Please pray for the repose of the soul of Brother Richard D. Connors, FSC
Boston MA was the birthplace of Richard Daniel Connors in 1935. Entering the Barrytown NY Novitiate, and receiving the Religious Habit and name Aquinas Richard, both in 1953, and pronounced Perpetual Vows there in 1960.
In Lasallian schools throughout the northeast, Br. Richard taught history and religion, but much of his ministry was as a guidance counselor. His service included eight years at St. Raphael’s High School in Pawtucket RI, and a total of sixteen years at La Salle Military Academy in Oakdale NY. While health problems required him to retire in 2002, he remained active in several counseling ministries.
Br. Richard is remembered as a gifted educator and counselor with an innate ability to connect with students on various levels. “I remain forever grateful to you, Br. Richard, for the indelible impact you have made on my life,” wrote David Wendell Moller, PhD, La Salle Military Academy, 1971.
1935 – 2021
Born Richard Daniel Connors in Boston MA on 9 June 1935
Entered the Barrytown NY Novitiate on 25 June 1953
Received the Religious Habit and Name Aquinas Richard on 7 September 1953
Pronounced Perpetual Vows in Barrytown NY on 20 August 1960
Died at De La Salle Hall in Lincroft NJ on 23 February 2021
FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS
private Memorial Mass – Saturday, 20 March 2021 – 10.30am
Christian Brothers Center – Our Lady of the Star Chapel – Narragansett RI
private Interment – date TBD
Christian Brothers Center – Christian Brothers Cemetery – Narragansett RI
Brother Richard died peacefully Tuesday evening after a brief respite in hospice care.
The District of Eastern North America remembers Brother Richard with memorial liturgies according to the tradition of the Institute. Through their prayers, communities and individuals entrust Brother Richard to God’s loving care.
May he rest in peace
ASSIGNMENTS
1954–1958
Washington DC
The Catholic University of America (scholasticate)
1958–1960
Brooklyn NY
Saint Augustine High School
1960–1961
Washington DC
The Catholic University of America (full-time studies)
1961–1964
Astoria NY
Mater Christi High School
1964–1973
Oakdale NY
La Salle Military Academy
1973–1976
Pawtucket RI
Saint Raphael Academy
1976–1979
Providence RI
La Salle Academy
1979–1984
Pawtucket RI
Saint Raphael Academy
1984–1987
Narragansett RI
District Administration (Vocations Director)
1987–1988
Brooklyn NY
Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School
1988–1991
East Elmhurst NY
Saint Gabriel’s Church
1991–1992
Narragansett RI
Our Lady of Peace Church
1992–1999
Oakdale NY
La Salle Military Academy
1999–2002
Wakefield RI
The Prout School
2002–2020
Narragansett RI
Christian Brothers Center (resident)
2020–2021
Lincroft NJ
De La Salle Hall (resident)
I had the privilege of being with Brother Richard during his last days and hours at De La Salle Hall. Despite his discomfort and not being in control toward the end, he was able to verbalize that many of his caregivers were doing their best and he was thankful for their making him as comfortable as possible. When a Brother is in hospice, the Brothers in residence take turns sitting with the dying Brother. In normal times several would be there together, as they were at the death of our Founder, St La Salle. I want readers of this note to know that Brother Richard spoke of many of his friends, relatives and Brothers with a thanks-filled heart.
35 years ago Brother Richard Connors walked with me thru the cemetery that was built in 1960 when I was a novice in first LINE group. He said, “John, you never said goodbye.” So insightful, of my agitated state (running for Congress) so true when I left Bishop Bradley HS in Manchester NH 25June1965…6 years to the day of entering Barrytown.
Perhaps we all took “Live Jesus in our hearts. Forever” seriously and never did say goodbye.
Rest in Peace Brother.
Richard had an integral role during my junior and senior year in high school. He was a blessing at that time. I will pray that the angels lead him into paradise.
It is heart-warming to learn the practice at De La Salle Hall that Brother John McMahon describes. What a great comfort! And at his funeral, we all will join his journey in song. I met him in June, 1954, when he was a novice and I a postulant. Over the years, he was ever friendly. I must make a slight correction to his assignments: in the fall of 1954 he was in the first freshman class in Troy. In this photo, he is in the 2nd row, 3rd from the left. https://photos.app.goo.gl/fsFEH9ji4Tx3oJ2S9
Congratulations on a life well lived Brother Richard. I remain forever grateful. for the indelible impact you have made on my life. (David Wendell Moller, PhD–La Salle Military Academy; Class of 1971)
I met Brother Richard at St Augustine HS IN 1958. It was his first assignment and I was a Freshman. He taught me World History in my Sophomore year and was instrumental in my ultimately choosing American History as my college major.
During my time as a Brother (1962-1972) he and I spoke often about prayer and the life of a disciple of St. Jean Baptist de la Salle.
After many years I met him again at the funeral of Brother Jerome Corrigan at Narragansett and we spoke fondly about those days at St. A’s. Brother Richard was a big influence on my decision to enter the Brothers and how I conducted my professional life and family life
Rest In Peace my friend. Live Jesus in our hearts Forever.
Rich,
Your kindness and friendship made LSMA a better place. On behalf of the Blue Knight Battalion,
Repose en paix éternelle, Frère Richard.
Nicest guy was a privilege to know! RIP
Brother Richard was a dear friend and colleague over the years. I met Brother Richard through the Narragansett Christian Brothers Retreat. He was always intellectually smart, politically astute, sardonic, fun loving, and always compassionate about community well-being. I learned a great deal from Brother Richard, and will never forget him. I am grateful for his friendship and having the opportunity to have spent time with him, I am richer for it. Thank you Brother Richard, you will be missed.
Did anyone else notice the spring he had in his step when he walked? That came from the spring he had in his heart.
So many of the previous comments speak to the way he touched them…every one. Let me take a “Me, too” moment (not that ‘Me, too.’) He was the first teacher I had at Mater Christi. 8 years later, I became a teacher at LSMA…so who was the first faculty member who greeted me? Yep! We have all seen the changes we have seen among the religious in the past 50+ years, but Br. Richard never gave up being true to not only his vows, but also to the model he served to young people who became better people because he was in their lives. I know, I think I did.