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Richard A. Canavan, age 64, of Fairview, joined his loving father in heaven on Wednesday, May 22, 2013. Born in Syracuse, N.Y., on May 17, 1949, he was a son of Rita McGee Canavan and the late Paul J. Canavan. Rich was an industrious and hard worker. At 16, he worked two jobs while in high school: at a supermarket and a local print shop. He pre-enlisted in the Navy prior to graduation from Corcoran High School in 1968 and spent a year hitchhiking up and down the California coast before entering boot camp in San Diego. He traveled the world on the newly-commissioned USS Mobile LKA115 between 1969 and 1973. After completing his service, he lived and worked in San Diego, hitchhiking from San Diego to Syracuse to be best man in his brother Michael's wedding. When he returned to San Diego, he packed his El Camino and drove to Erie, Pa., where he quickly found work at G.E. through his Navy friend, Bob Koppes. He bought his first property in 1977, eventually acquiring seven properties in Erie. In 2009, he began renovations on his "retirement home" in Fairview which he considered his greatest accomplishment after retiring from G.E. on December 31, 2009. Rich is survived by his mother Rita, eight siblings: Michael (Sue), Margie Gordon (Gary), Sally Rozniak (Mike), Mary Theresa Richardson (Bill), Paul, Betsy Biggie (Phil), Billy and Marty (Sue), 16 nieces and nephews, four great-nieces and nephews, his dear friend and devoted caregiver, Caroline Jones, and his beloved cat, Molly McGee. Friends may call at the Burton Funeral Home, 525 Main Street East in Girard on Saturday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. followed by a funeral service at 5 p.m. in Burton's All Faiths Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Asera Care Hospice, 1600 Peninsula Drive, Suite 14, Erie, PA 16505. The family would to thank Asera Care for their care and compassion. Condolences may be sent at www.Burtonfuneralhome.com.
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i am so shocked of richie passing he was my first love in highschool and thought of him often through the years
May 16, 2014
This is obviously a very late entry, but I was just notified of Richie's passing last week, and unfortunately, I don't get to read the paper everyday or have access to a computer all the time. Richie was a very nice guy, and even though my time of knowing him and working with him professionally was all too brief, I have to say that this hits me rather hard. My deepest condolences go out to his mother and the Canavan family.
Sarah Simkovitch
June 8, 2013
I am sorry to hear of Rich'S passing. My prayers go out to Rita and the Canavan family.
Nick DeSocio Syracuse,NY
May 27, 2013
I am sorry to hear of Richie's passing. My prayers are with the Canavan family.
May 27, 2013
Rich. You were very nice to me and I only met you briefly through by good long time friend Jason Anderson. God bless you and your family. You are an inspiration to many!
Anthony Newcomb
May 24, 2013
So sorry to hear about Rich. I knew he was very ill and just spoke to him last Friday. A shock to hear that it was this sudden. We always had great conversations and I really enjoyed playing at the Barn Bashes. He will truly be missed.
Rik Cass
May 24, 2013
Sincere condolence to all of Rich's family. We know that he will be so missed by us.
Dave & Maxine Funk
May 24, 2013
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