Jack Connors, a businessman and philanthropist long considered one of Boston’s chief powerbrokers, died on Monday at age 82 of cancer. He was one of the founding partners of the advertising giant Hill, Holliday, and turned his business success into a far-reaching charitable footprint.
In 2007, Mr. Connors founded Camp Harbor View, a free day retreat for Boston kids on Long Island in Boston Harbor. More than 1,000 children and their families take part each year.

Mayor Wu in a statement said that his vision and commitment will have a lasting impact on Boston. “His generosity of spirit and true love for all people is evident in the countless interactions with those who could do nothing for him but for whom he moved mountains to provide access to opportunity. There simply is no one like him, and I am so grateful for the wisdom he shared with me over the years. I will carry it with me always.”

Mr. Connors was, with Mary Flynn Myers, also the founder of the Campaign for Catholic Schools, which in the 15 years since its founding, has raised $130 million to strengthen Catholic education in and around Boston. Additionally, he and his wife Eileen were instrumental in launching a residential facility for women in recovery in the former St. Gregory’s Convent building in Lower Mills, which opened in 2022.

O’Malley said in a tribute Tuesday that when he first arrived in Boston in 2003, Mr. Connors offered his assistance. He “combined a life of civic leadership and Christian generosity,” the cardinal said.

Gov. Healey said that Massachusetts “lost a champion” with Mr. Connors’s death.

Connors leaves his wife, Eileen, four children and thirteen grandchildren.