Mark Connor

The Napa Valley is a little bit darker now, as our beloved Mark Lawrence Connor left this earth unexpectedly on October 15, 2018. He passed peacefully in his sleep at the young age of 62.

Mark was born in Richmond, California to Arthur “Jack” John Connor, Jr. and JoAnn Moore-Connor on September 21, 1956.  Mark grew up in Napa, attending local schools including Vintage High School.  He was a member of the Napa Swim Team. In the 70’s Mark found a love in his 1971 Harley Davidson Shovelhead motorcycle.  He and his brother, Mike, were best friends and loved riding together.

In the 80’s, Mark worked in Public Works Shop 07 at Mare Island Naval Base.  Mark possessed an excellent work ethic and was a skilled craftsman.  He worked as a journeyman carpenter for Emil Meyers Construction.  The year 1984 was big for Mark, he married, started a family and earned his contractor’s license.  He started doing business as Connor Brothers Construction, which in later years specialized in foundation and concrete work.  After the 2014 earthquake, Connor Brothers Construction restored many of the historical homes here in the Napa Valley. 

Mark loved all things outdoors.  He was an avid diver and shared his love of abalone diving along the California Coast and camping at Casini Ranch with his family and many loved ones.  Mark loved water sports, fishing, travel, hiking (he sprinted like a gazelle at Westwood Hills). His heart was in Key West, Florida where he purchased a second home in 2002.  Less than a month ago, Mark traveled to Ireland where he walked his youngest daughter, Devin, down the aisle in the magical Killruddery House & Gardens. Post wedding festivities included visiting Italy for his 62nd birthday with his beloved, Erica, in what was to become his final adventure.    

Mark is survived by his daughters, Brandyn Connor (Alex), Breigh Reyes (Jaime) and Devin Greene (Damian); his beloved, Erica Teagarden and her children, Emily and Carson Teagarden; the mother of his daughters, Sundy Connor, all of Napa; his mother, JoAnn Smith of Roseville; siblings, Michael Connor (Linda) of Vacaville, Rane Connor (Paul) and Troy Connor (Jamie) of Roseville and Paul Connor (Lisa) of Napa;  and soul sister, Ronda Connor of Napa; his nieces and nephews, Kimberly Menager,  Angela Martin, Michael “Buddy” Connor, Coral Connor, Paige Noonan, Joanne Noonan, Curtis Connor, Paul “PJ” Connor, Vincent Connor, Jessica Ramirez, Dane Connor and numerous extended nieces and nephews in the Reid, Fisher, Meyers, Harp and Bennett families; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins; the Connor Brothers Construction crew (the “young bucks”); and his beloved grandchildren, Marcus Reyes, Finley Reyes, Clyde Connor and the light of his life, Connor Cantrell (his “Connor-baby”). 

He is predeceased by his father, Jack Connor and his grandparents, Chet and Eleanor Hansen and Lawrence and Harriet Moore. 

We have been so blessed to have Mark for the 62 years he was here.  Attempting to describe the essence of who Mark was is an overwhelming and impossible feat.  Had Mark lived to be 101 it would not have been long enough for his family and those who loved him.  His charisma, kindness, humor and generous spirit made Mark a one-of-a-kind human being. Mark was renowned for helping anyone in need and constantly extended his hand and his heart. He will certainly be a force to contend with on the other side.  We will love and miss him every day of our lives and forevermore.

A celebration of his life will be held at the Crosswalk Church, 2590 First Street, Napa at 1:00 PM on Sunday, October 28, 2018.  A reception will follow at the facility. 

Condolences or words of sympathy to the family may be sent online at www.tulocaycemetery.org.  

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mark Connor, please visit our floral store.