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Robert McCann Obituary
Born in Providence, RI, on October 31, 1930, son of the late Edmund Joseph and Irene (Finburg) McCann, he was baptized Robert Leo McCann. He is survived by a brother, Edmund McCann of Seekonk, MA; four nephews, Edmund, III, Anthony, Robert, Jon and one niece, Bettina; four great nephews, five great nieces, two great-great nephews and one great-great neice.
Brother Robert McCann entered the Brothers of the Christian Schools at Barrytown, NY in 1948 and received the habit in September of that year. He pronounced his final vows in 1949 in Barrytown, NY.
Brother Robert received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Catholic University of America in Washington, DC in 1953. He attended Manhattan College; Fordham University and Siena College for graduate courses and received an MS degree in Social Welfare from Fordham University in 1962.
Brother Robert began his teaching career at La Salle School in Albany, NY, in 1953. He returned to La Salle School nine times in the course of his ministry, and in 1992 became the Executive Director. He also taught in Christian Brothers Academy, Albany and recently returned to become Assistant Principal. He was principal at Sacred Heart School in the Bronx, and Queen of Peace High School in North Arlington, NJ. He also spent several years doing vocation work for the New York District. In 1994 he became Director General of Christian Brothers Center, Narragansett, RI.
In 1999 he was assigned by the Superior General as Auxiliary Visitor of the Toronto Delegation of the Christian Brothers in Canada, working for the Delegation to become part of the New York District of Christian Brothers. This officially took place this January.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, February 3 at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of the Star Chapel, Christian Brothers Center, 635 Ocean Road, Narragansett, RI. Burial will be in the Brothers Cemetery at the Center. Visiting hours will be from 2:30 to 5:30 PM and from 7:00 to 9:00 PM on Friday, February 2.
In lieu of flowers, donation may be made in Brother Robert's name to The Little Sisters of the Poor, 964 Main Street, Pawtucket, RI 02860. Arrangements by AVERY-STORTI Funeral Home, Wakefield.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert McCann
Mary Lou (McCann) and Bill Graham
February 11, 2007
Cousin Robert was phenomenal man to his family, friends and all those he touched in his life and that is too many to count! His wit was undeniable. He smiled a lot and made people smile as well. A trait he receive from his parents and passed on to other family members. Since my family lived in Maryland all of my life, he was our connection to the McCann family. Although we did not see the Rhode Island McCann's often, he kept us abreast of the family happenings. He did his noviciate in Maryland and we were able to see him often in the early years. He came to Catholic University (Washington, DC) to study and throughout most of his life time he continued to visit CU for workshops, meetings, etc. which allowed us time to see him almost yearly. It was always an exciting time when he arrived and a delight to hear the many stories he had regarding the family. He is a legacy to the McCann family and will truely be missed by all.
We were fortunate to see him shortly before he died and his wit and smile still prevailed. We attended the funeral just a few days after our last visit. We know he is a peace with the Lord and walkiing a new path in heaven.
I would like to retell to the best of my ability a story that Brother Frederick Mueller, FSC shared at the funeral so that it will be in writing as a rememberance of a typical "Robert" activity for which he was so highly regarded. Brother Frederick conveyed: "Most of us are aware of the wonderful organizational skills that "Bob" had. Whenever there was a function such as a family reunion, the 100th aniversery of a De La Salle School or the 250th aniversery of a De La Salle institution, Bob was called upon to use his talents to organize the celebration. He gathered committees and help from many sources to make these occasions as grand as they could possibly be! However, everyone reported to him as Brother Bob had the LAST word on the final arrangements. Well, now we can see him in heaven organizing a grand reunion of family and friends. He has gathered the angels and has them preparing a fine party. However, as in the past, when the preparations have culminated Brother Bob will have the FINAL word on the arrangements for the event! That is...after GOD!"
How perfectly this describes so much of the fine work he did while on earth.
