Smithtown H.S. East Mourns the Loss of Student Teacher and Coach Brian Conners
Smithtown is mourning the loss of Coach Brian Conners, along with all of Suffolk County this week. The 25 year old, Centerport man has been described as full of love, life and laughter, with a mission to share his kind will with all who knew him. On Saturday, January 14th, 2017, at approximately 11 AM, Brian Conners was snowboarding on the Wanatuska Trail (Expert/Black Diamond Level) at Belleayre Mountain Ski Center in the Catskills when the fatal accident took place. A full investigation of the incident is currently underway by authorities.
Conners touched the lives of many children and adolescents as both a Student Teacher and Assistant Coach for Smithtown School District, while he completed his Masters Degree at Touro College Graduate School of Education. Parents of the students, Conners taught and coached flooded the Funeral Home tribute page, with stories and gratitude for the life lessons passed on by such a young bright light. Most if not all of the condolences forenamed Brain Conners as the Coach/Teacher a parent wishes their child will grow up to be like.
“Brian was a graduate student in the Mathematics Education Program at Touro College in Manhattan of which I am Chair. He was an excellent student and a wonderful person. He was rated as a highly effective teacher by his supervisor. His loss is felt by his fellow students, his professors and the entire Touro College Graduate School of Education community.” -Brenda Strassfeld, Touro College, Manhattan
The exceptional life of Brian Conners has been forever memorialized by family, friends, parents and all the children who’s hearts and minds are forever enriched by this admirable young man. Our County Executive and State Senator were so deeply moved by the life led by Conners, that they too shared heartfelt condolences…
“Not only was Brian giving back to his community by teaching our youth the game that he loved but he was pursuing one the most noble professions, teaching.” -Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone
“Our condolences to his family and friends as well as to all the students, teachers and coaches who worked with him. A sad loss for our entire community.” Senator John Flanagan
Funeral Services will take place tomorrow January 21st, at 9:45 am at Our Lady Queen Of Martyrs R. C. Church in Centerport. Brian Conners will be laid to rest at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Huntington immediately after. The family has asked mourners to please make a donation to either the Wounded Warrior Project or St. Jude’s Children’s Research hospital, in lieu of flowers.
To make a donation please visit the M.A. Connell Funeral Home Tribute Page for Brian Conners.
Smithtown Today invites any students, family, friends, colleagues etc who would like to share memories or condolences to contact us via email. We will continue to update and keep the Brian Conners “In Memoriam” page going indefinitely.