John J. Conlon, 66, passed peacefully Aug. 31, 2011, following a short battle with cancer. He leaves behind his companion, Margaret Musmon; his son, Sean; daughter, Nicole; their mother, Simonne; brother, James and many close friends. John lived in Massachusetts for much of his life, born in Lowell, Mass., he was the son of John and Helen Conlon. He later resided in Bridgewater, Mass., and Nahant, Mass. John earned a bachelor's degree from Catholic University and a master's degree and PhD from Tufts University. He dedicated his life to education; most recently as a professor of literature at University of South Florida. In 2003, he retired from UMass-Boston, where he taught in the English and Theatre Departments since 1974. He served as president of the St. Petersburg Little Theatre, was a talented writer, played mellophone in the Second Time Arounders, and loved the Boston Red Sox. There will be a celebration of Johns life Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011, at 2 p.m. at the Fireside Grille, 30 Bedford St., Middleboro, Mass. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the St. Petersburg City Theatre, 4035 31st St. S., St. Petersburg, FL 33712, http://splt.org/.