

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According to The Ridgefield Playhouse, Bob Connor's Celebration of Life will take place on Thursday, November 1 at The Ridgefield Playhouse. Doors open at 6:00 pm and the celebration will begin at 7:00 pm.