Eugene Connor, 66
Greenwood - Eugene C. Connor of Greenwood, DE, passed away on February 13, 2024 in a tragic motorcycle accident while vacationing with his companion, Patricia Long, in Texas.
"Chris" is the name that most people called him and the name "Fuzzy" in his younger years. Chris resided in Greenwood, DE with his long time companion Patricia Long (Brough) for the last 23 years. Chris was born in Wilmington, DE on March 30, 1957 to the late Eugene L. Connor and Claire M. Connor (Cerchio). Chris was preceded in death by his sister, Claire Connor Obade. Chris's survivors include Pat Long, his son Scott and wife, April Connor; grandsons Owen and Colin Connor who reside in Ocean View, DE; Aunt Sandy Hazewski, Belfonte, DE, Aunt Dee Diane Cerchio, SSJ, Phila, Pa. and many cousins.
Chris graduated from Saint Marks High School in 1975, 1978 graduated from Brandywine College. Before, during and after his high school and college years, Chris was involved with the Civil Air Patrol, he worked with communications. Chris held various jobs, learning the traits of the businesses he worked for. He worked for Honda Store in parts department, eventually, they sent him to school to be a motorcycle repair tech. He loved tinkering with motorcycles. He managed properties for his brother-in-law Tom Obade, he managed restaurants. Chris and his sister, Claire, had a duo, both playing guitar and singing at Stanley's Tavern in Wilmington, DE.
1980 he became a Real Estate agent and worked with his father at Wilmington Real Estate firm of Goldsborough Co., in fact, he sold his cousin, Lou Cerchio, his first home. Chris was Owner/Operator of Fenwick Lawn Care. 2003 Chris graduated from DTCC, where he received his nursing degree. Prior to getting his RN, he worked at Beebe Medical center in the Emergency department and continued to do so after he received his nursing license. He was also a flight nurse for Christiana Hospital at Lifenet. After Chris retired from nursing, he became owner/operator of Long Dog's. He did events and festivals around DE. Chris was active in many groups/organizations, took courses throughout the years to become an expert in handling and shooting of firearms. He was an avid gun collector and also a Patriot Life Member of the NRA. He belonged to several motorcycle and airplane groups, some of which he was the Vice President/President. He was involved in his ancestors, spent many years researching his family history.
As a child Chris always wanted to learn how to fly. On August 8, 2005, he did his first SOLO flight in his Aeronca taildragger. In 2018 Chris was ordained as a minister. 2020 Completed a Notary Education course.
Chris also held a passion for music. He played the drums and the guitar and tinkered at the piano. He was involved in Radio Communications, setting up repeaters.
Travel was another passion. For the past 10 years Chris and Pat traveled around the country in the RV. He loved spending time with his grandchildren, Owen and Colin. Chris enjoyed life, loved life, and lived life to the fullest. He went too soon! He will sorely be missed to all who have known him and met him in his travels through life.
Chris's wishes were to have his ashes flown over the Sugar Hill Airport, in Greenwood DE., where he learned to fly. Plans for this to happen are to be made by his son Scott. Donations can be made to honor Chris to Beebe Medical Foundation, Lewes, Delaware or Civil Air Patrol, U.S. Air Force Auxiliary, Maxwell AFB, Ala.