Connor McDonough
July 21, 1984 ~ February 1, 2026
Born in:
Casper, Wyoming
Resided in:
Pueblo West, Colorado
On the morning of February 1, 2026, Connor McDonough died unexpectedly at the age of 41. His wife, Erin McDonough, their children, Luke 17, Logan 13 had their lives changed forever by this heartbreaking loss.
Connor was born on July 21, 1984, in Casper, Wyoming. He was adopted as a newborn by Sean and Diane McDonough, and joined his older sister, Meghan McDonough.
He moved to Ithaca at age 13 where he developed a love for outdoor sports: BMX, snowboarding and wakeboarding. He enjoyed elk hunting with his grandfather, Al Hjelmstad, and spent many summers with family in Wyoming, and Montana.
He attended SUNY DELHI, and received an Associates Degree in Applied Science in Welding. Connor was a very talented welder and very intelligent. He could literally fix anything. This past fall he drove six hours to Wyoming to help his father demolish the cabin dock. His skills in welding etc. were needed for this project that is now being rebuilt, to then drive six hours back the next day. He had recently contacted his sister who lives in Texas, telling her be sure to buy some food from the store you may get a lot of snow. That much snow in Texas was wild.
His first job welding was at WATCO, in Casper, Wyoming. He then joined the Boilermaker Union working at a coal-fired plant. A job that took him to Pueblo Colorado where he met his future wife, Erin. Their first trip together was to his parents cabin on Alcova Lake, Wyoming, where he spent many summers with his sister, parents, cousins, aunts, uncles, and Godparents. Erin instantly fell in love with the family cabin. The family spent many summers at the cabin, where some of the best memories were made.
Luke was joyously welcomed in 2008 and a beautiful wedding took place a year later on August 1 in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, chosen because it meant so much to Connor‘s grandfather, Al Hjelmstad. Their beautiful daughter, Logan, fulfilled their family in 2013. Luke looks like Connor with a personality like Erin and Logan looks like Erin but strong-willed like Connor.
He is survived by his wife, Erin; children, Luke and Logan; parents, Sean and Diane McDonough; sister, Meghan; aunts, uncles, cousins, one grandmother and godparents.
Connor was loved and will be missed for so many reasons. A memorial service will be held in Casper ,Wyoming in late July. Online condolences, stg-montgom-dev.kinsta.cloud
We are so sorry for this loss. We know how much you all loved Connor, and fully understand that the love was returned. Know that we share in your sorrow, just as we shared in your joy when you adopted first Meghan, and then Connor. Keep those memories of joyful times close, it will help when the pain seems overwhelming. We are here for you, don’t hesitate to reach out.
With much love,
I am so sorry to hear of Conner’s passing. May God comfort you in this very difficult time.
It still doesn’t feel real. I keep expecting an Instagram message from Connor—usually a funny boat reel or some political reel he thought I’d appreciate. That was just him. He stayed connected, and he made you feel thought of.
Connor was definitely one of my favorites, and I loved him so much. I only wish we could have had more time together as adults. He was one of the few people I shared so much in common with—wakeboarding and surfing. He was always giving me tips, helping me improve, and cheering me on in his own way.
I’ll always be grateful for those memories, those laughs, and the way he made growing up so much more special. He will be deeply missed and never forgotten. ❤️
Blessings to Erin, Luke and Logan, and to Diane, Sean and Meghan, may you find peace in your love for Connor, as a husband, father, son and brother.
We send our love
Susan & Charles McCormick
Dryden, NY
I’ll forever have memories being so scared riding the extreme with Luke when grandpa let him drive the boat 😊
There are no words. So, I will share a favorite memory – or 3 as I can’t decide which one is the most favorite. I do have many growing up with him, and he earned and fully deserves the title of My Craziest Cousin. 🙂 But I will never forget midnight swimming at the lake, the beer run we talked Bill into taking us on and the laughter we shared while trying to drink a beer whilst in the tube, and the jet ski rides. I hope Grandpa liked the tattoos. 🙂