Terrence E. Connor

Terrence E. "Terry" Connor, 80, of Reading, died July 17, 2008 in St. Joseph Medical Center, where he had been a patient since Sunday.

He was the husband of Diann M. (Mantz) Connor. The couple was renowned for their master gardening, especially of roses. They maintained the rose garden entry to the Historical Society for many years. It was named in their honor upon his retirement as president of the council board of trustees, a position held for 32 years. The present-day auditorium at the Society is also named in his honor.

Born August 1, 1927 in Reading, he was a son of the late Edward A. and Esther M. (Keller) Connor.

Terry was a graduate of Reading High School in 1945, the Merchant Marine Academy, San Diego, CA in 1947, Albright College in 1951 and Dickinson Law School in 1954.

He was a senior partner in the law firm of Austin, Boland, Connor and Giorgi, 44 N. Sixth Street, Reading, which he joined in 1955.

Atty. Connor was well known in Berks County for his distinguished law career, where he was admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and the Pennsylvania Superior Court. He served as president of the Endlich Law Club.

He was named outstanding young man of the year by the Reading Junior Chamber of Commerce in 1956. He also was awarded the Bronze Keystone Award from the Boys' Clubs of America for service to youth.

Terry served on the Reading School Board from 1957-1963, including two terms as president. He was known as the youngest president the school board ever had.

He served Albright College in many leadership roles. His earliest roles, beginning in his student days included class officer, president of the Day Students Association and a cheerleader. Upon graduating, he continued his service to Albright; he went on to serve as the first president of the Albright Varsity Club, active service on the Albright Board of Trustees from 1981-1999 as well as Trustee Emeritus. In addition, he was also a past trustee and president of the Albright National Council and the chairman of the college's athletic council. He was the recipient of the prestigious "Gold A" award in 1951 and the winner of the 1984 Distinguished Alumni Award. In 2002 he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws Degree from Albright at the college's 143rd commencement exercises.

Atty. Connor was a member of the executive committee that planned Reading's 250th anniversary celebration in 1998. He was also a past president of the Council of Social Agencies and the Reading Council of Civic Clubs.

In addition he was a board member of the YMCA of Reading and Berks County, chairman of the Citizens Advisory Committee of the Berks County Juvenile Court and a former member of the Byndenwood Music Committee as well.

Instrumental in the organizational days of the Reading Rehabilitation Hospital (now Health South), he served both as legal counsel and president of the hospital's foundation and Board of Directors.

Volunteering was a big part of Terry's life. He focused on areas of service to young people and the history of Berks County. He also had a volunteer leadership role at the YMCA of Reading/Berks County and the Sertoma Club of Reading. He also devoted 25 years of service to the Olivet Boys Club of America, resigning in 1986. He was awarded the club's William McCormick Award for outstanding service. He was a member of various other charitable organizations as well.

Throughout his life he faithfully attended St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Reading having served as church council president and legal counsel. He was a devoted Christian and lived his faith.

Services will be private in St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church, with Rev. Carol B. Kehler officiating. Burial will follow in Charles Evans Cemetery.

A Memorial Service will be held for the public on August 8, 2008 at 2 p.m. in the Merner-Pfeiffer-Klein Memorial Chapel on the campus of Albright College, 13th and Union Sts., Reading.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 1559 Perkiomen Avenue, Reading, PA 19602; Albright College, 13th and Bern Sts., P.O. Box 15234, Reading, PA 19612-5234 and/or the Berks County Historical Society, 940 Centre Avenue, Reading, PA 19601.

Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. For online condolences, please visit, www.kuhnfuneralhome.com.