OBITUARIES

Daniel P. Connerton, 85

03/21/2025

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Daniel P. Connerton, 85, Professor Emeritus of History at MCLA in North Adams died on Feb. 21 from complications of Parkinson's Disease.

Dan was a lifelong educator who loved travel, talking with people, dancing, and community action. These passions carried him from the University of Rhode Island to Georgetown University, and the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, then to Germany on a Fulbright fellowship.

In his 36 years at MCLA he chaired the History and Political Science department, led student travel/study groups through western and eastern Europe, and Mexico, and choreographed performances of Cabaret and West Side Story with the Theater department. After retiring, he continued teaching –English in Shanghai for two years, then as a substitute teacher in the North Adams elementary schools. Most recently he tutored English conversation online.

Dan was an active North Adams community member. He was elected to the School Committee, served on the Historic Commission, and on advisory boards for local social organizations. He was a parishioner at St. John's Episcopal Church. Dan was a dedicated swimmer – spending winters at the YMCA pool and summers at Windsor Lake.

In retirement, Dan travelled the world. On his final adventure he followed the Silk Road through Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan. Travel informed his teaching and introduced him to people around the world. He always learned how to greet and thank the people he met in their own language and found that different languages were never a barrier to good conversation.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Sally Bahnsen Connerton, his daughter Winifred Connerton, daughter-in-law Jennifer Ryan, and granddaughter Maizie Connerton-Ryan of Amherst, MA. He is predeceased by his daughter Brigit Connerton, brother James E. Connerton Jr. and his parents Christina and James E. Connerton.

A Memorial service will be held at All Saints Episcopal Church in North Adams on April 4 at 1:00pm. Contributions in his memory can be made to the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition.

Recollections & Sympathy For the Family
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I first met Dan Connerton while a student in the 1970's. Later this transformed into a friendship when I returned to NASC in 1983. Over the decades, I came to consider him one of my best friends at the college. It was through him, while acting a chaperone for one of his fabled Irish Travel Trips, that I met my wife. Rest easy Dan, you have lived the Good Life.
from: Glenn Lawson	on: 03-26-2025

I just read the sad news and sending condolences to Sally and family. Many of my years at NASC/MCLA overlapped with Dan's. He was always impressive in his own work, care for his department, the college as a whole, and for the North Adams community. He helped me learn about local history and I valued and will miss our conversations.
from: Maynard Seider	on: 03-19-2025

Dr. Connerton's "Historical Bibliography" class taught me how to be a good researcher, and I was always thankful for this in my professional life. Unfortunately, he never could teach a student with two left feet to do the Charleston. Dan was a man of many talents and much knowledge. He will be missed by all who knew him.
from: Christopher Dixon	on: 03-18-2025

My brother once gave me the advice that if I found a professor who spoke to me - someone expert, engaging, curious, and thoughtful - that I should take them as many times as possible regardless of the content of the class. I took that advice and had the privilege of taking Professor Connerton over and over again. I was a better student and am a better critical thinker because of him.
from: Jed Washburn	on: 03-17-2025

I was so fortunate to have had Dr. Connerton as a teacher of Western Civilization at NASC so many years ago. He is the reason why I love history to this day, and loved teaching history to my own students.
from: Deborah Nowicki	on: 03-17-2025

Dan and I arrived at NASC at the same time in 1970. For the next generation we would be the yin and yang of the History and then Political Science program, not always seeing eye-to-eye but respecting each other's contributions to learning. Dan immediately became the architect of a new departmental global curriculum that informed the lives of current students instead of serving as a paean for the powers of western civilization. Then, together, we hired a new generation -- plural in his case -- of quality scholars and superb teachers who multiplied many times over the impact of relevant and effective learning. In many ways, both directly with his engaging personality and systemically through his leadership, Dan Connerton made his world a more fascinating place to live.
from: Randy Hansis	on: 03-17-2025

Dan and Sally were our first friends when we moved to North Adams. We will always be grateful for their generosity, and for Brigit's help in settling in. The college was the beneficiary of Dan's talent and hard work, expanding opportunities for students and building up the department. Our hearts go out to you, Sally, Winifred, and family.
from: Anthony Daly	on: 03-14-2025

I will never forget Professor Connerton he was a class act. I highly repected him in my college years and grew to truely appreciate him and his sense of humor in my adult years. Here's to a great man and a good life lived. God Bless
from: Christine Ann Girard	on: 03-14-2025

Dan was always a friendly and positive colleague, devoted to education, an active supporter of faculty rights, and a great dancer! We will miss him. Best wishes to you, Sally.
from: Myles Whitney	on: 03-13-2025

Sorry to read of Mr Connerton's passing. If I had not met Brigit I probably would not have learned the value of travel.
from: Tara Cowan	on: 03-13-2025

I worked at NASC / MCLA with Dan. He was always very polite And soft spoken. Rip my friend. Tom DeGray
from:	on: 03-12-2025

