John D. Cannon, 83, of Middletown, formerly of Halesite, NY and Punta Gorda, FL, died peacefully on May 1, 2024, with his beloved wife Chris by his side. He was a gentleman, a scholar, an Eagle Scout, a firefighter, a craftsman, a sailor, a gardener and a lover of history and antique cars.
Born in Huntington, NY on June 19, 1940, he was the only child of William and Eleanor (Powers) Cannon. He was raised on a Long Island Sound estate where his father served as chauffeur and was enchanted by the sea, the gardens, and the Packard his father drove.
He was the salutatorian of his 1958 high school class and was awarded a full scholarship to Georgetown University.
In 1962, he married his high school sweetheart Chris, a nurse. They welcomed three children in quick succession and embarked on a life full of adventure and service.
In 1973, John moved his young family to the mountains of Stamford, NY where, as a family, they built their own home, raised pigs and horses and grew their own food. He began a business as a builder and finish-carpenter and was a member of the Kiwanis Club and the Stamford Fire Department where he served as Fire Chief.
After 20 years, they returned to Long Island Sound where John proudly served on the Halesite Fire Department and was elected Fire Commissioner. He was an active member of the Nathan Hale Beach Club throughout his life and loved swimming at high tide. He traveled extensively in Europe and Asia to visit his children serving in the U.S. military. In his retirement, he and Chris enjoyed winters rehabbing their historic home in Punta Gorda, FL and especially loved traveling by train all over North America.
John was a quiet, thoughtful man who had an unwavering commitment to the principles of integrity, honesty, loyalty, and duty. He had a dry sense of humor and was known for his original quips and colorful asides. He enjoyed breakfast on the porch and second helpings of dessert. Profoundly sentimental, he cried frequently and openly. He loved his community, his country and his family.
He leaves his wife of 61 years, Christine (White) Cannon of Middletown, and three children: Katie and her husband Rob George of Radiant, VA; John and his wife Colleen Morris of Thousand Oaks, CA, and Larry and his wife Michaela of Newport. He was the doting and beloved Grampa to Jack, Harry, Eileen, and Ellie Cannon.
A Memorial Service and Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, June 7, 2024, at 5:00pm at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 7 Valley Road, Middletown.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Halsite Fire Department, 1 New York Avenue, Halesite, NY 11743.
Source: O’Neill Hayes Funeral Home
