News Summary
Lawrence ‘Lon’ Connery, a cherished figure in the wine community and devoted family man, passed away peacefully at 78. Known for his vibrant personality and tradition of ‘Thirsty Thursdays’, Lon dedicated his life to sharing his love for wine and creating lasting memories with family and friends. A passionate wine educator and traveler, he left behind a legacy filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable moments.
Livonia, Michigan – Lawrence “Lon” Connery, a beloved husband, father, and cherished figure in the wine community, passed away peacefully on June 19, 2025, at the age of 78, surrounded by his family. Lon Connery was remembered as the heart of his family, illuminating every room with his vibrant personality and love.
Born on September 8, 1946, in Chicago, Illinois, Lon dedicated his life to his family and community. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Christine Connery, their three children, Kimberly (Carl) Stieler, Michael Connery, and Meghan (Brian) Gorman, along with his grandson Luke. Lon also leaves behind a brother-in-law, nieces, a nephew, cousins, and their families.
Lon spent countless joyful moments at the family homes in Northville and South Haven, Michigan, where he embraced simple pleasures such as savoring wine, watching sunsets, beach walks, and enjoying fabulous dinners with loved ones. These gatherings, often centered around his special tradition of “Thirsty Thursdays,” allowed him to share unique wines and educate those around him about the joys of wine appreciation.
A passionate wine connoisseur, Lon had an extensive career in the wine industry. His journey began in the Food and Wine department at Marshall Fields in Chicago before he became the Wine Buyer for the J.L. Hudson Company upon relocating to Michigan. He later transitioned to wine distribution, earning recognition as an accomplished wine educator at institutions like Schoolcraft College. His enthusiasm for wine was evident not only in professional settings but also during family gatherings where he loved to share his knowledge.
Beyond his love for wine, Lon was an avid traveler, visiting vineyards in California, soaking up warm sunshine in Arizona and Florida, and exploring Europe’s majestic landscapes. He also created unforgettable memories during family fishing trips, which he cherished greatly. Lon’s dedication extended to his loyal support of the Detroit Lions, remaining hopeful for the team despite their challenges.
Lon Connery bravely battled pancreatic cancer, exemplifying grit and determination throughout his struggle. He leaves behind a legacy filled with love, laughter, and lasting memories, deeply impacting all those who knew him. His remarkable circle of friends included fellow chefs from the “Men Cook Dinner” events, showcasing his love for good food and companionship.
Visitation for Lon Connery will be held on June 24 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Harry J. Will Funeral Home located in Livonia, Michigan. A final viewing and prayer service will take place on June 25 at 9:00 AM, followed by a funeral mass at 10:00 AM at St. Kenneth Catholic Church in Plymouth, Michigan. In remembrance of Lon, contributions can be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation in honor of his enduring spirit and commitment to community.
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Additional Resources
- Dignity Memorial: Lon Connery
- Wikipedia: Wine
- Dignity Memorial: Lawrence Connery
- Google Search: Lon Connery
- McDonal Funeral Service: Lawrence McLaughlin
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Wine
- Chapman Funeral: Carol Ann Weston
- Google News: Lon Connery Obituary
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.
