Philip Cannella

Philip Cannella
Philip Cannella, aged 91, passed away peacefully on October 3, 2025 at home in Wilton, CT.
He was born on December 13, 1933 in New York, New York to Ignazio and Maria Cannella. He lived in New York until 1971, when he and his family moved to Wilton Connecticut where he resided for more than 50 years.
His first marriage to Cynthia Cannella (née Messinger) ended in divorce. He married his second wife Linda Cannella on November 9, 1991 in Bedford, NY.
Education was paramount to Phil. He was the first member of his family to attend college and went on to earn a BA in accounting from City College of New York, an MS in finance from Baruch College, and a Juris Doctor from Saint John's University.
He enjoyed his work as the treasurer of Great Northern Nekoosa, a fortune 300 company. In September 1989, he was recognized by Institutional Investor Magazine for his innovative approach to financing a $1.15 billion deal for the acquisition of Owens-Illinois.
Post-retirement he volunteered for many years at the New Canaan Red Cross and the Wilton Library. He also taught classes in accounting at western Connecticut State University and Norwalk Community College.
Phil's family was his biggest passion. He is survived by his wife Linda Cannella, his first wife Cynthia , children Philip Cannella (Judy), Lisa Stuart (Richard), and Andrew Cannella and his grandchildren Michael Cannella (Tashia), Kevin Cannella, Ryan Cannella, Matthew Cannella, and Hannah Haynes as well as two great grandchildren: Frances and Rory. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He is predeceased by his parents, his six siblings (Joseph, Mary, Frank, Saul, John, and Janna] ), and many of his beloved pets.
On Wednesday, October 8, at 11:00 a.m. family, friends, and others are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Fatima Church in Wilton, with the burial following at Hillside Cemetery.