Joseph B. Hannon

Joseph B. Hannon Solar Energy Pioneer LOWELL Joseph Byron Hannon, a respected Aeronautical Engineer and local businessman, passed away Thursday afternoon, at his Lowell residence, with his family by his side. Joseph was born in Springfield, Ohio, on September 20, 1935, a son of the late Albert H. and Marie M. (Griffin) Hannon. Joseph attended Catholic Central High School in Toledo, Ohio and went on to graduate from Bolles Military Academy in Jacksonville, Florida. Joe then attended Purdue University, where he studied Engineering and was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon. Mr. Hannon's professional career spanned several decades. He began his employment at North American NASA, in Columbus, Ohio, where he was an Aeronautical Engineer. He worked in the Bomber Aircraft Design Division on the B-70 Valkyrie and the B-58 Hustler fighter aircraft. Joe transferred to AVCO in Andover, MA where he worked in the Missile Division, working on the Sparrow and Sidewinder Missiles. At AVCO in Wilmington, MA, Joe worked in the Electronics and Ordinances Division, where he assisted with the RAD-Research and Advanced Development of the Apollo Space Program. Mr. Hannon was the owner and President of Valve Service International, a Company he founded in North Tewksbury, MA. His company provided sales and service for Water, Petro-Chem, and Wastewater Management. In 1976, Mr. Hannon founded Hannon Associates in North Tewksbury, MA, where he developed cutting edge technology in the area of Solar Energy. President Jimmy Carter sent his son Chip to Tewksbury, MA to get Joseph's input and opinion during the energy crisis of the late 1970's. Joseph was a pioneer in the Solar Energy Field. Hannon Associates was the premier Renewable Energy Management Company in the North East throughout the 1980's and 1990's. Joseph was a golf enthusiast. He possessed a beautiful golf swing and was a natural. Joe played golf for many years at Trull Brook Golf Club and Vesper Country Club. He would also play at Springfield Country Club in Ohio. Joe won a Club Championship Tournament at Vesper along with his golfing partner Dick Bournival. Joe's children remember giving their Dad many Father's Day golf gifts and golf parties. Joe was an amazing cook. He loved to prepare gourmet meals especially for holiday hosting Thanksgiving would not be complete without his famous oyster stuffing. His passion for food and family usually centered around the holidays. Joe hosted celebrated Fourth of July parties, complete with outstanding fireworks displays. Joe enjoyed tinkering with cars and machines. He was proud of his 1953 Jaguar and other sports cars that he owned and rebuilt. Joe had an eye for Art. He also possessed an amazing voice and would sing songs by his favorite artist Bing Crosby. His children can recall their Dad waking up in the morning singing. Joseph Hannon was a charming, charismatic individual who loved life, his family, and hard work. He was a perfectionist. He built his family home with his two hands and with love. He was a dedicated father and grandfather who was proud of his family. Joe is survived by his former wife, Marianne F. (Dean) Hannon of Lowell; his loving children, Kerry M.H. Polak and her husband, Jeffrey T. Polak of Lowell, Marianne P. Huntington and her husband, Christopher W. Huntington of Lunenburg, Joseph S. Hannon and his companion, Erin M. Higgins of Salem, MA, and Kevin M. Hannon and his wife, Joyce M. Cadena-Hannon of Boston; four grandchildren, Bradford J. Polak, Alicia K. Polak both of Lowell, and William H. Huntington and Nicholas A. Huntington, both of Lunenburg; his brother, Albert Hannon of Santa Barbara, CA; and his sister, Shirley Miller and her husband, Robert of Kent, Ohio. Joe also leaves his Godson, George Reidy of Pepperell, MA, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Joseph's family would like to convey a special thank you to his loyal friends, Timmy, Joe, and Paul for years of adventure, friendship, and support. HANNON In Lowell, October 2, 2008 at his home. Joseph Byron Hannon, 73, retired engineer and local businessman. Friends may call at the FAY McCABE FUNERAL HOME, 105 MOORE STREET, LOWELL on SUNDAY from 3 until 7 P.M. Mr. Hannon's Funeral Mass and burial will take place in Springfield, Ohio. As an expression of sympathy, donations in Joseph's memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701. ARRANGEMENTS BY FAY McCABE FUNERAL DIRECTORS, 978-459-9222.