Lawrence "Larry" James Connors' Obituary
Former Maryknoll priest and Kaneohe-based chiropractor, Larry Connors died peacefully at his
home in Kailua. He was 86 years old.
Larry dedicated his life to serving and caring for others: first, as a Catholic missionary priest
with Maryknoll for 14 years in Taiwan and then as a chiropractor for 37 years on Oahu, Hawai‘i. Always, he was a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend.
Born in Queens, New York City, in the year of the Great Depression, Larry grew up poor but
was much loved by his parents, John and Julia Connors. He attended Regis High School and
Loyola School in New York City before entering Maryknoll Seminary in 1946.
Ordained a Catholic priest in 1956, Larry would serve communities throughout Taiwan,
including in Tsao Tun, Bai Ke, Wan Lim, Suili, Gue Ke, Dai Ga and Nantou. Larry treasured his
time in Taiwan and would return to visit with his family several times.
In 1973, Larry left Maryknoll and married former Maryknoll sister and nurse, Elizabeth (Betsy)
Agnes Rhatigan. To continue his commitment to heal and care for those in pain, Larry became a chiropractor and established the Family Chiropractic Center in Kaneohe. The Family
Chiropractic Center served thousands of Hawai‘i residents and earned a reputation for quality
patient care.
An active parishioner at St. Anthony of Padua Church in Kailua, Larry served in many ways
including helping to lead the Men’s Group, starting the newsletter, We the Parishioners, and
lectoring at Mass.
Throughout his life and career, Larry realized the powerful intersection of faith, community and
family, values that he has passed along to those who survive him who include his wife, Betsy, his children and their spouses, Clare (Alex), Celeste (Paul), Christiane (Brian), and Kenneth (Lisa), and his four grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brother, John Connors (1927 to 2009).
On Friday, October 9, 2015 at St. Anthony’s in Kailua, visitation will begin at 9:00AM followed
by mass at 10:30AM and then a reception.
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