Harold (Hal) Franklin Conner died unexpectedly but peacefully in his sleep in his home in East Providence, Rhode Island, on October 22, 2025. He is survived by his wife Elizabeth Shearer, his children Alisa Conner and Eidan Conner, his grandchild Gray Conner-Jones, and his siblings Fountain Conner and Annette Conner.
Hal was a gentle soul who lived a deep commitment to justice and care for his community. He was a dedicated member of St. Martin’s Episcopal Church on the East Side of Providence, where he sang for many years in the choir, served as eucharistic minister, led healing prayers, and preached occasionally. Previously he was active in the United Parish in Brookline, where he served on the Church Council. Hal sought to offer his gifts of time, talent, and treasure to church communities who are welcoming and affirming of LGBTQ+ folks, with an anti-racist justice ministries, and excellent music programs.
Hal earned a BA in English from the University of Richmond in Virginia, an MDiv from Crozier Theological Seminary in Chester, PA, and a master's in educational counseling from Temple University in Philadelphia, PA. He was ordained in a dually aligned American/Southern Baptist church in Washington, D.C. in1968. Known for his dry and quirky wit, Hal offered a listening ear and a compassionate heart to many throughout his life. He dedicated his career to supporting college students, beginning as a campus minister and transitioning to college counselling. He lived an open and expansive faith, rooted in community and steadfastly advocating acceptance, love, and justice for all God’s children regardless of gender, sexuality, race, religion, ability, and creed.
Hal’s passions included playing and watching basketball, the Celtics, traveling, mystery novels, his local library, the Moody Blues, and cheap rum with Pepsi. Among his accomplishments: an over 30-year career serving students at Wentworth Institute of Technology; playing on a rec league volleyball team into his 70’s; joyfully singing tenor in the Rhode Island Civic Chorale and Orchestra for many years - and on whose behalf he regularly browbeat his favorite local businesses into buying program ads; reading every single novel in Robert B. Parker’s oeuvre; and a 58-year marriage to his beloved Beth.
Father Mark Sutherland presided over a brief committal service in the green burial section of Swan Point Cemetery on October 24, 2025. Details about a larger memorial service at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church will be forthcoming.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Hal’s name to Rhode Island Civic Chorale and Orchestra.
