Joseph O. Cannon's Obituary
Joseph O. Cannon, age 88 of Frankford, DE, passed away on Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at Beebe Healthcare in Lewes. He was born on November 17, 1934, in Wilmington, DE, son of the late Orris and Katharine Cannon.
Joe grew up in Wilmington, graduating from Conrad High School, Class of 1952. He was a proud veteran, having honorably served his country in the US Navy, writing home to his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Barbara, while he was away.
Joe worked very hard for his family and ultimately retired as Vice President of Tecot Electric. He and his wife Barbara moved to the Bethany Beach area in 1996 where their home became the gathering place for family, creating wonderful memories for many years to come.
Joe had a larger-than-life personality. He was the life of any party, could be relied on to be the center of entertainment, and was known as the “Mayor of Hidden Acres”. Joe loved making others laugh, and his sense of humor was unmatched. Joe had a very giving nature; he was committed to his family, always ready to offer advice, love and support. He was a wonderful neighbor and friend, ready to lend a hand putting others’ needs ahead of his own.
Joe had many interests and hobbies. He loved to read, sharing books amongst his family. An outdoorsman, he enjoyed fishing and hunting, and was described by his friends as being “one of the oldest deer hunters in Delaware”. Joe shared his love of the outdoors with many members of his family, inspiring them to hunt and fish. He loved being near the water and relished the peacefulness and serenity that being outside brought. A Phillies, 76ers, and Eagles fan all his life, he spent many an hour watching games with his wife by side, who also shared his passion for Philadelphia sports. This he painfully missed after her passing.
Above all, Joe was a family man. He passed on the importance of humor and laughter and taught his family that we must always find something to laugh about, no matter the circumstance. Joe was a big kid at heart and very much loved by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved playing video games with them and texted them regularly. It was this time spent that he cherished most. Joe was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend. Loved by many, he will be forever missed by all who knew him. If he could share one thing, it would be to have a life well lived and appreciate every day surrounded by those you love.
In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 67 years, Barbara; and his brothers: John George Cannon and Daniel Cannon. He is survived by his children: Patrice Smith, Barbara Denney (Jerry), Joseph Cannon (Kim), and Susan Felicia (Tony); his grandchildren: Jaclyn (Matthew), Barry, Matthew (Kristin), Erin (Christian), Jerry (Jenilee), Blair (Nicole), Jordan (Nicole), Jensen, Dalton, Meghan (Lenny), Dylan (Vickie), Brian (Cordrey), Carrie (Dave), and Heather (Derek); his 19 great-grandchildren; and his brothers: Charles Cannon (Eileen) and Thomas Cannon (Nancy).
A funeral service will be held on Thursday, April 27, 2023, at 11:00 AM, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Clarksville Chapel, 34874 Atlantic Avenue, Ocean View, DE 19970, where friends may visit beginning at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow at 1:00 PM at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 26669 Patriots Way, Millsboro, DE.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to VFW Post 7234, 29265 Marshy Hope Way, Ocean View, DE 19970.
Please sign the virtual guestbook located on the tribute page.
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