John Gannon
John F. Gannon of Hampton Bays died at Southampton Hospital on Thursday, May 26. He was 93.
Born in Astoria on June 10, 1917, Mr. Gannon served in the U.S. Army in 1941, just as World War II was starting. He was stationed in Florida.
He worked for Canada Dry in Manhattan for many years, delivering soda, and later he did various handyman jobs, like painting and landscaping for many years. He was always working, even well into his 90s.
When he was younger, he liked to play golf and fish, and was said to be a very good baseball player and a fast runner. He liked watching sports, as well. Mr. Gannon enjoyed collecting stamps, like his father before him, survivors said.
He lived in Flushing for many years before moving to Hampton Bays in the 1960s with his wife, Edith, who predeceased him in 2005. He enjoyed visiting Florida and North Carolina, where his brother Eugene lives.
He took care of his son Dennis, who had Down syndrome and did not speak. In 2009, Mr. Gannon became very ill and doctors said he had only a week to live. Family recalls him saying that he had to get better so he could look after Dennis. Mr. Gannon ended up living three more years, and kept up his yard work just months after he was told he had a week to live.
He is survived by his sons, John F. Gannon and Timothy W. Gannon of Hampton Bays; and brother, Eugene Gannon of North Carolina. He was predeceased by his wife of 45 years in 2005, Edith A. Gannon (née Graham); son, Dennis J. Gannon; siblings, James Gannon and Marion Ladden.
Visitation and a prayer service took place on Sunday, May 29, at J. Ronald Scott Funeral Home in Hampton Bays. A funeral Mass was held on Monday, May 30, at the Church of St. Rosalie also in Hampton Bays. Interment followed at Good Ground Cemetery.
on May 31, 2011