Edward "Ed" T. Connor III aka "the Rev", age 76, of Wilmington, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 8, 2026.

Ed was born in Wilmington, son of the late Helen (West) and Edward T. Connor Jr. In addition to his parents, Ed was also predeceased by his son, Aaron.

He graduated from Salesianum, Class of 1967. Upon graduation Ed served our nation in the US Marines during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant. After his military service, he went on to become an Electrician with IBEW Local 654 for 50 years. During his time with IBEW he was an Officer on the Executive Board and served as Vice President until retirement. Ed was an active member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles Lodge #74 and American Legion for over 30 years, the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge #847 for 13 years and the Kirkwood Country Club. Ed never found a barstool he did not like and was always able to make friends with the person sitting next to him. The "Rev" officiated numerous weddings, funerals and baptisms for those that he loved. Most of all he loved spending time with his family as well as his friends, tending his garden and was well known for his tomatoes, walking at Bellevue State Park and until recent years surf fishing.

Ed is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Lynne Russell Connor; daughter, and her husband, Angela (Kevin) Fongemie; sons and their wives, Brian (Jamie) Connor, and Kelly (Denae) Russell; grandchildren, Connor J. Fongemie, Berke E. Fongemie, Ryanne Rae Connor, Rowan Ella Connor, Hannah A. Russell, and Sawyer M. Russell; sisters, Ann Caulder, Rose Kral, and Phyllis Hayes; brother, Andrew (Brenda) Connor; many nieces, nephews and numerous West cousins. He is also survived by the Russell, Gregory, Fongemie, Pawlaczyk, Schimpf, Hall and Auten families, his first wife Mona Slivar and many lifelong friends whom he all loved.

A visitation for Ed will be held on Monday, January 19, 2026, at the Mealey Funeral Home, 2509 Limestone Rd, Wilmington, DE 19808, where friends and family may call from 10:30am to 12:30pm, with a celebration of life following at 12:30pm. Burial will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Ed's name to the woundedwarriorproject.org.