Eight Bells: Bob Conner

Bob Conner

Robert B. Conner, 83, of Newport, RI died on Friday, September 8, 2017 at Newport Hospital. Robert was born December 6, 1933 in Brooklyn, NY, the son of the late Mortimer and Genevieve Conner. He was the husband of Ann (Forsberg) Conner.

Bob grew up in Rockville Center, NY and was a graduate of Rockville Center High School. He continued his studies at Brown University, graduating in 1955. He immediately entered the US Navy OCS. Upon completing his military service as a LTjg, Bob began his long career at Raytheon. His career spanned 40 years and several positions. He retired in 2000 as an International Marketing Executive.

His love of the sea led him to sailing and volunteering his time to many sailing activities. Bob was a very actively involved member of Ida Lewis Yacht Club which he joined in 1967, serving as Commodore during the years 1977-1979. Among his many significant accomplishments, Bob was instrumental in ensuring that women received equal rights and stature as members of the club. He and his wife successfully raced their Ensign and Coaster for several years.

Bob was highly regarded as a certified International Sailing Judge and active in numerous national and local sailing organizations. Bob was instrumental in organizing the national 1-Ton, ½-Ton, and ¼-Ton races at Ida Lewis YC, served as President of the Narragansett Bay Yachting Association, Treasurer of US Sailing, Chairman of the RI Olympic Sailing Trials, a Director of the C. Thomas Clagett Regatta, a member of the New York Yacht Club Race Committee during the 1970’s America’s Cup years, and later served as Chairman of the New York Yacht Club Race Committee and Chairman of the NYYC Jury.

Bob also spent many hours listening to opera and classical music. He is survived by his wife Ann and several nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.

Donations may be made in his memory to Sail Newport 60 Fort Adams Drive, Newport, RI 02840 or to the Newport Hospital, 11 Friendship Street, Newport, RI 02840. An online tribute is available at www.memorialfuneralhome.com.

Source: Kurt Edenbach