Raymond Connors

Cherished husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend, Raymond Joseph Connors passed away March 22, 2026 at the age of 93. Ray’s spirit of generosity, zest for life, and love, inspired many who knew him.

Born in Boston, Massachusetts, on August 23, 1932, Ray attended Plymouth Teachers College in New Hampshire, served in the USAF in Korea, and graduated from UCLA before marrying Anita Lillian Justice in 1962.

They shared a loving marriage of 46 years and raised two daughters, as Ray made his career in the real estate profession. Weekends were family outing times to all that L.A. and Orange County parks and entertainment had to offer. The most cherished times were spent on their boat, the “RaeAnn”. Trips to Catalina, fishing, and teaching the girls to waterski in Alamitos Bay are fond family memories.

Ray’s role as the key real estate broker at L.A. Cellular enabled launching the first mobile phone service coverage in Los Angeles County in 1987. He retired from AT&T at 70 in 2002, and was honored with a formal recognition banquet. He then began a dedicated travel itinerary with Anita all over Europe and Russia. In 2008, Anita passed away from cancer. Deeply saddened, Ray rallied to honor her passing by treating his children and grandchildren to a Mediterranean cruise in 2010.

Love was renewed when Ray met Peggy Bilyeu of Anaheim and married her in 2013. Ray and Peggy enjoyed music, dancing, and lots of travel together. Each day their combined zest for living uplifted each other and others, whether it was the beloved Monday Night Football gatherings, Ray’s 80th (and 90th!) birthday parties, or Thanksgivings at Peggy’s, reasons to celebrate occurred every day.

As Ray’s health declined, doctors told him that he had “maybe a year” in 2023. His indomitable spirit, and Peggy’s first-rate care, kept him only slightly slowed down by his walker, which he regularly pushed aside to get to the dance floor.

Ray is survived by his loving wife, Peggy Connors; daughters, Holly Pond (son-in-law, Tony) and Sharon Alcazar (son-in-law, Robert); grandchildren, Steven and Victoria Pond; niece, Kimberly Leybourne (husband, Kenneth); and the Bilyeu family daughters: Jeanette Mendoza (son-in-law, Mike), and Linda Smith (son-in-law, Jason), and their children; Asa Carmichael (Devon) and David Mendoza, Jonathan Smith (Kim Kreszyn), and David Smith (Mia), as well as three great grandchildren.

A memorial service in his honor will be held on Saturday, April 25 at 1:30 pm at Forest Lawn in Cypress.