Jack Connors, Jr.

Jack Connors, Jr. (1942-2024), was the co-founder of Camp Harbor View and a legendary leader and philanthropist in Boston. 

Connors was a founding partner of Hill, Holliday, Connors, Cosmopulos, Inc., a full-service marketing communications company. Under his leadership, Hill Holliday evolved from a one-room shop, founded in 1968, to one of the top 20 advertising firms in the United States.

Early in his career, he became interested and active in the philanthropic life of the city of Boston, serving on boards and leading civic campaigns. In fact, throughout Greater Boston, Jack Connors is known for these efforts as well as for his business acumen.  Boston Magazine named him one of the most powerful people in Boston, and he’s been a major force behind initiatives such as The Campaign for Catholic Schools, and The Edward M. Kennedy Institute.

As an articulate advocate for Boston’s world-class hospitals, Jack served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Partners HealthCare System (now Mass General Brigham) for 16 years and became Chairman Emeritus in July 2012.  He served on the Boston College Board of Trustees for over 30 years and was Chair of that board on two occasions. He is a member of the Board of Overseers for the Home Base Program for wounded warriors at the MGH, the Board of Fellows at Harvard Medical School, and Board of Dean’s Advisors for the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

Camp Harbor View is arguably the charity that was closest to Jack’s heart. When the late Mayor Thomas Menino asked for his help in identifying a safe and enjoyable alternative for inner-city boys and girls during summer. Jack proposed that he would raise enough money to build a summer camp on Long Island in Boston Harbor, and Camp Harbor View was born.

Jack was a proud graduate of Boston College. He passed away in 2024, survived by his wife, Eileen, and their four children and thirteen grandchildren.

We invite you to share your message or memory of Jack here.