James J. Connor Jr.

James J. Connor Jr., 95, of Derry, died March 10, 2020 at Excela Health Latrobe Hospital. He was born August 23, 1924, in Derry, a son of the late James J. Sr. and Annie (Meidenger) Connor. Prior to retirement James was a self-employed truck driver. He was a proud veteran of the US Army having served during WWII. James was a member of the St. Martin Roman Catholic Church, New Derry, New Derry Sportsmen, F&J Bow and Gun Club, Derry VFW Post 444, and founding member of the Derry Rod & Gun Club. He enjoyed traveling, restoring his 1946 Willies Jeep, and he loved Harley Davidson Motorcycles. Beside his parents, James is preceded in death by his wife Jean Marie (Novello) Connor in 1983; one daughter Shirley Ann Anderson; one brother Joseph “Clyde Connor; six sisters Elizabeth Fannie, Mary Goldman, Rita Connor, Sarah Connor, Anna Marie Benedict, and Pauline F. Clark. James is survived by his sister-in-law Helen Connor of Derry; two grandchildren George W. Anderson Jr. and wife Heather of Derry and Jill A. McKendrick and husband Randy of Blairsville; two great grandchildren Gabriel W. Luttner and Emmett R. Anderson; lifelong friends Charles and Martha Bowman of New Alexandria and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Family will receive friends for James’s Life Celebration from 2-4 and 6-8 PM on Friday, March 13, 2019 at the Matthew X. Merlin Funeral Home, Inc. 529 N. Chestnut St. Derry 724-694-8331. A Blessing Service will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2019 at 10:00 A.M. in the funeral home with Rev. Salvatore R. Lamendola as officiant. Interment will follow in the St. Martin Cemetery, New Derry. The Blairsville Military Service Group will conduct full Military Honors at the cemetery. Online condolences may be made at merlinfuneralhome.com. Phone: (724) 694-8331

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