SCRANTON, Pa. — Former Scranton Mayor Jimmy Connors was remembered Tuesday morning with funeral services at St. Peter's Cathedral.
Connors died last week at the age of 77.
James Patrick Connors was mayor of Scranton from 1990-2002, compiling a long public service record before he became Scranton's 28th mayor.
Memories, stories, and words of wisdom from the former Scranton mayor were shared, as those who knew Jimmy Connors best were there to cherish the legacy he now leaves behind.
Family, friends, and politicians gathered at the cathedral on Wyoming Avenue for his funeral mass on Tuesday morning.
On this day, the former mayor was remembered as "Papa" as his granddaughter, Quinn Hemphill MacDonald, and his son, Zac Connors, shared some personal memories.
"Our family is so grateful for the tremendous outpouring of love and support that we have received since our Papa's passing. He loved this community so much, and we take great comfort in knowing that the feeling was mutual," Hemphill MacDonald said. "He never missed an opportunity to not only tell us that he loved us but to tell us why he loved us. I loved him because he was profoundly kind, empathetic, and sincere."
Zac talked about his father's sharp memory, his way of making people laugh, and his leadership.
"Even though my dad did a million things in life, he always thought about one thing: what was best for the people of Scranton. He said to me recently, 'I turned around and had a career, and I didn't even realize it.' He told me it went from being about helping the kids in the neighborhood all the way to being mayor. From there, it was just about helping families in Scranton and being a presence for good in the community," Connors said. "Anything good in me is a direct result of him, whether it be copying the way to do something or just how to treat people in general."
Nearly every pew in the cathedral was filled. Local leaders were in attendance, including Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti and the Lackawanna County commissioners.
A long line of friends and family gathered at the cathedral Monday evening for Connors' visitation.
Connors remained a familiar face in the city after his tenure as mayor, appearing at numerous community events.
A live stream of Jimmy Connors' funeral mass was provided by the Diocese of Scranton.