Andrew Cannon

Andrew Cannon of Hatboro, PA passed away surrounded by loved ones on December 16, 2024. He was the beloved husband of Mary Cannon (McHugh), who passed away January 2024, with whom he had shared 65 years of marriage. He was born in Dunmore, Carrigart, County Donegal, Ireland. He was the son of the late Edward (Ned) Cannon and Rose Cannon (Doherty).
Andrew is survived by his children, Mary Ann Jordan (John), Edward Cannon (Caroline), Michael Cannon (Angela), Kathleen Polichetti (Michael) and preceded in death by his daughter, Rose Cannon. Devoted grandfather to Diane Holmes (Shane), Donna Wade, Alison Cannon (Adam Merah), Sean Cannon (Maggie Roth), Kevin Cannon, Ryan Cannon, Kara Polichetti, and Brayden Polichetti. Loving great grandfather to Gavin Wade, Patrick Holmes, Noah Merah, Eva Merah, Aiden Merah, and Rosie Cannon. He leaves behind a large family filled with many nieces and nephews in Ireland. He is survived by his sister Mary and brother Anthony (Tony), and preceded in death by brothers James, Eddie, Charles (Charley), Daniel and Edward and his sister Bridget (Morrison). Lastly, Andrew was a proud uncle to Mary's emigrated nephew, Cathal McHugh and his wife Siobhan.
At the age of 14, Andrew became the "Man of the House" as his mother passed away suddenly while his father was in England working to earn enough to feed his large family, as times were extremely hard for the Cannon family and many other Irish residents in the 1930's and 1940's. Andrew quit school to work on a farm, and did other odd jobs to support his brothers and sisters. In 1949, Andrew left Ireland for America, seeking an opportunity to make a better life for himself and all who relied on him. He took on whatever odd jobs he could, to include, but not limited to, a carpenter's assistant, a handy man, a door-to-door Fuller Brush salesman, and a landscaper. In 1951, while still an Irish citizen, Andrew was drafted into the American Army and served honorably. He later became a proud American citizen who never forgot his Irish roots. After his time in the Army, Andrew worked numerous jobs, but he always said he was most proud of his 32 years working as a painter and paper hanger for the Philadelphia Gas Works. He worked hard and was extremely good at what he did, but most important, the job provided stability to his family, something that meant the world to him.
Andrew lived a full life of joy and passed that onto his children, wife, and friends and anyone he met. Andrew may have been a man of few words (his wife Mary did most of the talking), but he was a great listener, had a great big heart and everyone knew he was a man of his word. All who knew Andrew spoke of his warmth and his kind soul. Everyone enjoyed his company, and his subtle, timely sense of humor was always appreciated. If ever the saying, "He'd give the shirt off his back" had true meaning, it represented Andrew perfectly. The thousands he and Mary hosted in their home throughout his years in Pennsylvania experienced the joy he displayed. It was understood that if you were visiting from Ireland (or anywhere), Andrew and Mary would take you in and there would always be plenty to eat and drink, and above all, "Great Craic" (jokes/laughter)!
Relatives and friends are invited to Andrew's viewing on Friday, January 3, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Saint Catherine of Sienna, 321 Witmer Road, Horsham, PA, and to attend his Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM. His interment will be private at another time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Donegal Association of Philadelphia, PO Box 803, Broomall, PA 19008.
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