John Chris Connor specialized in historic renovation of 19th century Hamptons homes. For over 20 years, his company, Wharf LLC delivered exceptional properties to a range of exacting clients.

John Chris Connor, Sag Harbor preservationist, has died at 58.

John Chris Connor, a devoted public servant, committed architectural preservationist in Sag Harbor, and celebrated designer passed away unexpectedly on May 30, 2024, at the age of 58, in his Greenwich Village home.

Born into a multi-cultural Mexican-American family in Sasebo on Japan’s Kyushu Island and raised in Millington, New Jersey, John began his career in global trade, export and project finance with a European and Japanese bank. The extensive travel exposed him to the wonders of architecture and interior design. John split his time between New York City and Sag Harbor, where he worked on the restoration of several historic 19th century houses within the village. Notably, he led the two-year rehabilitation of President Chester A. Arthur’s “Summer White House.” His signature style deployed the vernacular of historic architecture alongside sensitive, modern updates. An advocate for the preservation of Sag Harbor, he worked diligently as a member of the Board of Historic Preservation and Architectural Review.

In 2008, John relocated temporarily to Philadelphia to volunteer for Barack Obama’s presidential campaign. His work with Latin and LGBT+ voters in Pennsylvania helped Obama win the crucial swing state. After the victory, John joined the Presidential Transition Team in Washington, DC, where he vetted candidates for federal boards and commissions. In 2009, President Obama appointed John Director of White House Liaison at the U.S. Commerce Department, where he oversaw the appointment process for executive, board, and commission positions under three Secretaries of Commerce. He supported President Obama’s policy goals of doubling American exports in five years, implementing the 2010 Census on time and under budget, achieving the most significant reduction in patent application processing time in the department’s history, and launching export control reform. In 2012, he moved back to his beloved Sag Harbor community.

John is survived by his husband, designer Matt Murphy, and a community of friends and colleagues who admired his ability to see the potential in people and places. John was known for crying tears of joy over the accomplishments of those closest to him. His infectious smile, billowing laugh, and playful sense of style will be profoundly missed. In lieu of flowers, kindly consider making a donation to Ballet Hispanico, an organization committed to bringing communities together to celebrate and explore Latino cultures. ballethispanico.org/support

Written by Jesse Salizar, John’s colleague at the White House, during President Obama’s first term.