Obituary: Raymond J. Connors

Obituary published and funeral arrangements entrusted to the care and direction of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory

Raymond J. Connors, US Veteran, Retired Chicago PD

Raymond J. Connors, age 82, passed away surrounded by the love of his family on September 25, 2026, at Lightways Hospice Home in Joliet. Ray, loving husband to Patricia, was born on April 28, 1944, in Chicago to Raymond W. Connors and Edna (Warburton) Connors. Ray grew up in Burbank, Illinois, in a home centered on family, Catholic faith, and the Ten Commandments. He attended St. Albert the Great grammar school and later graduated from Reavis High School, where he enjoyed wrestling and football.

Ray had a way of setting goals and seeing them through. In 1963, he joined the United States Army and served in Korea as a Military Police officer. After returning home, he continued building a career in law enforcement, working first for the Cook County Sheriff’s Department and then the Hodgkins Police Department while attending Triton College and Lewis University.

Somewhere along the way, he even earned his pilot’s license before achieving another major goal: joining the Chicago Police Department.

Ray served first as a Patrolman and later as a Detective. His career was a tremendous source of pride, but nothing meant more to him than meeting and marrying his bride, Patricia “Patty” (Galvin-Burda). He often said, “I knew she was the one the second I met her at the Dove Candy Shop.”

Ray and Patty built a life together in Chicago, raising their two daughters, Suzanne and Melanie. Ray worked tirelessly throughout his career, first as a Patrolman and later as a Detective, until retiring in 2007; only after every homicide case assigned to him had been closed.

After moving to “The Connors Castle” in Shorewood, Ray finally had more time for some of the things he enjoyed most: watching westerns, organizing his beloved “Inner Sanctum” home office, continuing to learn everything he could, and being a good neighbor and trusted resource to many and most proudly, spending time with his youngest grandson Zachary. Ray was always quick to listen, offer advice, make a connection, and have a colorful story to share.

Those who knew Ray enjoyed his endless stories, attention to detail, unapologetic honesty, colorful language, meticulous organizational skills and his unending gratitude to all those around him. Ray was a beloved friend to many, and a supportive uncle to Maria, Michael, Shelly, & Tricia. He was beyond proud of his two daughters, Suzanne Stoneall (Scott) & Melanie Adams (Todd). Ray and Patty were blessed with four grandchildren, whom they love and enjoy tremendously: Patrick (Payton) Adams, Lauren Adams, Zachary Adams, and Amanda Stoneall.

Ray is survived by his beloved bride, Patty; their daughters, Suzanne (Scott) Stoneall and Melanie (Todd) Adams; grandchildren, Patrick (Payton) Adams, Lauren Adams, Zachary Adams, and Amanda Stoneall.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Raymond W. and Edna Connors, and his sister Patricia “Cakie” Cihalski.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at St. Albert the Great, 5555 State Rd, Burbank, IL, 60459. A visitation will follow on Wednesday, at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd, Joliet, from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with prayers at 6:00 p.m. Family and friends are invited to gather at the funeral home Thursday, October 1, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. for prayers with interment to follow at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery with full military honors held under the auspices of the United States Army and the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery Memorial Squad.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Ray’s name can be made to The Chicago Lighthouse or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Funeral more information please call 815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.

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