Edward L. Connor

Edward L. Connor, 89, of New Philadelphia, passed away Saturday afternoon, July 27, 2013, at the Hospice House in New Philadelphia.

Born in Canton on September 7, 1923, he was the son of the late Edward E. and Elta M. (Warren) Connor.

Ed graduated from Timken High School in 1941, where he had the distinct honor of helping design and cast the original Timken High School Trojan mascot. He then served in a variety of professions including working in the Midvale Mine as a shuttle buggy driver, truck driving, and working as a diesel mechanic.

He then worked as a master machinist at Warner & Swasey Company in New Philadelphia, which he retired from in 1985. There, he operated the boring mill and was proud of that fact that he could also operate any other piece of machinery the company owned.

On July 6, 1946, Ed married his lifelong companion and friend, the late Maxine A. (Belknap) Connor. Together, they were active members at the First Church of the Nazarene throughout their lifetimes. They also served as the church’s custodians for a number of years. She preceded Ed in passing on May 23, 2008.

Ed loved the outdoors whether it was hunting or fishing. He went to Canada many times with his children and his lifelong fishing buddy, Lloyd Walton. Ed also took great pride in the accomplishments of his grandchildren. He also had the unique ability to fix anything that was broken.

He is survived by his son, Stephen (Caroline) Connor of North Canton; a daughter, Elaine (Daniel) Widder of Sugarcreek; his five grandchildren, David (Becky) Widder, Denise (Scott) Cooley, Maggie (Tim) Spitale, Patrick Connor and Michael Connor; his great-grandchildren, Matthew and Anne Widder, Maxwell Cooley, and Mattea and Sophia Spitale; and his sister-in-law, Ruby Swihart of New Philadelphia.

Friends may call on Wednesday, July 31 from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. A service celebrating Ed’s life will be held Thursday beginning at 10:30 a.m. in the funeral home’s chapel. Burial will follow in the East Avenue Cemetery at New Philadelphia.

Following services, a memorial luncheon will be held in the Geib Family Center, located adjacent to the funeral home.

Those unable to attend may send the family personal condolences by signing the online guest registry located on the funeral home’s website.

The family requests memorial contributions in Ed’s memory be directed to Community Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 716 Commercial Ave. SW, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.