We will miss you Cousin Robert
Tom and Diane Ladley
February 6, 2007
We were surprised to learn of Brother Robert's life-threatening illness of which my own brother had died in May 2002.I first became acquainted with Brother Robert in the summer of 1962 while working as a lifeguard at La Salle Camp, East Schodack. Since joining the F. S. C's in 1954 it was a normal procedure to receive assignments to various LaSallian facilities --- one being La Salle School in Albany.Thus, in 1967, I was assigned there. Brother Robert would also be reassigned there a number of times. I would remain at La Salle School for the next 35 years becoming well acquanted with Brother Robert who would exude monumental organizational skills. To me, this was one of his superior qualities of which we will always relish, as well as his kindness, charitableness,generosity and constant thoughtfulness. We were made to feel at home and accepted. Happiness encompassed all who knew him. May God Bless the McCann family.
John Reynolds
February 5, 2007
I was saddened to learn of Brother Robert's untimely death. I came to know him when he (unsuccessfully) recruited me to join the Christian Brothers while I was a student at Manhattan College. He was a warm, generous man with a great sense of humor, and he will be missed by all those whose lives he touched.
Nancy Baker-Crellin
February 4, 2007
To the family of Brother Robert,
I will always remember Brother's kindness and thoughtfulness. He gave me many opportunities in my Lasallian career. I find it hard to believe he is gone. I am saddened by our loss.
The Reilly Family
February 4, 2007
It was truly an honor to have known Br. Robert during his tenure for one year as the Junior High Principal at CBA-Albany. His spirit, his sense of humor and his caring for and about the boys will be sorely missed. He was a wonderful man, and a great Brother! Rest in peace, Br. Robert.
jack and jean mccluskey
February 3, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Susan Whitaker Mikulay
February 3, 2007
Brother Robert was my mother’s cousin (Jane McCann Whitaker) and he was an incredibly integral and important part of our entire family. We mourn his passing in ways we cannot adequately express. His passion for life, friends and family is something we will all hold near and dear to our hearts forever. He was a master archivist – not only spending countless months researching our family heritage – but, also taking the time to carefully and lovingly tell the story in masterful detail. He went out of his way to make sure that anyone and everyone who might somehow be connected to the McCann family knew where we came from and why we were so blessed to be part of this family. While we will miss him dearly, Heaven is fortunate to have this very special angel among its ranks.
Bobbie McCann
February 2, 2007
we can all take comfort in knowing we have a "special" guardian angel watching over all of us. Brother Robert you will be greatly missed
Marilyn Young
February 2, 2007
Dear McCann Family,
i wish to express my condolences .
Brother Robert was a very holy man. and helped many people including a member of my family.
sincerely, Marilyn young of albany cousin
Charles (Tod) Tobin
February 2, 2007
I was deeply saddened to learn of Brother Robert's untimely death. I worked closely with Brother Robert when he served as Executive Director of LaSalle School in Albany (I was and still am the attorney for the school).Even when facing difficult situations he was always upbeat and positive knowing that with God's help the night would give way to the dawn.He was a great guy and I am sure that he will be missed by all who knew him
Eileen Murphy
February 2, 2007
There are no words that could make you understand the loss I feel Robert was always there for me Now I'll always be there for him in "prayers"
My heart goes out to all the "MCCANNS"
Love
Eileen(McCann) Murphy
marty mccann
February 2, 2007
I am blessed because you touch my life and the members of my family.Our being cousins was Gods plan but you were more than that to me, You were a friend and a mentor.God bless you Robert
Ray Leech
February 2, 2007
Brother Robert was a wonderful Brother and always a warm, personable gentleman. We were very friendly while I was in the Order with him, and he always went out of his way to extend his friendship when we met on many occasions thereafter. He is now bathed in peace, joy and love with the Lord. RIP.
Gerry
February 1, 2007
Although I never met you in person, I feel as if I've known you through Marty. I am certain you will be missed by all whose lives you touched. My condolences to the family.
