News Summary
Lawrence ‘Lon’ Connery, an esteemed wine educator and devoted family man, passed away peacefully at the age of 78 in Northville, Michigan. Surrounded by his loved ones, Lon leaves behind a legacy rooted in family, joy, and a passion for wine education. Known for hosting ‘Thirsty Thursdays,’ he shared his knowledge at Schoolcraft College and through personal gatherings. His optimistic spirit and love for family were evident, even while battling pancreatic cancer. Lon’s impact on his community and family will be remembered fondly.
Northville, Michigan – Lawrence “Lon” Connery, a beloved family man and acclaimed wine educator, passed away peacefully on June 19, 2025, at the age of 78. He was surrounded by his family at the time of his passing, leaving behind a legacy of love and cherished memories.
Lon Connery was born on September 8, 1946, in Chicago, Illinois. He was a devoted husband to his wife, Christine, with whom he celebrated 57 years of marriage. Together, they raised three children: Kimberly (Carl) Stieler, Michael Connery, and Meghan (Brian) Gorman. Lon was also a proud grandfather to his grandson, Luke, and enjoyed the companionship of a pet named Mr. Mumm, who was a part of the family.
Known for his deep appreciation of family, Lon found joy in simple pleasures, including great wine, sunsets, beach walks, and family dinners. His commitment to loved ones was evident in the warmth of family gatherings held at their homes in Northville and South Haven.
Lon began his professional journey at Marshall Fields in Chicago, where he worked in the Food and Wine department. After moving to Michigan, he transitioned to the J.L. Hudson Company as a Wine Buyer. His career evolved further as he moved into the distribution side of the wine business, where he gained recognition as a respected wine educator.
Throughout his years in Northville, Lon taught numerous individuals about the nuances of wine, offering his expertise both formally at Schoolcraft College and informally in various settings. He was particularly known for his popular “Thirsty Thursdays,” an event where friends and family gathered to share special bottles of wine.
Lon’s adventurous spirit led him to explore vineyards in California, travel through Arizona and Florida, and visit Europe. Additionally, he cherished family fishing trips that created lasting memories. Despite battling pancreatic cancer, Lon maintained an optimistic outlook and was a dedicated fan of the Detroit Lions, demonstrating unwavering loyalty during challenging times.
Lon Connery’s passing leaves a profound void in the lives of his family, friends, and the community. He will be remembered not only for his contributions as a wine educator but also for the laughter and love he shared with those around him. He was part of a close-knit group of fellow chefs known as the Men Cook Dinner Chefs, further displaying his passion for food and community engagement.
Survived by his brother-in-law Steven (Debbie) Bacik and their children, as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins, and their families, Lon’s legacy is rich with the love he spread throughout his lifetime.
A visitation for Lon Connery is scheduled for June 24, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Harry J. Will Funeral Home in Livonia, Michigan. A final viewing and prayer will take place at 9:00 AM on June 25, followed by a funeral mass at 10:00 AM at St. Kenneth Catholic Church in Plymouth, Michigan. Contributions in Lon’s memory can be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, honoring his dedication to family and community.
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Additional Resources
- Dignity Memorial: Lon Connery Obituary
- Wikipedia: Wine Education
- Dignity Memorial: Tributes to Lon Connery
- Google Search: Wine Education Resources
- Dignity Memorial: Funeral Services for Lon Connery
- Google Scholar: Wine Education
- Dignity Memorial: Contributions in Memory of Lon Connery
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Wine
Author: STAFF HERE NORTHVILLE WRITER
The NORTHVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENorthville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Northville, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Summer Concert Series, Tunes on Tuesday, and the Northville Farmers Market. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Northville Chamber of Commerce and Northville Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in automotive, software, and retail that power the local economy such as Gentherm, Reliable Software, and Attendance on Demand. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
