John Edward Connaughton

John Edward Connaughton, born on October 9, 1947, in Quincy, Massachusetts, passed away on June 24, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina, leaving behind a life marked by intellect, dedication, and quiet distinction.

John was the beloved husband of Margaret Carol Cobb, to whom he was married on February 15, 1969, and with whom he shared 57 devoted years. He is also survived by his son, John Connaughton, and his wife, Susan Connaughton, as well as his grandson, Dominic Connaughton, all of Chapel Hill, North Carolina. He was preceded in death by his parents, John Francis Connaughton and Margaret Lillian Connaughton.

John carried with him throughout his life the values of hard work, discipline, and service. He answered the call to serve his country in the United States Air Force, where he served on active duty from November 1966 to August 1970. He attained the rank of Sergeant and served as an Instrument Training Instructor, a role that reflected both his technical skill and his ability to teach and lead others.

Following his military service, John pursued his education with the same determination that would define the rest of his life. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Boston State College in 1974, followed by a master’s degree in economics from Northeastern University in 1976. He later completed his Ph.D. in economics at Northeastern University in 1981. His academic achievements laid the foundation for a distinguished career in higher education and economic research.

John devoted his professional life to The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where he served as an economics professor from 1978 until 2026. He also served as Director of the North Carolina Economic Forecast at UNC Charlotte, where his insight and analysis were widely respected. His scholarship extended beyond the classroom and into the broader public sphere, where his work helped shape understanding of regional and economic development. His study on the Superconducting Super Collider is cataloged in the United States Library of Congress, a testament to the lasting value of his research.

In addition to his academic work, John contributed to major civic and regional efforts, including work on the NBA bid for the original Charlotte Hornets and the NFL bid for the Carolina Panthers. He was also a frequent and first-ever guest of the long-running television program Carolina Business Review, where his thoughtful commentary and clear analysis made him a trusted voice in the community. His professional leadership was recognized when he served as President of the Southern Regional Science Association from 2009 to 2010. He was later honored as a Distinguished Fellow by the same organization for his scholarly contributions to the field of regional science.

Of all his accomplishments, John took the greatest pride in mentoring generations of graduate students and teaching assistants. He valued the opportunity to guide them not only in economics, but also in life, and he followed their professional and personal growth with genuine care and interest. His influence reached far beyond lectures and research, touching the lives of those who learned from his example, his patience, and his wisdom.

John was a man of substance and integrity, and he leaves behind a legacy of excellence, devotion, and mentorship that will be remembered with gratitude and admiration. He will be deeply missed by his family, his colleagues, his students, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation at www.t2t.org or St. Jude Children’s Research hospital at www.stjude.org