John A. "Jack" Gannon

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John Gannon Obituary

Gannon, John A. (Jack)
John A. (Jack) Gannon, loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend to many, passed away peacefully, at age 84, on May 30, 2010 with his family by his side. A Native Arizona resident, John was born in Bisbee AZ on November 2, 1925, and worked in the copper mines at an early age before joining the Air Force and qualifying for Cadet School in 1943. He later met the love of his life, Amy Joan Franks, during his early years at Arizona State College (now ASU) in 1950. They were married in 1953. After graduating, he received his Masters Degree in Education. He remained an avid Sun Devil fan throughout his life, rarely missing an ASU football game. A lifelong educator, John spent 30 years at Crockett Elementary School, first as a teacher and coach, and later as Principal until his retirement in 1988. John is survived by his wife of 56 years, sons Mike & John, daughters Patti Ruggiero and Bonnie (Jarvis) Ball, 16 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. A visitation will be held on Thursday, June 3, 2010 from 6-7pm. The Rosary will follow immediately at Messinger Mortuaries, 7601 E. Indian School Rd. Funeral mass will be held at St. Daniel the Prophet Roman Catholic Church 1030 N. Hayden Road on Friday June 4 at 1pm. Burial will follow at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, 2033 N. 48th Street, Phoenix. A Celebration of his life will take place immediately following at the Scottsdale Elks Club 6398 E. Oak Street, Scottsdale. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower Street, Phoenix AZ 85014.

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Published by The Arizona Republic from Jun. 2 to Jun. 3, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for John Gannon

9 Entries

Sharon (Hill) Frosco

June 11, 2010

My condolences go out to the entire Gannon family. Mr. Gannon was my 6th grade teacher at Horace Mann in Bisbee. He was my 1st real crush! He noticed my grades were dropping, called my mother & suggested I may need glasses. I did indeed! However, I refused to wear them until Mr. Gannon told me I looked like a college girl with my glasses. Needless to say, I always wore them & continued thruout the years to value my year with him. The ultimate benefit ,of course, was that he was a great teacher. Those of us who were lucky enough to have known him are truly blessed.

Pictures? Don't get me started! I've got hundreds! Here is Dad early in his career.

Mike Gannon

June 4, 2010

Rhea Alexander-Wright

June 2, 2010

To the entire Gannon Family: I was so sorry to hear of Mr. Gannon's passing. I attended Crockett School 1st through 8th grades, graduating in 1974. I have many fond memories of Mr. Gannon and I'm proud to say I was never once called into his office!! Through the years, many Alexander's have had the honor of Mr. Gannon as their principal. I will always remember Mr. Gannon being fair, honest, kind and a genuinely sweet man. I pray that your loving memories will help you through this difficult time. Respectfully,

Cindy Alexander

June 2, 2010

I am sorry to see that Mr. Gannon has passed on. I must say he was one man that I did love dearly. I went to Crockett K-8 graduating in 1976. I had many visits with him in his office and sometimes he would get my Mother to come in because I was indeed going to get a swat. One day however I escaped that swat by calling him tomato face (he turned brighter red) and told me to go! I worked in the office during most all of my PE classes since I was not able to run much and assisted Mrs. McLauglin so I did get to form a wonderful relationship with him. He was a great man and a fair man and he truly cared for all of his students. One of my favorite field trips was to the State Fair and I got "as I thought back then" stuck with him and Mr. Shelly as my chaperone. I look back now and know that it was a special time with two great men that I had the priviledge to later hug at my wedding.
I am so sorry for your loss and I pray that you all find peace that he is at rest in Heaven and you will see him again someday. May God Bless you all.

Chip Gleason

June 2, 2010

You can tell the honor of a man by the character of his children. Jack, you did a heck of a job. You raised your own children to be honorable citizens, and you gave very much of your heart and soul to the thousands of other youths that you touched throughout your career and your life.

There is a very special corner in heaven for those who dedicate their lives to helping others, and teachers lead the way. Jack, you have more than earned your place in heaven, now rest easy.

Nancy Jerdee

June 2, 2010

Jo, My love and sypathies go out to you. May God bless you and your family and give you comfort and strength in the days/years to come. Love, Nancy Ryan Jerdee

George & Elaine Coggin

June 2, 2010

I remember John from our youth in Bisbee and even then he earned everyones respect.We lived close to the Gannons in Scottsdale. The Gannons are a great family and our thoughts and prayers are with them at this sad time.
Sincerly, George & Elaine Coggin

Manny Yrique

June 2, 2010

Another Giant wins the Ultimate Track Meet. Mr. Gannon was my bus driver when I started at Crockett in the early 60's. He was also teaching 8th grade. He later became our principal and was my principal until I graduated. He was a man who commanded respect not out of fear but because he was a quiet and fair man. He one time threaten to bench me during a basketball game against Orangedale because I wasn't playing defense. I had scored 19 out of our team's 21 first half points and we were in the lead. I didn't score another point for the rest of the game and we ended up winning by 2 points that game. Yes I learned to play defense and team ball that day. The day was December 13, 1969. Yes I still remember the date because I learned the lesson that a team is only as good as its weakest player. Mr. Gannon taught me to make my team better and I've tried to do that in all I've done in my life.
The word Hero is so often used today that it really means very little. Mr. Gannon will always be one of my real Heros because he was just an ordinary guy doing extraordinary things in the lives of the kids he taught and yes "he taught".
You will be missed but never forgotten as I will make sure that my children who never even met you experience the lessons I learned from you and all the wonderful teachers and staff at my beloved David Crockett School. It was a place where we learned more than just what we read in books, we learned to love life and the simple joys of being allowed to be just kids. Thank you Mr. Gannon and to the Gannon Family, thank you for sharing this great man with each of us. May the Ultimate Principal, Our Lord, greet you and proclaim a job well done. Love you Mr. Gannon.

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