Connor Donohue, a longtime camper and staffer whose most recent summer on the staff was 2006 (VC of Pac Village), died in an accident early Sunday morning. All of Connor's Frost Valley friends - and fans (he was a very talented counselor and loyal FV'er - mourn him, and are reaching out to his sister Caroline (she also a long-time FV'er) and their family.The wake in memory of Connor will be at Moriarty Funeral Home (76 Park Street) in Montclair from 4 pm to 8 pm this Thursday, March 18th, 2010. The funeral service is the next day, March 19th at Saint Cassian Church (187 Bellevue Avenue) in Upper Montclair at 10:30 am. All are welcome at the wake and the funeral. If you have any questions, please email me at andrew.stephen.hammond@gmail.com or call (201) 444-2548.
Here is the text of an obituary: DONOHUE Connor, 24, loved son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend, Antipoverty Advocate, of New York City, formerly of Ridgewood and Montclair, NJ died in a fall from his New York City apartment when the apartment's terraces railing broke away.A Funeral Mass will be held Friday, March 19th at 10:30 AM at St. Cassian's Church, 187 Bellevue Avenue, Upper Montclair, NJ. Visitation will be at the Hugh M. Moriarty Funeral Home, 76 Park Street, Montclair, NJ on Thursday from 4-8 PM. Connor was born June 6, 1985. This is the same birthday as his Aunt and Grandfather. He was first and foremost the finest son of his parents Jane and Pat could have ever dreamed of. His relationship with his sister Caroline was the best a brother and sister could ever have. He viewed himself as an Irish Catholic who loved his family above all things. He looked forward to Alexi Mantsios becoming his brother. It was his knowledge of how privileged and loved he was that formed the basis for his career choices. Connor was pursuing a career of service. He loved his work as Dean of Students at "Prep for Prep," a respected non-profit organization committed to improving educational opportunities for talented but under-served youth in New York. Connor recently started a new job as Program Officer for Strategy at "SingleStop USA" an innovative non-profit organization assisting thousands around the country emerge from poverty.In 2009, Connor was selected as a Fellow by the NYU Wagner School for Public Services for a Fellowship for Emerging Leaders in Public Services (FELPS). He currently served as Vice Chair for External Affairs on the board of Young Nonprofit Professionals Network, NYC.While at Connecticut College in New London, where Connor graduated Magna Cum Laude with a double major in music and English, he conceived and was the founder of "New London Music Tutoring" a tutoring program for underprivileged students in many local Schools.For 13 summers Connor attended Frost Valley YMCA camp in the Catskills as a camper and later as staff. Throughout those years he developed his passion for working and changing the lives of children. He is survived by his mother and father, Jane Lyons Donohue and Patrick, his sister Caroline, his future brother-in-law Alexi, his grandfather James Lyons, 19 aunts and uncles, and 35 first cousins. He loved his "other family," the Kaplans, with whom he shared endless hours of vacations and fun. Additionally, his many friends from all walks of life provided him endless love and support.Connor loved spending time with his large Irish Catholic family and the many friends who lovingly called him "Conman." He also loved music and the New York Yankees.Donations in Connor's remembrance and in lieu of flowers can be sent to Frost Valley YMCA, 2000 Frost Valley Road, Claryville, NY 12725 where a scholarship fund is being established. Please indicate "In Honor of Connor Donohue" on the donation.
Caroline asks that in lieu of flowers friends of Frost Valley make a donation to Frost Valley camperships in memory of Connor. Go here and click on "donate" and please note that your gift is being made in Connor's memory.
Connor's family will receive a letter from Frost Valley acknowledging your gift in his honor, and in this way they will feel the affection and concern of the entire FV community, and, in addition, some kids this summer will run crazily across the valley's fields, shouting in complete delight, and we'll know that in them Connor's voice can never be stilled.
