Rory Connaghan

Rory Patrick Connaghan, age 49, of Beaver Island, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of July 21, 2025.

Rory Patrick Connaghan was born on March 22, 1976, in Hammond, Indiana, to Elaine Marie Connaghan and Gerald “Jerry” LaFreniere, Sr. He spent his early years in the south suburbs of Chicago before moving to Beaver Island as a teenager in 1992. Later on, when Jerry and Marie officially married, Rory loved to joke that “his mom and dad were getting married,” always finding humor in the moment.

Rory worked hard throughout his life, starting as a sawyer for Bob Graves at Beaver Island Forestry before taking on various roles with Beaver Gems, McCafferty Construction, Powers Do It Best, and R. Gillespie Enterprises. He also served the island community as a Volunteer Fireman and Medical First Responder. But his most important job was delivering his youngest son Teagan, at home, when Teagan decided to make an early arrival.

Rory was a gentle soul, known for his quick wit, kind heart, and deep connections with people of all ages. Whether you were a lifelong friend or someone he’d just met, Rory made you feel seen, heard, and appreciated. He had a creative spirit and enjoyed dabbling in painting and photography, often capturing the quiet beauty of island life. But his greatest joy came from being a dad—his boys were the light of his life.

Rory was preceded in death by his father Jerry Sr., his half-brother Jerry Jr., and his beloved Aunt Loie Connaghan. He is survived by his mother Marie; his sons Mckenzie “Mac” (Teddy) Connaghan-McPherson of Colorado, Teagan Connaghan of Wisconsin, and Colton White of Wisconsin, whom he loved as a son; his half-brother Keith (Stephanie) Szczepanski of Lansing; half-sisters Michelle LaFreniere (Mike Sowa) and Debbie (John), both of Beaver Island; Robin Noble of Grandville; step-sister Becky (Tim) Gerace of Howell; aunts Kim (Randy) Jones of Beaver Island and Berta (Bob) Griffith of Vicksburg; and many cherished cousins including Kaylyn (Jack Bailey), Tessa (Dave Schwartzfisher), Brennan, and Turner Jones of Beaver Island, and Quinn (Serenity) Jones of Phelan, CA.

The family invites friends and loved ones to join in spreading some of Rory’s ashes on Friday, August 22 at 1:00 p.m., visiting places around the Island that held special meaning to him. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, August 23 at 2:30 p.m. at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery.

Arrangements are in the care of the Charlevoix Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign his online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com