WALLINGFORD - Martin J. Connors Sr. of Wallingford, Vt., passed away on July 5, 2011, at the Rutland Regional Medical Center in Rutland, Vt., following a brief illness.
Martin was born June 9, 1917, to Patrick Connors and Gertrude George Connors of North Dorset, Vt. Martin attended local schools while growing up in North Dorset, Vt., and as an adult, attended programs and certifications for engineering, welding and woodworking.
Martin married Dorothy L. Nadeau on September 25, 1937. Martin was devoted to his wife of 74 years and an excellent caregiver for her.
Martin's employment with the Rutland Railroad started when he was a teenager. In the early days, he worked on the track crews and earned promotions to supervisor. Martin was known as an exceptional, self-taught railway roadbed engineer for switch maintenance and restoration. He retired in 1977 from the Vermont Railway without ever taking a sick day. Martin enjoyed traveling, his family and meeting new people. He was always willing to give his opinion on any subject, especially politics and the current events of the world. During his travels, he would look for an exceptional or unusual antique to buy. Martin was accomplished at woodworking and a certified welder and machinist.
In addition to his wife, Dorothy, he is survived by his children, Elizabeth Pruitt of Wallingford, Vt., Martin J. Connors Jr. and his wife Donna of Jacksonville, Fla., Constance McGee and her husband David of Sun City Center, Fla., Donald J. Connors of Morganton, N.C., Shirlene White and her husband Lee of Chapel Hill, N.C. Martin is also survived by his grandchildren, Suzanne Szuromi of Virginia, Audra Pruitt of Jacksonville, Fla., Sonny Pruitt of Cherryville, N.C., Jeanne Thompson of Middleburg, Fla., Nancy Mazur of Jacksonville, Fla., Martin Connors III of Jacksonville, Fla., David McGee Jr. of Belmont, Vt., Tonya Weight of Germany, Traci Hilliard of Sun City Center, Fla., Thera Blehar of Stafford, Va., Erynn Connors of Rutland, Vt., and Amanda White of Chapel Hill, N.C. Martin's great-grandchildren are Christopher Szuromi, Lizzie Pannell, Priscilla Pannell, Savannah Pannell, Roman Pruitt, Valkyri Pruitt, Valor Pruitt, Nicholette Dixon, Zachery Weight, Jace Blehar, Sophia Blehar, Constance McClintock, Jonathan Mazur and Anna McGee. Also, Martin's sister is Ruth Connors Apple of Wallingford, Vt., and his brother is Alfred Connors of Castleton, Vt.
He was predeceased by his daughter, Marjorie Connors; grandson, Joshua Pannell; brothers, Paul Connors George Connors and Robert Connors; sister, Gertrude Connors Walsh.
A graveside service will be scheduled at a future date.