Anyone who read Donald Connery’s obituary in last week’s newspaper, whether they knew him or not, would have quickly understood what an extraordinary man he was. From the time he was born in New York City to the time he died in Kent, Don showed again and again and again how tremendously curious and engaged with life he was at every turn.
After a long career as a foreign correspondent for Time Inc., living and traveling in dozens of nations across the globe, he landed in 1968 in Kent. It was the coincidence of his daughter’s being at Housatonic Valley Regional High School in 1973 with 18-year-old Peter Reilly, whose mother was murdered while he was out with friends, that brought Don to the cause of false confessions.
Reilly confessed to the murder under police interrogation and was sent to jail. Then, after advocates arose from all corners including the late editor, publisher and owner of The Lakeville Journal, Robert Estabrook, and Don, Reilly was exonerated. Connery went on to write the book, “Guilty Until Proven Innocent,” about the case, and to become an activist in overturning false confession and wrongful conviction cases across the country.
Don’s example as a passionate advocate for justice and a consummate journalist was inspirational to many in the field, including here at The Lakeville Journal. He was always supportive of this publication, and generous with his time and knowledge when we invited him in to meet with interns and other colleagues over the years.
Here are some memories of Connery from Executive Editor Cynthia Hochswender:
“We just adored Don Connery here at The Lakeville Journal. He was always a friend and mentor to us, and not only to our reporters but also to our summer interns.
“A few years ago we had a particularly interesting trio of friends interning with us; one had a dream of working in government intelligence (which he has been successfully pursuing). So I packed the three of them into my car and we drove down to Don’s house, where he and his wife, Leslie, were outstandingly hospitable and told the three college students wonderful and enthralling tales of life in Russia.
“We spent a great deal of time with Don on the Peter Reilly case, of course, which he so passionately pursued. I even had the good fortune to spend a day in Hartford with him and Bob Estabrook, a close friend of his.
“But one of my favorite outings with Don was when several parcels of land were conserved around his house. Standing out there in the field, he told me the most hilarious story about how he’d helped one of the land conservancy workers write up the press release: “And she said to me, ‘Wow, you’re really good at this, did you ever think about writing professionally?’” The expression on his face as he told that story was so priceless.”
Don Connery’s brand of journalism was one that set a high standard for all who take up the profession. Here’s hoping his legacy continues to inspire young people to see the benefits of life as a journalist and writer.
