Husband, father, grandfather, rocket scientist.

Mike was born and raised in Nashville, TN, as the youngest of five. He was the first of his family to attend college, starting at Marquette University and later transferring to the University of Florida to study Aerospace Engineering. There, he met Angela, and they began a marriage that would continue for the next 60 years.

His first job took him to New Orleans, where he worked for Boeing to develop rockets for NASA in the early 1960s. At home, they welcomed their first son Christopher, followed by twins Kevin and Stephen. At work, Mike excelled working on the Saturn V rocket used in the Apollo space missions. He also added a Mechanical Engineering degree from Tulane University during this time. Most notably while at Boeing, he was bestowed the prestigious Silver Snoopy Award for Apollo 13 for flight safety and mission success. All of that earned with a slide rule and a pocket protector at the age of 27. For distinguished participation in the first manned lunar landings, his name is recorded in the Smithsonian Institution and Library of Congress in Washington DC.

After the Apollo missions, the Connors relocated to the greater Raleigh area, where he enjoyed various careers and many civic activities, including service as an Alderman for the Town of Garner. For his final act, he got into the spy business and marketed surveillance equipment to foreign intelligence agencies all over the world.

In retirement, he enjoyed a quieter life with Angela, a querulous dog, family, friends, and some travels. He is survived by those that made him most proud: his immediate family, a beloved grandchild Ava, and many nieces and nephews. For those inclined, his favorite charities were St. Jude Children’s Research and Special Olympics.