J.Joseph Garrahy
February 1, 2007
Dear Family of Brother Robert, I was sorry to learn that Brother Robert has pssed away. He was a Classmate of mine at La Salle Academy and we worked together on our 50th reunion.He also hosted and guided me at the wonderful anniversary of the Christian Brothers at St. Patrick Cathedral. My thoughts and prayers are with Brother Robert. Joe Garrahy
Paul Healey
February 1, 2007
It was a privilege to meet Brother Robert shortly after his admission to Jeanne Jugan Residence. We shared many of our common bonds: our age,Robert - LaSalle '48, myself SRA '49, Fordham, the Bronx,our continued devotion to John de LaSalle. We spoke frankly of his impending death and his beautiful understanding of his illness and its irreversibility. He showed himself to be truly a "Saint-in-waiting". He was thrilled to be with the Sisters. I know they were with him at his final breath. God bless the family and live Jesus in our hearts forever. Paul J Healey MD SRA '49
monte weinstein
February 1, 2007
to all his families my condolences -we share a great loss - whatever role he took on during his more than 1/2 century deployment it was rendered with love and concern for all - today in germany I bought a microcassette recorder to record my creative writing thoughts as I walk in the spessart mountains looming gently over my home here in a little town in germany - I bought it thinking of brother Robert to whom I introduced its use when his duty circa 40 years ago was to patrol the grounds - with it he could walk and talk and record his observations - it was he who founded our day treatment program at LaSalle School in Albany - he was fond of my late wife - once when one of our wards t.m. almost lost his eye in a school accident he asked my wife and I to lodge t.m.'s sister with our family - he was relaxed about a lot of things but did not relish having a 15 year old girl in the brothers house nor would he approve of her staying unsupervised in a hotel ,she came from a group home in vermont alone - t.m.'s eye was saved by Peter Kansas,M.D. -she was a very good guest and we enjoyed her company - brother always had a smile on and would never say anything but positive remarks - I saw him last a few days before I left for Europe - I afforded him the name of the liver transplant director Dr. Rohrer in boston whose lecture I had attended at grand rounds @ St.Peters Hospital 2 months before our last board meeting - he wanted to continue to serve but was ready from a spiritual perspective however it unfolded his preference was to continue to work to serve in any capacity - if everyone contributed as he the world would shine much brighter - goodbye friend when I am next in Naragansett will visit your burial site - Monte M. Weinstein, M. D.
Susan Cusson RN
February 1, 2007
To the entire McCann family:
I am so sorry that you have lost Robert. I was so touched by the love that surrounded your family. I was a nurse at The Little Sisters of the Poor. Your mother was very blessed and proud of her children, and grandchildren. It was such a pleasure to be there for your Mom when she died. It was also a pleasure to care for her and the family through such a difficult time. I am sure you will all miss Robert, but he is sure to be with his Mom now. God Bless your family. I am so happy he was with the Sisters for his final hours. They are all so wonderful. I miss working for the sisters. They have such love for the residents. They are doing God's work for sure.
Susan Cusson RN
Mary Fitzgerald Prattico
February 1, 2007
Brother Robert,
The Fitzgerald & Prattico families will deeply miss you. This year has not been the same without you at CBA/Albany. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
F. John Reinke (MC68)
February 1, 2007
Despite being a "fordham ram", Brother did study at Manhattan. And, hence, we claim him as our own. We have lots of room in our prayers for even those who have strayed away from Manhattan. We pray for Brother McCann, and all those who labor, or have labored, in the vineyard. Jaspers own a big debt to all the Christian Brothers. Even if they get a little confused along the way about what school is the best. The Manhattan College alumni community, sharing the grief, is now praying for our fellow "alumni" and the family at this time. Manhattan College has been informed. As well as the Jasper Jottings community that I personally can reach. We are all a little poorer now. "No man is an island, entire of itself … any man’s death diminishes me". We are sorry for your loss.
Harry Graham
February 1, 2007
Brother Robert, You are truly going to be missed by all the souls you have touched.
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