Sally, It breaks my heart that Dan has parted ways so soon! I miss seeing the both of you and hope that the fond memories you've made together over the years will keep him close and keep you strong.
from: Dawn Vadnais	on: 03-12-2025

Dr. Connorton was an excellent teacher, mentor and all around human. I hope his family finds solace in knowing how beloved he was and that we can all do what we can to keep his legacy alive through remaining curious, diligent and at least aim for excellence. Thank you, Dr. Connorton.
from: Natalie MB	on: 03-11-2025

Dear Winifred and Sally, I will miss Dan’s and my talks during his massage. He always spoke so kindly of all the women of his family and how he was out numbered! He was always giving me a history lesson! He was a kind man.
from: Barbara Gagnon	on: 03-11-2025

I read all the wonderful comments about his time at NASC/MCLA. I just wanted to jump in as I knew him from the YMCA. He went out of his way to meet everyone in the pool. He was a very kind man. Kathy
from: Kathy	on: 03-11-2025

Dan was always very friendly to us. Our sincere condolences.
from: Barbara and Eric Rudd	on: 03-11-2025

Dan took my Summer Session course in 2004 and was such a delightful presence in my class! He was a great neighbour for me, and a kind chaperone to my Italian-speaking parents around North Adams. Dear Winifred and Sally, I am sorry for your loss, and I will always remember Dan fondly.
from: Graziana D'Elia-Brillante	on: 03-11-2025

Dan helped me focus on my capabilities and gave me opportunities to show that I was more than I thought I was. He made history fun, exciting, and brought it to life in the classroom, and he was a great mentor. Even though I have been out of the Berkshires for a long time now, I still think of him occasionally and the impact he had on my life. He will be truly missed.
from: Mike DeBlois	on: 03-11-2025

Sally, So sorry for your loss. I am offering my condolences to you. I know that you two were a team.
from: cheryl tarczynski	on: 03-11-2025

RIP, Professor
from: JAMES GALLAGHER	on: 03-11-2025

Sally and Winifred , I am so sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed talking to Dan and he was a great colleague. He was highly respecterd professor.
from: Don Pecor	on: 03-11-2025

I enjoyed working with Dan for many years at MCLA. He challenged all his students to do their best. My condolences to his family.
from: Linda Kaufmann	on: 03-11-2025

Sally and Bridget - I was so very sorry to hear of Dan’s passing! What an absolutely wonderful man he was! I truly enjoyed conversations with him. He was brilliant but also a lot of fun! May your wonderful memories of him help to comfort you in the days ahead! Blessings, Carla (Daugherty/Parker) Holness
from: Carla Holness (Daugherty/Parker)	on: 03-10-2025

Dan was my office mate, valued colleague and good friend. No one cared more about the value of international education, the need for understanding the past and the importance of knowledge. Ellen and I send our sincere condolences to Sally, Win and family. He will be missed.
from: Bob Bence	on: 03-10-2025

My condolences to the Connerton family.. Our paths crossed on occasion when he would sub teach at Brayton; such a delightful person and a contagious smile.
from: Maureen	on: 03-10-2025

Professor Connerton was a friend and neighbor. We also worked together at MCLA. I will always cherish the memories over our 40 year friendship. God bless you, Dan.
from: Carl Villanueva	on: 03-10-2025

I am so sad to hear of Dan's passing. He was a true Renaissance man, but also the best of neighbors for many years. I will miss our far-ranging sidewalk conversations. Deepest condolences to Sally and Winifred
from: Lisa Jarisch	on: 03-10-2025

So sorry for your lost Sally! I'm truly going to miss Dan and the conversations we had together!! Dan and you were my friends!!
from: Bruce laperle	on: 03-10-2025

I had Professor Connerton at NASC & worked with him again while he was a substitute teacher at Brayton School/NAPS. It was an honor to work with him. He was full of knowledge &experience... I enjoyed learning from him; tough, yet fair. Always willing to help students succeed. Blessings & prayers to the family.
from: D.M.	on: 03-10-2025

Professor Connerton made history come alive…one of my favorite educators at North Adams State College. So sorry for his family’s loss. Heidi Dugal
from:	on: 03-10-2025

Professor Connerton had a wonderful impact on my education at NASC. His concern for me continued to this day (over 40 years)! The chosen obituary photo is so perfect. Condolences to all of his loved ones.
from: Sheila Dassatti	on: 03-10-2025

I am sorry to hear of Dr. Connerton's passing. I took a history course with him at then-North Adams State College and in my nearly 40 years since as a North Adams resident I would bump into him on occasion. He was always friendly and always a gentleman. I know he'll be missed.
from: Paul Moriarty	on: 03-10-2025

Condolences and best wishes to the family. He was a thoughtful and wonderful colleague for many years!!!! -gjs
from: Gregory Scheckler	on: 03-10-2025

My thoughts and prayers go to you Winifred and your family. I'm very sorry for your loss.
from: Jim DelRatez Jr.	on: 03-10-2025

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