User:Slugger O'Toole/sandbox
Jack Connors | |
|---|---|
| Born | June 9, 1942 Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Died | July 23, 2024 Brookline, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation(s) | Advertising Executive, Philanthropist |
| Years active | 1968–2024 |
| Known for | Co-founder of Hill Holliday, Connors, Cosmopulos; Philanthropy |
| Notable work | Camp Harbor View; Mary Horrigan Connors Center for Women’s Health and Gender Biology |
| Spouse | Eileen Marie Ahearn |
| Children | Susanne Joyce, John Connors III, Tim Connors, Kevin Connors |
Jack Connors (June 9, 1942 – July 23, 2024) was an influential American advertising executive and philanthropist known for his significant contributions to both business and charitable causes.[1]
Early Life
[edit]Jack Connors was born on June 9, 1942, in Boston, Massachusetts, to John Connors Sr., a heating and air-conditioning repairman, and Mary Horrigan Connors, a secretary who played a crucial role in his early life.[1] Connors' mother, Mary Horrigan Connors, passed away from colon cancer, which profoundly affected him.[2]
Education
[edit]Connors attended Boston College, graduating with a bachelor's degree in 1963. To support himself through college, he worked various jobs, including driving a cab and selling concessions.[1][3]
Career
[edit]In 1968, Connors co-founded the advertising agency Hill Holliday, Connors, Cosmopulos with a modest investment of $1,500 from each partner. Connors initially borrowed $1,000 from his father to fund his share.[1] Under his leadership, the agency achieved national prominence, growing significantly and establishing a major presence in Boston’s advertising scene.[2]
Connors also had a substantial stake in M/C Communications, which he helped sell to Bain Capital for $450 million in 2004.[3] Additionally, he played a key role in enhancing the prestige of Boston College, where he was honored with an honorary degree in 2007.[2]
Notable Accomplishments
[edit]Connors was renowned for his philanthropy, having donated nearly $100 million and significantly raised funds for various causes. Among his notable contributions was a $5 million donation to Brigham and Women’s Hospital, leading to the creation of the Mary Horrigan Connors Center for Women’s Health and Gender Biology.[1][3]
He co-founded Camp Harbor View with Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino. The camp, originally a summer retreat, evolved into a prominent antipoverty agency, including a guaranteed income program initiated with $1 million of his own funds.[1] Connors was also instrumental in supporting Boston’s major institutions, including health care and education initiatives.[2]
Personal Life
[edit]Connors was married to Eileen Marie Ahearn in 1966. Eileen earned a master’s degree in social work from Boston College.[1] They had four children: Susanne Joyce, John Connors III, Tim Connors, and Kevin Connors, and were grandparents to 13.[2] Connors passed away on July 23, 2024, in Brookline, Massachusetts.[3]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f g Marquard, Bryan (July 23, 2024). "Jack Connors, advertising titan and legendary philanthropist, dies at 82". The Boston Globe. Retrieved August 1, 2024.
- ^ a b c d e "Family, friends gather for funeral of Boston philanthropist Jack Connors". WHDH. July 24, 2024. Retrieved August 1, 2024.
- ^ a b c d McNally, Sharon (July 30, 2024). "Jack Connors dead at 82". WBUR. Retrieved August 1, 2024.