Donald Connor Obituary

Donald Pierce Connor passed away September 7, 2023 at 88 years old. He was born April 10, 1935 in Cortland, New York. He grew up on his grandfather's farm where his dad based a trucking company. Don always said he had the best of 2 worlds growing up, e. g. on any given day, he could be a farmer with his grandfather or a trucker with his dad. He loved horses and rode all the time. He graduated from Fabius Central High School, serving as President of his class and voted most likely to succeed. Don graduated from Syracuse University with a B. S. Degree in Industrial Management. Following graduation, he went to work for H. J. Heinz Co as an Industrial Engineer in Pittsburgh, PA. He served 6 years in the Air National Guard. It was in Pittsburgh he met the love of his life - Jackie. They were married 16 months later and four years later, son Keith was born. Keith received his B. A. degree from Ohio Wesleyan University and his MBA degree from The Ohio State University. He has worked for several companies. He worked as a nuclear power consultant in France, China, Romania, Canada and the US. While Don was at Heinz, he earned his MBA in Finance from Duquesne University. He left H. J. Heinz joining Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory as a financial analyst. Never one to be fully satisfied, Don moved onto New Jersey with Exxon Research and Engineering Co. He left Exxon 2 years later and joined C&O/B&O Railroad in Baltimore, MD. This was the start of his long railroad career. He spend 21 years with C&O/B&O Railroad and successor companies, becoming today's CSX. He held many positions including Sr. Asst VP - Marketing and Vice President - Corporate and Vice President - Sales. While in Baltimore for the first time son Kevin was born. Kevin was a very good athlete and in particular, baseball as a catcher. He loved automobiles and drag raced. He has always worked for himself in his own business. He formed a business that includes a fuel station, convenience store and maintenance operation as well as selling used cars. Don traveled extensively with CSX. He was the Chief Commercial witness representing C&O/B&O in the first large railroad merger. He spent the better part of two years testifying in Washington DC. The merger was approved by the Federal Government over extensive opposition. The resulting company, CSX, became a huge success. After CSX, Don joined K. Earl Durden as Sr. Vice President and Vice Chairman of the Board of Rail Management Co. Don always said this was the greatest move of his career. He really enjoyed life with Earl- building a company of 16 railroads. It was challenging and exciting with many successes and fun times. Don was very active in politics at the federal level. He served on the board and executive committee of the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association. He served as President of Georgia Railroad Association. He also served the State of Florida on the Strategic Inter-modal Transportation Task Force as its Vice Chairman. For 8 years of his life, Don served on the Bay Medical Center Board of Trustees and as its Chairman when the Board sold the hospital. Upon closing, the Board, with its same members became Bay Health Foundation. Don served as its first Chairman for 3 years until term limits set in after 8 years. He truly felt that this experience was second to none. He loved every day of those 8 years and made close friends with some wonderful people, e. g top hospital officers, doctors, nurses and particularly board members and staff. Don loved to be active. Jackie called it hyper. He was active in many sports, e. g. golf, softball, volleyball, basketball and poker. He lived his life to the fullest. He traveled extensively in the business world. He and Jackie also traveled extensively for pleasure throughout the US, Europe, and Australia. Don lost his wife Jackie 1/1/21 whom he loved unconditionally. He loved his sons - Keith and Kevin and told them so every time he talked to them. He was very proud of their accomplishments, particularly their dedicated support of their families. Keith and his wife Carol have 3 lovely daughters (Quinn, Erin and Keely). Kevin and his wife Melanie have 2 lovely daughters (Kirstie and Taylor) and a great son Kevin. Don will be remembered forever for his love of people and his constant efforts to help people. He was always honored to be asked for his help by friends, family and acquaintances as he never said no. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Alzheimer's Dementia Association. To to the family or in memory of Donald Pierce Connor, please