Joseph Marcus Concannon

Joseph Marcus Concannon of Gulf Breeze, Florida, affectionately known as Papa Joe or Cannonball, passed away on July 4, 2025, after a 13-day battle with injuries sustained in a fall at home. Born on February 6, 1942, in Girard, Ohio, Joseph lived a life of service, energy, and joy. He came into the world only two short months after the horrors of Pearl Harbor, which was one of many historical moments that held his lifelong interest and passion for American patriotism.

The son of Marcus J. and Mary L. Concannon, both deceased, Joseph excelled early on, achieving Eagle Scout with Saint Rose Troop 40 in 1956, serving as senior class president, and voted "most active" at Girard High School in 1960. To the very end, this social commitment shone through in all his engagements and time with others through family, friends, church, and social activities.

He enrolled in the Indiana Institute of Technology and found a great fit for his academic pursuits, where he completed his bachelor's degree in chemical engineering. He was very active in the social scene during his undergraduate pursuits and was president of Theta Mu Pi fraternity. He then went on to attain a master's degree, also in chemical engineering, from the University of Colorado in 1970. His career spanned 25 years at DuPont and six years at Delmarva Power as an engineer, showcasing his dedication and expertise.

While developing his budding career, he married Ina Marie Casias, whom he had met in Boulder during his graduate studies, and had his son, Mark J. Concannon. Their marriage and his early fatherhood spanned only a short period and took him from Delaware to Louisiana, but he returned to Delaware with Mark alone at the conclusion of his marriage to Ina. With Mark now in his home, he next found 38 years of marriage and adventure with Rachelle Elaine Lay and her two sons, Kelly Fesel and Adam Pirago, which ended in 2018. After retirement and the end of the marriage to Rachelle, he focused on expanding his commitment to the Gulf Breeze and Pensacola area with 10 seasons as usher at the Pensacola Blue Wahoo's, volunteering at the Saenger Theater, working at the Pensacola Little Theater, and supporting the Fort Pickens National Park in the bookshop for five years. Additionally, he was part of both the Elks Lodge on Pensacola Beach and the Knights of Columbus.

He had a great interest in Americana and staying active. In his 60's, he went on father-son trips to experience things uniquely American, including the Kentucky Derby, watching race cars on the Salt Flats, a baseball game in Wriggley Field, visiting Temecula and Napa wine countries, a football game in the old Dallas Cowboy's stadium before it was replaced, and riding the steam engine from Durango to Silverton in Colorado. Related to these interests, he spent one season as a cashier at the lodge in the Grand Tetons National Park. The majesty of the views, the hiking trails, and the wildlife captivated him, in addition to the ability to be helpful to the visitors and make friends with his fellow park staff. In general, travel was also a priority for him with trips to Iceland, Ireland, England, Netherlands, and throughout the United States to immerse himself in the world, people and history. You would often find him behind his camera in any of these situations, only to return to the group with the printouts later to be sure everyone had an opportunity to keep the memories alive.

Joe was also an avid runner, completing marathons in Chicago and Pittsburgh, and keeping up his athleticism with many 5Ks and a triathlon. His commitment to Saint Ann's Catholic Church and its sister parish, Our Lady of the Assumption, reflected his deep faith. Also proud of his German and Irish immigrant heritage, Joseph instilled a passion for hard work and love for the United States in his son, Mark J. Concannon, and granddaughter, Chloe J. Concannon.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Ina Marie Casias, and is survived by Mark, Chloe, and his sister, Eugenia Concannon.

A viewing will be held at Saint Ann's Catholic Church in Gulf Breeze on July 12, 2025, at 9:00 AM, followed by a Mass at 10:00 AM. The mass will be live streamed and then shared as a viewable recording on the website of Waters & Hibbert Funeral Home.

The family welcomes you to a reception 11:30 am to 1:30 pm in his honor at the private room at Harry Roy: 420 S Palafox St, Pensacola, FL 32502

In lieu of flowers or gifts, Joseph requested donations be made to Our Lady of the Assumption Mission in his name:

https://secure.myvanco.com/L-Z65J/campaign/C-12NGT

Joseph's spirit of generosity and enthusiasm will live on in all who knew him.

WATERS & HIBBERT FUNERAL HOME is in charge of arrangements.