PGRNY Current Missions

Honor Mission

John A. Connor, Sr.

United States Air Force
Korean War Era Veteran

Multi-City, NY - 10/27/2025

Mission applies to the following Region(s):

Region 4, Region 5

About the Mission:

The family of John Andrew Connor, Sr. has requested Patriot Guard Riders' participation in his military honors funeral services. John, 93 of Latham, passed away peacefully on October 19th, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Troy, NY, John was a graduate of Lansingburgh High School. He enlisted in the US Air Force on 28 January 1952 and was trained as an Aircraft Instrument Mechanic. After training, he was assigned to the 3645th Field Maintenance Squadron at Laughlin Air Force Base, in Del Rio, Texas. He served almost 4 years on active duty, and was honorably discharged at the rank of Airman First Class (E-4) on 10 January 1956. For his service, he was awarded the US Air Force Good Conduct Medal and a National Defense Service Medal.

After his military service, John returned to the Capital Region and worked a variety of customer service jobs, including delivering bread through the streets and neighborhoods of Troy and Watervliet with his trusty equine partners, Chuck and Maude, on a horse-drawn wagon for the Freihofer Baking Company.

Primary Staging Date and Staging Time:

10/27/2025 at 10:15am

Staging Location:

Fitzgerald Funeral Home
105 Vliet Blvd.
Cohoes, NY 12047

Lead Ride Captain and Contact Info:

Ray Sestak
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
518-669-3358

Special Information:

Staging at the funeral home with a flag line from 10:30 - 11:00 am. A funeral service will be conducted at 11:00, followed by a dignified transfer and escort to Saratoga National Cemetery for a 1:00 pm interment service.

Is there a Second Stage to this Mission?

yes

Second Staging Date and Staging Time:

10/27/2025 at 12:30pm

Second Location:

Saratoga National Cemetery
200 Duell Road
Schuylerville, NY 12871

Second Lead Ride Captain and Contact Info:

Ray Sestak
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
518-669-3358

Second Stage - Special Information:

Interment with military honors are scheduled for 1:00 pm. Please stage quietly and in accordance with current guidelines.

Is there a Third Stage to this Mission?

no

Submitted by:

Ray Sestak

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.